Larry's Words...Precursor to a Deal?

After the digusting loss to the Flames, Robinson had this to say:

"It's the strangest team I've ever been around," Robinson said. "They're a different group. A leader would probably help. Most great teams have somebody that will step forward. We have a bunch of guys and not one particular guy to come forward and step in front if things get out of hand."

With these words, he's obviously calling out certain players. But does Lou grant his wish and deal for a difference-maker? Should be an interesting 2006.

Wait didn't 1/2 of this board wanted to make that bum Madden captain? Yeah what a great leader he has been. Paging Rafalski, Paging Rafalski, your assistance in needed in the power play. Martin, its ok you could hit in hockey. Matvasuck, White, player come in front of Marty with the puck should

A. Greet him with an invitation to the Dev Xmas party?
B. Ask him how the kids and wife are doing?
C. Let him score and tie the game?
D. All of the above

D is correct!! Good choice guys :clap:

Dont feel too bad guys. At least we didnt draft Braydon Cobourn over Dion Phaneuf.

Phaneuf reminds me of a young Denis Potvin.

Coborn may turn out to be Hal Gill.

Give Larry credit for finally saying what most of us were starting to notice. :clap:

Trades need to be made if this season is to get better. Marty brings the most.

if around the trade deadline we're out of the playoff hunt, which looks like it may happen. then these players should be moved for picks and prospects.


Sergei Brylin- makes a little bit of money, teams love his hustle and versitility.
Jamie Langenbrunner- Is an UFA after this year, and is a proven playoff guy. only makes 1.6 mill
Richard Matvichuk- doesnt make that much, is a useful 5th 6th defenseman.
Grant Marshall- See sergie Brylin.
Viktor Kozlov- Doesnt make too much dough, and is an UFA after this year. Having a good offensive year. A team like Vancouver or Edmonton could use his scoring.

Well it must be; he has already called his team out on a few occaisons. They need a guy like Bertuzzi who will show toughness up front.

Robisnon nailed it on the head. But it is getting late and fans and now the coaches are getting tired of watching this team; I would rather watch the young guys play with heart.

This team is starting to remind me of the ranger teams of the late nineties and early 2000's

Well it must be; he has already called his team out on a few occaisons. They need a guy like Bertuzzi who will show toughness up front.

Robisnon nailed it on the head. But it is getting late and fans and now the coaches are getting tired of watching this team; I would rather watch the young guys play with heart.

This team is starting to remind me of the ranger teams of the late nineties and early 2000's
well.. except Lou cant throw money at his mistakes like cutting Valeri Kamenski like Neal Smith did. we have to live with Malakhov and mcgillis.

The positioning of the defense in their own zone is just atrocious. They always find themselves running around. They are not rookies they should know better. :shakehead

Has McGillis been a "healthy" scratch for the last 3 games?

well.... he hasnt played for 3 games in a row. and he's not hurt. Unless you count brain cramps as an injury.

Wasn't sure if he had the same flu-bug that Larry, Langs, Pando, and Kozlov, etc. had.

The Devils are playing uncertain and inconsistent. It is difficult to gel as a unit when you know it is temporary. The Elias situation has players not only wondering who will be traded, but when? Hard to build cohesiveness in that atmosphere with no definitive leader to boot.

The Devils are playing uncertain and inconsistent. It is difficult to gel as a unit when you know it is temporary. The Elias situation has players not only wondering who will be traded, but when? Hard to build cohesiveness in that atmosphere with no definitive leader to boot.


Good point it is no big deal for 10 aor so games but now we are going on 30 games and there is no captain and nobody knows what is going on ........ I think it is time to resolve the cap problem and just release the guys that are going to be released or traded

I have a feeling things will come to a head soon

The Devils are playing uncertain and inconsistent. It is difficult to gel as a unit when you know it is temporary. The Elias situation has players not only wondering who will be traded, but when? Hard to build cohesiveness in that atmosphere with no definitive leader to boot.


That is a really good point

The Devils are playing uncertain and inconsistent. It is difficult to gel as a unit when you know it is temporary. The Elias situation has players not only wondering who will be traded, but when? Hard to build cohesiveness in that atmosphere with no definitive leader to boot.

This is just not a very good point. It is an excellent point. It is something so obvious but never really thought about.

The positioning of the defense in their own zone is just atrocious. They always find themselves running around. They are not rookies they should know better. :shakehead

That's what I'm noticing as well, something that most Devils fans aren't accustomed to, and shouldn't be accustomed to. The Devils don't need to make a trade for a forward. They need to improve the defense. Call up Hale, and I really, really hope Lou and Co. draft a blue chip d-man in the next draft. The system needs a stud on the blueline!!!!

