So they won a couple in a row...

But look at who we beat!

Capitals
Panthers (twice)
Islanders
Tampa Bay

Not the most stellar list of teams (outside of the Caps). But they won the games they should have won.

On Saturday, the real test begins:
Penguins
Canadiens
Flyers
Penguins (again)
Rangers
Buffalo

We can beat the bottom half of the Eastern Conference... now the top half wants to play.

Thoughts?

is this thread really necessary?

With all these injuries, I'm happy with any win we get.

With all these injuries, I'm happy with any win we get.

As am I, but I cringe when I see whose up to bat next... Ugh.

Habs and Sabers don't scare me. Both are very frail teams right now. The rest...meh.

As am I, but I cringe when I see whose up to bat next... Ugh.

I am actually relaxed, but im not really expecting much.

I already expect the worse every time the puck drops, so I'm not concerned. Lose the next 6 for all I care, than get J-Bo

I just want them to beat the Rangers and Flyers... but that doesn't even seem possible for now. :(

its not like the flyers are world beaters and have beaten us like 9 of 10 like the rangers

its not like the flyers are world beaters and have beaten us like 9 of 10 like the rangers

They beat us twice this season... when the team was healthy too.

They beat us twice this season... when the team was healthy too.

certainly isnt as bad (yet) as the rangers.

Way to kill the mood :shakehead: .................With all the injuries enjoy any win we can get geez. Also be glad we are beating teams we should be beating. it could be a lot worst for us then it is.


Flyers only beat us the 2nd time because of some BS.

It's a survival game. Winning these 5 games means they *don't* have to beat all these teams. Imagine if they went 1-3-1 instead.

They're five games up. The goal through this stretch is now to stay afloat.

Let's wait and see what they do Saturday v.s the Pens. We play very well in their barn with one blowout loss last year being the exception. Some buddies and myself will be at the Igloo on Saturday were driving out there. A few weeks ago I wasn't looking as forward as I am now, actually Im getting pumped.:yo:

Can't wait, though we need the Elias line up against the Crosby line and let Malkin's line go head to head with Parise.

its not like the flyers are world beaters and have beaten us like 9 of 10 like the rangers

We agree on something!!

Its a good test to see how good they are. They won 5 games in a row that they were supposed to win. something that was not happening in the beginning of the year because they werent scoring goals.

These games will be a good test for the team. The important thing is that they are keeping it close, they are in the playoffs, and Rolston and Greene are on the horizon. As long as they are in 8th place when marty comes back, what else can u ask for.

Am I the only one who thinks J-Bouw is extremely overrated?? I say them play the Devils twice (not a huge sampling, I know) the past couple of weeks and I didn't see anything special. Isn't he supposed to be their best player? Why was he invisible most of the time. Sure he scored a goal today, but Colin White could have scored that goal. I just don't get it, he definitely won't be worth the 6+ million/year deal he is likely going to get.

Am I the only one who thinks J-Bouw is extremely overrated?? I say them play the Devils twice (not a huge sampling, I know) the past couple of weeks and I didn't see anything special. Isn't he supposed to be their best player? Why was he invisible most of the time. Sure he scored a goal today, but Colin White could have scored that goal. I just don't get it, he definitely won't be worth the 6+ million/year deal he is likely going to get.

We're desperate for a 3rd assist man and he could help us tremendously

Am I the only one who thinks J-Bouw is extremely overrated?? I say them play the Devils twice (not a huge sampling, I know) the past couple of weeks and I didn't see anything special. Isn't he supposed to be their best player? Why was he invisible most of the time. Sure he scored a goal today, but Colin White could have scored that goal. I just don't get it, he definitely won't be worth the 6+ million/year deal he is likely going to get.

Even the greatest players need some talented teammates. I say right now he is a good dman but if he were to come to our team or a team that preaches defensive responsibilities he would become an elite player. Its similar with what Stevens was before the Devils and what he became with the Devils. Everyone see's the talent that J-Bouw has he just needs to get with the right fit to take his game to the next level.

Martin-J-Bo would be so good, so goo....

im sorry i have to change my pants.

RnrXiaPVeHY

I already expect the worse every time the puck drops, so I'm not concerned. Lose the next 6 for all I care, than get J-Bo

everyday i wake up hoping to hear a text message from a friend or read on tsn that the devs finally have aquired a #1 dman. oh well.....one of these days....

everyday i wake up hoping to hear a text message from a friend or read on tsn that the devs finally have aquired a #1 dman. oh well.....one of these days....

