Devils Defense Pairings

I hope greene, brookbank and mattao never play again on the Devils.

This is what the Defense Should be:

Salvador-Martin
Oduya-White
Rachunek-Vishnevski

There you have a DD and an OD on each pairing.

We could also use Rachunek on the powerplay and ever since Rach and Vish were benched, there has been a lack of intensity from the whole team.

I hope greene, brookbank and mattao never play again on the Devils.

This is what the Defense Should be:

Salvador-Martin
Oduya-White
Rachunek-Vishnevski

There you have a DD and an OD on each pairing.

We could also use Rachunek on the powerplay and ever since Rach and Vish were benched, there has been a lack of intensity from the whole team.

Please no Rachunek. He is just flat out terrible! He should have been moved on the trade deadline. He is not any good on the PP. Devils really do not have a QB on the PP.


Sutter will most likely go with the same for tonight's game.

White-Mottau
Martin-Oduya
Greene-Salvador (If any changes I could see VV in for Greene)

Oduya needs to play with Martin, IMO..ever since theyve been together hes been better. i cant argue with anything else you said, although i think Greene is better than what hes been showing the past few games

I hope greene, brookbank and mattao never play again on the Devils.

This is what the Defense Should be:

Salvador-Martin
Oduya-White
Rachunek-Vishnevski

There you have a DD and an OD on each pairing.

We could also use Rachunek on the powerplay and ever since Rach and Vish were benched, there has been a lack of intensity from the whole team.

That looks good to me. Sutter has done well as a coach this season, but it's about time he stops messing around and go with the defensive pairings you suggest. I also say move Clarkson up to the top three lines. We miss his grit and he's been very quiet since being placed on the 4th line.

I wonder if you some of you guys watch the games. To have Vishnevski in over Mottau is laughable. It really is. That Rachunek-Vishnevski pairing is absolutely brutal.

Here's a better idea:
Shorten the defensive bench. Give the top two pairings (Salvy, Martin, Oduya and White) the bulk of the minutes and limit the other two to not more than 14 minutes, tops.

Here's a better idea:
Shorten the defensive bench. Give the top two pairings (Salvy, Martin, Oduya and White) the bulk of the minutes and limit the other two to not more than 14 minutes, tops.

I agree. Paul Martin is #1 on the depth chart and I feel like I definitely do not see enough of him throughout the game.

seriously, did you guys even watch the game last night?

It was Martin who screwed up on at least two of those goals. If you didn't notice Sutter switched the pairings up during the end of 2nd and all of 3rd period. Martin was playing with Salvador.

Martin was playing aggressive but led to rushes the other way which Salvador had problems covering.

Mottau had an ok game, he wasn't great but it wasn't as bad as you said. There were some screwups by White too.

The problem was our Offense last night. They were in the wrong positions. That led to awful breakouts because they couldn't get to the pucks in time, and turnovers in the neutral zone.


heres a breakdown on the goals last night by the caps :

Their first goal was scored on a power play with the penalty by Greene for tripping, which was the only mistake I saw Greene make during the game, unfortunately I missed which pairing was on the ice for our PK, I believe it was white/mottau

The second goal was on Martin and Salvador, that nice cross ice pass and dump with ovechkin, backstrom and Kozlov.

The third goal was the powerplay where Elias highsticked somebody. I believe it was Mottau and White out there on the PK that time.

The last goal was with Martin and Salvador again. Martin got caught way out in the offensive zone and had to chase back. He chased someone behind the net which led to a centering pass and Salvador had trouble covering in the front and Brashear finished.

In this Case the Devils are not scoring a lot because of a lack of offensive pressure from the Defensemen.

And yes Clarkson needs to be up on the third line with Pandolfo and Madden

seriously, did you guys even watch the game last night?

It was Martin who screwed up on at least two of those goals. If you didn't notice Sutter switched the pairings up during the end of 2nd and all of 3rd period. Martin was playing with Salvador.

Martin was playing aggressive but led to rushes the other way which Salvador had problems covering.

Mottau had an ok game, he wasn't great but it wasn't as bad as you said. There were some screwups by White too.