"It's the strangest team I've ever been around," Robinson said. "They're a different group. A leader would probably help. Most great teams have somebody that will step forward. We have a bunch of guys and not one particular guy to come forward and step in front if things get out of hand."


So why doesn't he just...NAME A CAPTAIN!? What's all this then with this "someone's got to step up" noise? Yes, I know leaders are supposed to do that; but I say this calls for a drastic measure. Assign one of the Devils who has good leadership potential/qualities (Madden, Rafalski, whoever) and say, "YOU. YOU are the captain." Perhaps by being assigned a role, they'll step up. I don't think it would hurt to try that, at least.

So why doesn't he just...NAME A CAPTAIN!? What's all this then with this "someone's got to step up" noise? Yes, I know leaders are supposed to do that; but I say this calls for a drastic measure. Assign one of the Devils who has good leadership potential/qualities (Madden, Rafalski, whoever) and say, "YOU. YOU are the captain." Perhaps by being assigned a role, they'll step up. I don't think it would hurt to try that, at least.
I agree, if ANYONE was just named captain it would go a long way.

My theory is and has been that they are planning on naming Elias the captain when he comes back. Not only would he be deserving of it, Lou may be banking on it going a long way with Elias this offseason when he's a UFA. Perhaps he's learned his lesson in treating players with more respect when it comes time to resign them. By being patient and supportive of Elias he may sign for less with us than what he could get elsewhere.

However, the longer Elias is out, the less effect this may have on the team and they could be in quite a tailspin by that point.

So why doesn't he just...NAME A CAPTAIN!? What's all this then with this "someone's got to step up" noise? Yes, I know leaders are supposed to do that; but I say this calls for a drastic measure. Assign one of the Devils who has good leadership potential/qualities (Madden, Rafalski, whoever) and say, "YOU. YOU are the captain." Perhaps by being assigned a role, they'll step up. I don't think it would hurt to try that, at least.
I think the point was to see who wanted to step up and be captain rather than simply giving it to somebody. We had a lot of new people in camp, so Lou and Larry wanted to see who really wanted to be captain. I think Larry's coments are indicative of the truth: we don't have a captain on this team.

I think the point was to see who wanted to step up and be captain rather than simply giving it to somebody. We had a lot of new people in camp, so Lou and Larry wanted to see who really wanted to be captain. I think Larry's coments are indicative of the truth: we don't have a captain on this team.

Right. This was a viable solution coming out camp. But now after 27 games if nobody has stepped up suitably to be an ideal captain it is time to name one.

Right. This was a viable solution coming out camp. But now after 27 games if nobody has stepped up suitably to be an ideal captain it is time to name one.
You can't create something that isn't there. Giving somebody the C isn't going to make that person a leader. If Robinson is saying nobody is stepping up to lead, he is either begging for somebody to do so, or he is asking Lou to make a deal. My guess is its the former, because dealing for a captain is rare. Somebody needs to earn the C, and the only way to earn it is to show leadership qualities.

You can't create something that isn't there. Giving somebody the C isn't going to make that person a leader. If Robinson is saying nobody is stepping up to lead, he is either begging for somebody to do so, or he is asking Lou to make a deal. My guess is its the former, because dealing for a captain is rare. Somebody needs to earn the C, and the only way to earn it is to show leadership qualities.

Hasn't it been said that this team had many players with character and leadership qualities? It's been 27 games, if no one is stepping up of their own free will, naming someone to be the captain could certainly provide some motivation for that someone to step up. I'm aware it isn't the best way for someone to be a captain, and I'm aware it may be a failure. But I'm sick of reading he Devils need leadership from THE COACH WHO COULD AT LEAST MAKE AN EFFORT AND NAME SOMEONE. It's at least SOMETHING he could do. If he doesn't step up, name someone else as captain. Hell, do what Minnesota did a few years back and rotate the C until someone truly steps up. Making comments to the press about no one stepping up hasn't changed anything.

I think what's lost in his comments is........Scott, if you can play, please forgo your retirement for one more year...he's calling out to Scott Stevens.

I think what's lost in his comments is........Scott, if you can play, please forgo your retirement for one more year...he's calling out to Scott Stevens.

I'll take a 43 year old Stevens over, say, any of three particular defensemen currently suiting up for the Devils. I won't say who, I think we all know who I mean.

I'll take a 43 year old Stevens over, say, any of three particular defensemen currently suiting up for the Devils. I won't say who, I think we all know who I mean.

I would take a 43 year old Stevens over any or all 6 defenseman currently suiting u for the Devils. Let alone any 3 in particular. Stevens made teammates better. He made the team better.

well.... he hasnt played for 3 games in a row. and he's not hurt. Unless you count brain cramps as an injury.