The other morning I woke up to a text saying we traded Elias and Gio for Valiquette. And since I was half asleep I went into a panic.

It was just my old professor (rangers fan) trying to scare me

everyday i wake up hoping to hear a text message from a friend or read on tsn that the devs finally have aquired a #1 dman. oh well.....one of these days....

well just keep listenin...:sarcasm:

The other morning I woke up to a text saying we traded Elias and Gio for Valiquette. And since I was half asleep I went into a panic.

It was just my old professor (rangers fan) trying to scare me

:laugh:

RnrXiaPVeHY

btw...i saw the highlander....it was sheeeeet!

btw...i saw the highlander....it was sheeeeet!

But it won the academy award for best movie ever made

well just keep listenin...:sarcasm:

well....i have a sound effect...sooo....yea:laugh:

well....i have a sound effect...sooo....yea:laugh:

now they have it were your texts can talk to you, if your really that lazy to read

now they have it were your texts can talk to you, if your really that lazy to read

zomg:scared:

robot voice:
ATTENTION.HUMAN....INCOMING.COMMUNICAE....TEH.FLOR IDA.PANZERS.HAVE.TRADED.JORDAN.BOOMISTER.TO.THE.NJ .DEVILS.
IN.EXCHANGE.FOR.BRIAN.GIANT.SANTA.AND.CONDITION.2N D.ROUND.SELECTION.IN.09.DRAFT.END.COMMUNICATION

hahahahaa

zomg:scared:

robot voice:
ATTENTION.HUMAN....INCOMING.COMMUNICAE....TEH.FLOR IDA.PANZERS.HAVE.TRADED.JORDAN.BOOMISTER.TO.THE.NJ .DEVILS.
IN.EXCHANGE.FOR.BRIAN.GIANT.SANTA.AND.CONDITION.2N D.ROUND.SELECTION.IN.09.DRAFT.END.COMMUNICATION

the worst part is that my mom has here phone do that and it speaks jsut like that.

PRAYYY FOR MOJOOOOooo

Let's wait and see what they do Saturday v.s the Pens. We play very well in their barn with one blowout loss last year being the exception. Some buddies and myself will be at the Igloo on Saturday were driving out there. A few weeks ago I wasn't looking as forward as I am now, actually Im getting pumped.:yo:

cool...so if i go i won't be the only devils fan! how are the pens fans towards people wearing devils jerseys in their place? dont wanna get beer thrown on me :laugh:

cool...so if i go i won't be the only devils fan! how are the pens fans towards people wearing devils jerseys in their place? dont wanna get beer thrown on me :laugh:

Since half their fans don't know there are other teams in this league, I think you'll be fine;)

Yeah soon we'll see the real Clemmensen :D

Yeah soon we'll see the real Clemmensen :D

Whats that supposed to mean.

Chuck Norris Death Stare!
http://www.chuckonizer.de/cns1.jpg

...than get J-Bo

...and he brings along this beast of a 23 year old power forward:

http://i31.tinypic.com/xfyr21.jpg

Look at him! What a bada$$! I would love to see him run into that delicate Henrik Lundqvist!

...and he brings along this beast of a 23 year old power forward:

http://i31.tinypic.com/xfyr21.jpg

Look at him! What a bada$$! I would love to see him run into that delicate Henrik Lundqvist!

Says the guy who wanted to trade Parise for him...

Hasn't impressed me.

...and he brings along this beast of a 23 year old power forward:

http://i31.tinypic.com/xfyr21.jpg

Look at him! What a bada$$! I would love to see him run into that delicate Henrik Lundqvist!
Florida is sick of Horton, he hasn't been playing with any kind of heart or desire at all this season.

Florida is sick of Horton, he hasn't been playing with any kind of heart or desire at all this season.

Voltron for Horton and Bouwmeester. Do it Lou.

Voltron for Horton and Bouwmeester. Do it Lou.
Heh, which combination of low-value players comprise Voltron this time?

Heh, which combination of low-value players comprise Voltron this time?

Vrana + Bergfors + Brookbank + Clarkson + 2nd round pick.

:BANG:

Florida is sick of Horton, he hasn't been playing with any kind of heart or desire at all this season.

I would say Horton is sick of Florida.

But then again, so was Jokinen and the same can most likely be said for Bouwmeester.