The problem was our Offense last night. They were in the wrong positions. That led to awful breakouts because they couldn't get to the pucks in time, and turnovers in the neutral zone.


heres a breakdown on the goals last night by the caps :

Their first goal was scored on a power play with the penalty by Greene for tripping, which was the only mistake I saw Greene make during the game, unfortunately I missed which pairing was on the ice for our PK, I believe it was white/mottau

The second goal was on Martin and Salvador, that nice cross ice pass and dump with ovechkin, backstrom and Kozlov.

The third goal was the powerplay where Elias highsticked somebody. I believe it was Mottau and White out there on the PK that time.

The last goal was with Martin and Salvador again. Martin got caught way out in the offensive zone and had to chase back. He chased someone behind the net which led to a centering pass and Salvador had trouble covering in the front and Brashear finished.

I think you're wrong about the second goal. Salvador was only a minus-1 and since he was on the ice for the last goal, he couldn't have been out there for the second goal as well. Maybe Oduya was out there.

The whole team had been playing like crap. I don't know how you blame only a few.

I wonder if you some of you guys watch the games. To have Vishnevski in over Mottau is laughable. It really is. That Rachunek-Vishnevski pairing is absolutely brutal.

The games I've seen with Vishy and Rachunek, they have played well. The problem with Greene and Mottau is that ther're finess defensemen that don't score much. If that's the caes, give me the guy who's going to make the other team keep their head up. And it's not all on the defense, actually, the forwards have been worse, but nothing much you can do about that other than moving Clarkson up and putting Pelley in and sit someone else.

The games I've seen with Vishy and Rachunek, they have played well. The problem with Greene and Mottau is that ther're finess defensemen that don't score much. If that's the caes, give me the guy who's going to make the other team keep their head up. And it's not all on the defense, actually, the forwards have been worse, but nothing much you can do about that other than moving Clarkson up and putting Pelley in and sit someone else.

Rachunek and Vishnevski was not a good pairing, especially 2 weeks ago against Ottawa where they looked completely lost. Theyre both our worst in-zone defenseman by far.

I don't see where this Mottau hate is coming from all of a sudden. He's played steady all season and I highly doubt he sits considering him and White have been good together this year. And I don't see how by replacing Mottau or Greene with Vishnevski gives us more offense.

Here's a better idea:
Shorten the defensive bench. Give the top two pairings (Salvy, Martin, Oduya and White) the bulk of the minutes and limit the other two to not more than 14 minutes, tops.

and wear out out best defenseman? why would we only use 4 defenseman if we have 9? yea we have 4 d-men that are better than the rest but we need to take advantage of having 9 defenseman and keep the top 4 fresh for the playoffs

we should have a sticky thread.."the devils lost a game and the only way to fix it is..." and then people could post these ridiculous ideas. not that this thread is that bad, but come on. give the devils coaching staff some credit.

I wonder if you some of you guys watch the games. To have Vishnevski in over Mottau is laughable. It really is. That Rachunek-Vishnevski pairing is absolutely brutal.

I agree. I love Vish's hitting (when it's on Gomez) but considering that he takes himself completely out of the play, and that's the only thing he brings to the table, I'd much rather have Mottau who has been tidy in both zones despite not making standout plays. Vish's defensive responsibility is shocking at times, even worse than Oduya's at the beginning of the year.

I think you're wrong about the second goal. Salvador was only a minus-1 and since he was on the ice for the last goal, he couldn't have been out there for the second goal as well. Maybe Oduya was out there.

it could have been, but he was definitely out there for the last one. Its a moot point. Sutter is playing Rachunek and Brookbank tonight. Martin is sitting due to some soreness and Greene is a healthy scratch.

it could have been, but he was definitely out there for the last one. Its a moot point. Sutter is playing Rachunek and Brookbank tonight. Martin is sitting due to some soreness and Greene is a healthy scratch.

Don't worry, Gulitti saw what you saw. ;)

"Bryce Salvador's first game as a Devil didn't start out well and ended with the 32-year-old defenseman on the ice for the Capitals' fourth and final goal, which was scored by a wide-open Donald Brasher with 2:55 remaining."

"Salvador, who was acquired Tuesday from St. Louis, was in the starting lineup Friday and promptly turned the puck over, leading to a wide-open shot by Tomas Fleischmann. On Salvador's second shift, he Salvador coughed up the puck to the NHL's leading goal scorer, Alexander Ovechkin, in the slot, but was bailed out."