Brain cramps if that were to be the case then he should be out for the season.
Maybe even retire.

I would take a 43 year old Stevens over any or all 6 defenseman currently suiting u for the Devils. Let alone any 3 in particular. Stevens made teammates better. He made the team better.I wouldn't, and not because I don't love the guy. We need to move on. We got lucky to get Stevens the way we did way back when. He was outstanding for us, but now it is time to move ahead. Let's say Stevens came back and played the rest of the season for us. He's 43. He won't be there next year. We need to find somebody to step up for this team, and it should be somebody on this roster RIGHT NOW. You don't trade away great leaders, so most likely we can't pick one up that way. There ARE leaders on this team. Somebody needs to step up and carry on Stevens' tradition of leadership, but it can't be Stevens himself.

That is a really good point
In honor of your avatar, my observation, and wherever MacDaddy may be:

I keep having this recurring dream about a blind squirrel wearing a stopped watch under a blue moon. He holds out a nut in both hands and says this is all I have to share. That and the time of day.













OK, now get your mind out of the gutter or Santa will be skipping your house this year. :propeller :innocent:

there are simply no leaders on this team; white was playing with some heart early in the year; maybe they should slap the C on him; may give the team a boost; but mostly we need changes w/ personel and playing philosophy

You earn the "C" you just don't slap on. White played 1-2 games with passing a Dano/Stevens passion. The rest of the time he's been status quo. I would've expected much more out of him.

I wouldn't, and not because I don't love the guy. We need to move on. We got lucky to get Stevens the way we did way back when. He was outstanding for us, but now it is time to move ahead. Let's say Stevens came back and played the rest of the season for us. He's 43. He won't be there next year. We need to find somebody to step up for this team, and it should be somebody on this roster RIGHT NOW. You don't trade away great leaders, so most likely we can't pick one up that way. There ARE leaders on this team. Somebody needs to step up and carry on Stevens' tradition of leadership, but it can't be Stevens himself.


Stevens is not coming back, and shouldn;t. In fact (although I am sure this has been dscussed), I am sure the "NEW NHL" was a big influence in his decision not to return.

He is a contact player, most in the NHL were/are. It has been very difficult for everyone to adjust this season. The teams with younger players benefit the most and are doing the best.

I read everyone thought stevens was coming back and most were surprised when he said he wasn't.

Trying to get him back is a dream. But it would at least buy some time to prepare for next season.

It is always better to know than not to know what the future is.

Nieder left last moment as well, Burns , Elias is still ill...the NHL changes which are more drastic than any other in the history of the game...

One can understand the Devils' play.


the Devils have always had one weakness, and that is the need for on ice leadership. Otherwise they are a talented ship of fools.

Robinson, more and more, shows me he does not know this team and is NOT the one to coach this team.


No leaders.

BS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I feel there are several.

Madden is now being criticized within the forum for not stepping up, etc.

MADDEN IS A SMART GUY.... AND HUMBLE, QUIET.

He has always been the quiet one..read the articles. It is not his style to come forward and say, "hey, I am the man."

To compare anyone to Stevens is a mistake. Stevens is Stevens. Madden's style would be different.

Remember Gretzky's "awe shucks" attitude?

If you went to the guy, he would and could do it. He is the type not to talk until spoken to...


A coach could easily put the spin on the situation. Beginning privately with the guy, and making comments and increasing his responsibility until finally deciding to say, "xyz is out new captain."

Robinson is the problem in this team.

WHAT WOULD BE AN EVEN MORE INTERESTING PROSPECT (as read elsewhere by a forum member) would be to alternate the "C" amongst various players. Gio, Mog, Madden..

Thoughts?

regards
z

I thought madden tried to spark the team v. colorado he had one shift were he threw 2 monster hits and then started talking smack; it was a good sign; but only a few of the guys responded physically; but overall I guess you can say he stepped it up to the best of madden's ability.

good point about what the devs lost in off season; forget the talent they lost that is a given; they lost every bit of their core.

stevens
neids
Burns
Elias

no doubt the 4 most important guys from the great 2003 as far as leadership; we may want to cut this team some slack; but it's easier said than done when you are used to seeing a certain brand of hockey. I just ask the best team possible is on the ice; and I don't think that is the case.

Tuomas Pihlman get sent down to the minors. 12/10/05 and played in tonights ALbany River Rats game.

Nobody new got called up.

Tuomas Pihlman get sent down to the minors. 12/10/05 and played in tonights ALbany River Rats game.

Nobody new got called up.

Tallackson was called up.