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/devils/16139747.html

People are going to give Bryce Salvador the benefit of the doubt. It's only fair. But then again, reading that 17 page euology in which people made him out to be this ultimate defensive shutdown monster, there's a good chance people will jump off his band wagon just as quickly as they jumped on. :sarcasm:

Well, remember Robinson was sick with the Flu, I'm sure once he's healthy again he'll get Salvador up to speed. I'm not counting him out yet.

The guy shows alot of potential and he was just nervous yesterday. I'm sure he'll be alot better today.

I'm glad we're playing against price and not Huet. We've beaten Price every game this season so far so we should have confidence going in.

Rachunek and Vishnevski was not a good pairing, especially 2 weeks ago against Ottawa where they looked completely lost. Theyre both our worst in-zone defenseman by far.

I don't see where this Mottau hate is coming from all of a sudden. He's played steady all season and I highly doubt he sits considering him and White have been good together this year. And I don't see how by replacing Mottau or Greene with Vishnevski gives us more offense.


I don't hate Mottau, he is a pleasant surprise. But I thought the idea was for this team to get bigger and tougher. If having a defense of Martin, Oduya, Greene, Mottau than Lou did a terrible job.

I don't hate Mottau, he is a pleasant surprise. But I thought the idea was for this team to get bigger and tougher. If having a defense of Martin, Oduya, Greene, Mottau than Lou did a terrible job.

So Rachunek and Vishnevski are "tough" players to you? That's not the case at all. Just because Vishnevski throws the open ice check once in a while, everyone here gets a woody reminiscing about how Stevens used to do similar things. Vishevski is awful in his own end and is not a tough player. Nobody is planning their game plan around avoiding Vishnevski in the crease. Because most of the time he's nowhere to be found. :sarcasm:

And I think Rachunek should get another shot. I think him and Greene are basically a wash right now. But there's no way Mottau sits for Vishnevski or Brookbank. Neither brings the toughness we need and they are significantly worse than Mottau defensively.

I don't hate Mottau, he is a pleasant surprise. But I thought the idea was for this team to get bigger and tougher. If having a defense of Martin, Oduya, Greene, Mottau than Lou did a terrible job.

i agree with the fact that we were suppose to get bigger and more physical this year so we dont get pushed around like last year thats why i have been pushing for vish to get back in thre but i dont think lou did a terrible job, he got the pieces but sutter just isnt using them. but at this point its whatevers working sutter is going with

Please no Rachunek. He is just flat out terrible! He should have been moved on the trade deadline. He is not any good on the PP. Devils really do not have a QB on the PP.


Sutter will most likely go with the same for tonight's game.

White-Mottau
Martin-Oduya
Greene-Salvador (If any changes I could see VV in for Greene)

Rachunek is not terrible. He has been solid for us all season with a few lapses. Rachunek has been very solid for us and belongs in the lineup,

I do not know what people have been watching to declare Rachunek as terrible.

Martin-Oduya
Salvador-Rachunek
White-Mottau

Brookbank-Greene/Vishnevski once every 4 or 5 games.



Vishnevski you can argue is terrible. Out of position all the time trying to make the big hit.

I think before we think about which defensive pairing we're going to use, we need to make sure the team stops taking dumb penalties. The penalties tonight were really unnecessary and really cost us the game.

When Martin is healthy I like going with the fairly physical lineup.

Martin
White
Salvador
Oduya
Brookbank
Mottau

As of right now Rachunek, Vishnevski and Greene are on the outside looking in.

When Martin is healthy I like going with the fairly physical lineup.

Martin
White
Salvador
Oduya
Brookbank
Mottau

As of right now Rachunek, Vishnevski and Greene are on the outside looking in.

I pretty much agree with that list there. Brookbank especially. He's really, really impressed me. He brings a physical game, and a smarter one than Vishnevski does. I really how he's played so poised after being sat for such a long time. Kudos to Sheldon.

Please no Rachunek. He is just flat out terrible! He should have been moved on the trade deadline. He is not any good on the PP. Devils really do not have a QB on the PP.

Sutter will most likely go with the same for tonight's game.

White-Mottau
Martin-Oduya
Greene-Salvador (If any changes I could see VV in for Greene)

Rachunek is not terrible. He has been solid for us all season with a few lapses. Rachunek has been very solid for us and belongs in the lineup,

I do not know what people have been watching to declare Rachunek as terrible.

Martin-Oduya
Salvador-Rachunek
White-Mottau

Brookbank-Greene/Vishnevski once every 4 or 5 games.

Vishnevski you can argue is terrible. Out of position all the time trying to make the big hit.

Agree with devsfan8 completely on the pairings. That is our Top 6, like it or not.

I have been an Andy Greene fan from literally day one, and thought he should have made the team out of training camp last year. And he was a complete stud in the playoffs. That said, Karel Rachunek is in many ways the same player (less solid on body positioning, but way better shot and offensive instincts) and has more experience... And at this point in their careers, Rachunek clearly brings more to the table (and looked much better paired with Salvador than Greene.)

I think Andy will replace Rachunek in the line-up next season, as I find it highly doubtful Karel gets re-signed this off-season. But right now it makes sense for Andy to practice with the team, but watch from the press box. Frankly, he should only see prolonged action in the event of an injury to Rachunek or Mottau.

With the arrival of Bryce Salvador, it is really Vishnevski who has no place on this team whatsoever (despite being signed for 2 more seasons... Guh.) I have had Vish issues (or Vishues, for short) all season long, with his out of position hits and bad deflections on net, although he has improved somewhat under the Larry Robinson influence. But not enough. It is pretty clear why he was left out of the Preds D rotation down the stretch last season, and appears poised for a repeat non-performance this season on the Devils.

Vish as a non-factor with the arrival of Salvador is especially true with the much improved play of Sheldon Brookbank, and his HUGE heart standing up for his teammates against league heavyweights. I find Brookbank to be every bit the player Vish is physically, only with better instincts and more intensity. And they are literally the same size -- so we give up nothing in the exchange. Sheldon should essentially be our permanent #7, IMO, subbing for White, Salvador, Martin or Oduya if they should get nicked up or need a rest. And although I like Jason MacIsaac's idea of a more physical Top 6 with Brookbank, I still think we need Rachunek's offense in the line-up.

And it goes without saying that Motts freaking rules. See banner below:

Agree with devsfan8 completely on the pairings. That is our Top 6, like it or not.

I have been an Andy Greene fan from literally day one, and thought he should have made the team out of training camp last year. And he was a complete stud in the playoffs. That said, Karel Rachunek is in many ways the same player (less solid on body positioning, but way better shot and offensive instincts) and has more experience... And at this point in their careers, Rachunek clearly brings more to the table (and looked much better paired with Salvador than Greene.)

I think Andy will replace Rachunek in the line-up next season, as I find it highly doubtful Karel gets re-signed this off-season. But right now it makes sense for Andy to practice with the team, but watch from the press box. Frankly, he should only see prolonged action in the event of an injury to Rachunek or Mottau.

With the arrival of Bryce Salvador, it is really Vishnevski who has no place on this team whatsoever (despite being signed for 2 more seasons... Guh.) I have had Vish issues (or Vishues, for short) all season long, with his out of position hits and bad deflections on net, although he has improved somewhat under the Larry Robinson influence. But not enough. It is pretty clear why he was left out of the Preds D rotation down the stretch last season, and appears poised for a repeat non-performance this season on the Devils.

Vish as a non-factor with the arrival of Salvador is especially true with the much improved play of Sheldon Brookbank, and his HUGE heart standing up for his teammates against league heavyweights. I find Brookbank to be every bit the player Vish is physically, only with better instincts and more intensity. And they are literally the same size -- so we give up nothing in the exchange. Sheldon should essentially be our permanent #7, IMO, subbing for White, Salvador, Martin or Oduya if they should get nicked up or need a rest. And although I like Jason MacIsaac's idea of a more physical Top 6 with Brookbank, I still think we need Rachunek's offense in the line-up.

And it goes without saying that Motts freaking rules. See banner below:

I agree pretty much with this entire post. Good job.

Agree with devsfan8 completely on the pairings. That is our Top 6, like it or not.

I have been an Andy Greene fan from literally day one, and thought he should have made the team out of training camp last year. And he was a complete stud in the playoffs. That said, Karel Rachunek is in many ways the same player (less solid on body positioning, but way better shot and offensive instincts) and has more experience... And at this point in their careers, Rachunek clearly brings more to the table (and looked much better paired with Salvador than Greene.)

I think Andy will replace Rachunek in the line-up next season, as I find it highly doubtful Karel gets re-signed this off-season. But right now it makes sense for Andy to practice with the team, but watch from the press box. Frankly, he should only see prolonged action in the event of an injury to Rachunek or Mottau.

With the arrival of Bryce Salvador, it is really Vishnevski who has no place on this team whatsoever (despite being signed for 2 more seasons... Guh.) I have had Vish issues (or Vishues, for short) all season long, with his out of position hits and bad deflections on net, although he has improved somewhat under the Larry Robinson influence. But not enough. It is pretty clear why he was left out of the Preds D rotation down the stretch last season, and appears poised for a repeat non-performance this season on the Devils.

Vish as a non-factor with the arrival of Salvador is especially true with the much improved play of Sheldon Brookbank, and his HUGE heart standing up for his teammates against league heavyweights. I find Brookbank to be every bit the player Vish is physically, only with better instincts and more intensity. And they are literally the same size -- so we give up nothing in the exchange. Sheldon should essentially be our permanent #7, IMO, subbing for White, Salvador, Martin or Oduya if they should get nicked up or need a rest. And although I like Jason MacIsaac's idea of a more physical Top 6 with Brookbank, I still think we need Rachunek's offense in the line-up.

And it goes without saying that Motts freaking rules. See banner below:

Good post Jerry. Well done, sir. I agree with everything you said here. You're feelings are my feelings. Although I think Greene will get to see some more action down the stretch.

i thought rachunek played real well last night i think he should be in the top 6

Agree with devsfan8 completely on the pairings. That is our Top 6, like it or not.

I have been an Andy Greene fan from literally day one, and thought he should have made the team out of training camp last year. And he was a complete stud in the playoffs. That said, Karel Rachunek is in many ways the same player (less solid on body positioning, but way better shot and offensive instincts) and has more experience... And at this point in their careers, Rachunek clearly brings more to the table (and looked much better paired with Salvador than Greene.)

I think Andy will replace Rachunek in the line-up next season, as I find it highly doubtful Karel gets re-signed this off-season. But right now it makes sense for Andy to practice with the team, but watch from the press box. Frankly, he should only see prolonged action in the event of an injury to Rachunek or Mottau.

With the arrival of Bryce Salvador, it is really Vishnevski who has no place on this team whatsoever (despite being signed for 2 more seasons... Guh.) I have had Vish issues (or Vishues, for short) all season long, with his out of position hits and bad deflections on net, although he has improved somewhat under the Larry Robinson influence. But not enough. It is pretty clear why he was left out of the Preds D rotation down the stretch last season, and appears poised for a repeat non-performance this season on the Devils.

Vish as a non-factor with the arrival of Salvador is especially true with the much improved play of Sheldon Brookbank, and his HUGE heart standing up for his teammates against league heavyweights. I find Brookbank to be every bit the player Vish is physically, only with better instincts and more intensity. And they are literally the same size -- so we give up nothing in the exchange. Sheldon should essentially be our permanent #7, IMO, subbing for White, Salvador, Martin or Oduya if they should get nicked up or need a rest. And although I like Jason MacIsaac's idea of a more physical Top 6 with Brookbank, I still think we need Rachunek's offense in the line-up.

And it goes without saying that Motts freaking rules. See banner below:

Good job JG. I totally agree.

When I was saying the exact same thing people wouldn't agree with me... Nice to see they agree with someone else, even when we're sharing the same thoughts.

Good job JG. I totally agree.

When I was saying the exact same thing people wouldn't agree with me... Nice to see they agree with someone else, even when we're sharing the same thoughts.

Anytime I can put words around your thoughts, consider it done.;)

And for whatever it is worth, I feel good about "the new guy"... I think Bryce Salvador is a proto-typical Devils kind of player, and already stepped up his play significantly by Game #2. And Karel played a more focused and physical game with another veteran as his defensive partner.

And during the Habs game, if not for a fluke ricochet off of the knob of an opposing defenseman's stick, Rachunek would have buried that shot from the slot. It was a cannon, headed top shelf on the blocker side and Price had no shot at it whatsoever... Could have changed the game.

I, for one, want the chance to see more of that with Rachunek, and with someone as solid as Salvador backing him up when he pinches, and three D men waiting in the wings to force the issue, I think we got as good a chance as any of seeing Rachunek's "A game" with this new pairing... Hope it sticks.

I thought that on friday nite Andy Greene looked very solid. I dont understand why everyone is dumping on him. I thought he rebounded well from the bad game in Carolina. From what i watched on friday he made some good defensive plays, had some bombs from the point on the PP that got thru and won most of his little battles along the boards and was making some good passes. The penalty he got from what I saw on TV looked like after he stood the guy up at the blueline he and the oposing player were skating side by side and it looked as if the Caps player stepped on Greenes stick and fell.

I thought that on friday nite Andy Greene looked very solid. I dont understand why everyone is dumping on him. I thought he rebounded well from the bad game in Carolina. From what i watched on friday he made some good defensive plays, had some bombs from the point on the PP that got thru and won most of his little battles along the boards and was making some good passes. The penalty he got from what I saw on TV looked like after he stood the guy up at the blueline he and the oposing player were skating side by side and it looked as if the Caps player stepped on Greenes stick and fell.

I think Andy Greene plays a solid, if unspectacular game, night in and night out (the one recent poor outing aside.) It is somewhat disappointing his offense hasn't lived up to last year's tease, but he makes up for it by sticking to the fundamentals and doing it well.

Although he isn't top pairing material, as he neither hits nor moves the puck at an elite level, and likely never will... I think Andy is a terrific player and has all the tools to be a mainstay in our Top 6 for many seasons to come.

But since a great deal of being a defenseman relies on communication and trust with your defensive partner, I have been looking for chemistry between Andy and anyone else on our roster and it just doesn't seem to be there this season.

He and Johnny Oduya looked fantastic in a couple pre-season games last year, as total rookies, and I have been curious to see that combo again. But Paul Martin is basically Andy Greene, only a whole lot better, and that pairing has resulted in the complete renaissance of Johnny O and therefore is unlikely to change (for good reason...)

And my boy Motts has really got something special going with Colin White, who is my other favorite D man, and they make a solid, well balanced pairing.

So, that leaves Salvador, Greene, Rachunek, Vishnevski and Brookbank to cobble together some chemistry.

Anything involving Vish has been brutal, and Greene/Rachunek and Greene/Salvador do not seem to fit at all. That leaves Greene/Brookbank is the best pairing to be made with Andy and any of those other guys... And perhaps they should practice together as our 4th pairing, and keep developing something, as they are both real young and could carry on into next season and beyond. (Vish can clean the toilets at The Rock for all I care...)

But Salvador and Rachunek really shined together. They balanced each other's styles, and seemed to mesh smoothly, and played a rock solid game under extreme pressure in a hostile environment. That is chemistry worth noting, and is something I'd pay to see continue.

No combination involving Andy Greene produced nearly as much instant energy this entire season, and with Salvador a lock for our Top 6, it was night and day between Greene and Rachunek when paired with "the new guy".

So I'm afraid with the current calculus Andy sits.

I think Andy Greene plays a solid, if unspectacular game, night in and night out (the one recent poor outing aside.) It is somewhat disappointing his offense hasn't lived up to last year's tease, but he makes up for it by sticking to the fundamentals and doing it well.

Although he isn't top pairing material, as he neither hits nor moves the puck at an elite level, and likely never will... I think Andy is a terrific player and has all the tools to be a mainstay in our Top 6 for many seasons to come.

But since a great deal of being a defenseman relies on communication and trust with your defensive partner, I have been looking for chemistry between Andy and anyone else on our roster and it just doesn't seem to be there this season.

He and Johnny Oduya looked fantastic in a couple pre-season games last year, as total rookies, and I have been curious to see that combo again. But Paul Martin is basically Andy Greene, only a whole lot better, and that pairing has resulted in the complete renaissance of Johnny O and therefore is unlikely to change (for good reason...)

And my boy Motts has really got something special going with Colin White, who is my other favorite D man, and they make a solid, well balanced pairing.

So, that leaves Salvador, Greene, Rachunek, Vishnevski and Brookbank to cobble together some chemistry.

Anything involving Vish has been brutal, and Greene/Rachunek and Greene/Salvador do not seem to fit at all. That leaves Greene/Brookbank is the best pairing to be made with Andy and any of those other guys... And perhaps they should practice together as our 4th pairing, and keep developing something, as they are both real young and could carry on into next season and beyond. (Vish can clean the toilets at The Rock for all I care...)

But Salvador and Rachunek really shined together. They balanced each other's styles, and seemed to mesh smoothly, and played a rock solid game under extreme pressure in a hostile environment. That is chemistry worth noting, and is something I'd pay to see continue.

No combination involving Andy Greene produced nearly as much instant energy this entire season, and with Salvador a lock for our Top 6, it was night and day between Greene and Rachunek when paired with "the new guy".

So I'm afraid with the current calculus Andy sits.

I see your point of view and it is nice to finally read a post that is wel thought out. I think with more experience Andy will become a more physical player as well as more talented when it comes to moving the puck. He is still adjusting to the NHL game. I t usually takes D-men about 3 years to fully adjust to the game. One of the things that has made andy succesfull at every level he has been at is his consistent fundamental steady play. I believe within a year he will be a regular top 4 pairing for the Devils. He is learning the game as he goes and is lesarning when he can go offensivly and when he can be a more pysical player. He will put it all together soon and one day it will just start to click for him game in and game out.

A good example of a player all of a sudden just getting it is Oduya. He has been thru a lot during his two years here but about 1 month ago the game just started to click for him. The same will happen for Andy and when it does we are all in for a special treat to see a player with his smarts starting to grasp the NHL game a become a more dominant player

I see your point of view and it is nice to finally read a post that is wel thought out. I think with more experience Andy will become a more physical player as well as more talented when it comes to moving the puck. He is still adjusting to the NHL game. I t usually takes D-men about 3 years to fully adjust to the game. One of the things that has made andy succesfull at every level he has been at is his consistent fundamental steady play. I believe within a year he will be a regular top 4 pairing for the Devils. He is learning the game as he goes and is lesarning when he can go offensivly and when he can be a more pysical player. He will put it all together soon and one day it will just start to click for him game in and game out.

A good example of a player all of a sudden just getting it is Oduya. He has been thru a lot during his two years here but about 1 month ago the game just started to click for him. The same will happen for Andy and when it does we are all in for a special treat to see a player with his smarts starting to grasp the NHL game a become a more dominant player

I agree with you regarding Greene's future potential. And this time next year could be a dramatically better situation for Andy.

Oduya REALLY lucked out being paired with Paul Martin, who I feel deserves much of the credit for his improvement (along with Larry Robinson, obviously), as Martin is as solid and hockey-smart as they come and can cover for nearly every Oduya meltdown, which in turn gives Johnny confidence and reduces his number of mistakes.

If Andy Greene pulled that lottery ticket instead of Oduya, who knows how well he'd be playing now instead of Oduya. But, we'll never know.

I agree with you regarding Greene's future potential. And this time next year could be a dramatically better situation for Andy.

Oduya REALLY lucked out being paired with Paul Martin, who I feel deserves much of the credit for his improvement (along with Larry Robinson, obviously), as Martin is as solid and hockey-smart as they come and can cover for nearly every Oduya meltdown, which in turn gives Johnny confidence and reduces his number of mistakes.

If Andy Greene pulled that lottery ticket instead of Oduya, who knows how well he'd be playing now instead of Oduya. But, we'll never know.

Oduya owes alot of his recent to success to Robinson and Martin (who I think has turned into a top 20 defenseman), but Oduya played surprising well without Martin last night.

I think confidence was one of Oduya's biggest problem earlier in the season and he isn't lacking anything in that department right now. He just seems so much more focused and mature than he was 40 games ago. Once again alot of that credit goes to the afformentioned Martin and Robinson, but Oduya deserves alot of the kudos too.

And if you remember, Greene did play with Martin for a bit during the 9 game win streak and if my memory serves me correct, he played pretty well during that time. Just not as good as Oduya is playing with Martin right now. And I also think that Andy is suffering a bit from a lack of confidence. Constantly being chided by Sutter and being sat will do that to you. But I still am extremely high on Andy because what we saw in the playoffs last year is totally reachable for the guy. He has the chance to become a mainstay in our top 6 for years to come. He's already not too bad right now.

I agree with you regarding Greene's future potential. And this time next year could be a dramatically better situation for Andy.

Oduya REALLY lucked out being paired with Paul Martin, who I feel deserves much of the credit for his improvement (along with Larry Robinson, obviously), as Martin is as solid and hockey-smart as they come and can cover for nearly every Oduya meltdown, which in turn gives Johnny confidence and reduces his number of mistakes.

If Andy Greene pulled that lottery ticket instead of Oduya, who knows how well he'd be playing now instead of Oduya. But, we'll never know.

One thing that people need to keep in mind about Andy is that he will always keep his emotions in check> I watched him play a little in Jrs and college and he was always calm and under control.
Someone on here a while back made the comment that Greene seems like a robot on the ice and needs to show some emotion sometime. He always does a good job of keeping things on an even keil (sp) and i think that is one of the big reasons why last year he played so well in the playoffs as a call up. he didnt let the things around him affect him and played the fundamentals very well. He started the playoffs last season paired with matvichuck on the third pairing and by the time the Devs were eliminated he was partenered with Rafalski and recieving 20 min a night

One thing that people need to keep in mind about Andy is that he will always keep his emotions in check> I watched him play a little in Jrs and college and he was always calm and under control.
Someone on here a while back made the comment that Greene seems like a robot on the ice and needs to show some emotion sometime. He always does a good job of keeping things on an even keil (sp) and i think that is one of the big reasons why last year he played so well in the playoffs as a call up. he didnt let the things around him affect him and played the fundamentals very well. He started the playoffs last season paired with matvichuck on the third pairing and by the time the Devs were eliminated he was partenered with Rafalski and recieving 20 min a night

I'll never forget his poke check on Lecavalier, for starters.

His body positioning and stick work have been top notch pretty much right out of the gate. He just needs to expand his skillset to better include his blistering point shot and stronger work along the boards. He will get there.

There is no chance that im going to explain my preferred defensive lineup as eloquently as Jerry has, but this is what I want to see. No particular ordering of pairs or icetimes either.

White - Mottau
Oduya - Martin
Salvador - Rachunek
Greeney/Brooker

Vish plays with the popcorn machine in the concourse.

Greene will get more playing time down the stretch, but I think his breakout will come next season.

Found out why Martin was playing so bad against the Caps.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/03032008/sports/devils/devils_in_pain_with_no_martin_100180.htm

Apparently Salvador hit him with a puck during his first practice :(

Vish plays with the popcorn machine in the concourse.



and fills the relish trays for Chico's hot dogs... :D

and fills the relish trays for Chico's hot dogs... :D

I dont want that guy anywhere near the relish trays, he will just be out of position in the kitchen and grab the wrong relish jar.

Chico: "Who in the good lords name put mayonaise in my sauce tray????"

I feel bad for Vish as I thought his hits were somthing the Devils have missed. How much is he making anyways?

I feel bad for Vish as I thought his hits were somthing the Devils have missed. How much is he making anyways?

$1.8mill more than he should be making for the Devils.

Having said that, he has played alot this year, and in some big games, I like the big guy, but I just dont see what he can bring to the table next year. (With Brookbank, Greene, Fraser and Corrente in the system making alot less.)

$1.8mill more than he should be making for the Devils.

Having said that, he has played alot this year, and in some big games, I like the big guy, but I just dont see what he can bring to the table next year. (With Brookbank, Greene, Fraser and Corrente in the system making alot less.)

If we could only transplant Greene's brain in Vish's body...

If we could only transplant Greene's brain in Vish's body...

Greene's brain would be better in Rachuneks body. At least he would still have some chance with the ladies. :biglaugh:

If we could only transplant Greene's brain in Vish's body...

I don't think Greene would want to look like this:

http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/hockey/nhl/players/2038.jpg

Greene's brain would be better in Rachuneks body. At least he would still have some chance with the ladies. :biglaugh:

ROFL Ok, maybe he needs plastic surgery also.

I don't think Greene would want to look like this:

http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/hockey/nhl/players/2038.jpg

I wouldn't want Greene to look like that! ;)

:biglaugh:

And here I thought only women were supposed to be catty!

Also, Martin>Oduya>Greene :D

Martin didn't practice today and won't play tomorrow vs the Leafs...so I guess the pairings will stay the same.

That's the only update TG can give us right now because he's in Toronto while the team flew back to NJ to practice...