I would say Horton is sick of Florida.

But then again, so was Jokinen and the same can most likely be said with Bouwmeester.

Yeah, Jokinen's really creating that winning atmosphere in Phoenix.

Perhaps they're losers?

Parise-Zajac-Horton

oh my god.

I would say Horton is sick of Florida.

But then again, so was Jokinen and the same can most likely be said for Bouwmeester.
Nathan Horton hasn't played a single season in his career where he's lived up to his potential. He's got all the pieces and should have put them together a while ago but he never has, mostly because he just doesn't care enough. He's lazy, he's unmotivated. Best case scenario it's an Arnott in Edmonton situation. Worst case scenario, it's just Horton is lazy and unmotivated.

Did you notice Horton on the ice today? I didn't, in the half a game I got to watch. I noticed Booth, I noticed Olesz, I noticed Ballard... Horton was practically invisible.

Parise-Zajac-Horton

oh my god.

Horton can play both center and wing. He hits, fights, scores goals and has proven himself many times on a god-awful Florida Panthers team.

He would give us a dynamaic we haven't had since Jason Arnott.

Horton can play both center and wing. He hits, fights, scores goals and has proven himself many times on a god-awful Florida Panthers team.

He would give us a dynamaic we haven't had since Jason Arnott.
In my opinion: Horton is Glen Murray, not Jason Arnott.

Horton can play both center and wing. He hits, fights, scores goals and has proven himself many times on a god-awful Florida Panthers team.

He would give us a dynamaic we haven't had since Jason Arnott.

Horton looks better on paper then he does on the ice. I think he'll always be a nice player on a bad team. He just not a difference maker imo.

Horton can play both center and wing. He hits, fights, scores goals and has proven himself many times on a god-awful Florida Panthers team.

He would give us a dynamaic we haven't had since Jason Arnott.

Not quite.

Invisible Nathan Horton will never be as impactful as Jason Arnott in his prime with New Jersey.

Nathan Horton hasn't played a single season in his career where he's lived up to his potential. He's got all the pieces and should have put them together a while ago but he never has, mostly because he just doesn't care enough. He's lazy, he's unmotivated. Best case scenario it's an Arnott in Edmonton situation. Worst case scenario, it's just Horton is lazy and unmotivated.

Did you notice Horton on the ice today? I didn't, in the half a game I got to watch. I noticed Booth, I noticed Olesz, I noticed Ballard... Horton was practically invisible.

Yeah, but he's only 23 and the Jason Arnott example is a perfect example of this situation. I remember people were upset when Lou traded away the up and comming Bill Guerin for Arnott and many people said the same of Arnott, especially because he wasn't able to duplicate his rookie season.

It's a risk Lou took and it defintiely paid dividends. He has gambled and lost with extemely talented players who were high draft picks, but considered lazy or underachievers (Andrei Zyuzin & Oleg Tverdovsky), but the Arnott case is an exception.

Yeah, but he's only 23 and the Jason Arnott example is a perfect example of this situation. I remember people were upset when Lou traded away the up and comming Bill Guerin for Arnott and many people said the same of Arnott, especially because he wasn't able to duplicate his rookie season.

It's a risk Lou took and it defintiely paid dividends.
We don't have Scott Stevens around to send Horton to live with and straighten him out, and Horton just doesn't have what it takes to ever be a captain in this hockey league.

Add to that the fact that that rookie season of Arnott's is better than any season Horton has ever had. Go compare the two players, then compare Horton to Murray. Murray is still a better comparison and Murray's skill-set looks a lot like Arnott's.

If we acquire Horton, we'll end up singing the same tune that Florida fans have been singing for the last two years... "if he only had a heart..."

We don't have Scott Stevens around to send Horton to live with and straighten him out, and Horton just doesn't have what it takes to ever be a captain in this hockey league.

Add to that the fact that that rookie season of Arnott's is better than any season Horton has ever had. Go compare the two players, then compare Horton to Murray. Murray is still a better comparison and Murray's skill-set looks a lot like Arnott's.

If we acquire Horton, we'll end up singing the same tune that Florida fans have been singing for the last two years... "if he only had a heart..."

I'm not critcizing Jason Arnott and who is making him into a Captain?

You know, I could care less what Florida Panthers fans say because it must be impossible for a young player, let alone a veteran and better player in Jokinen, to have any motivation to play in that abomination of a franchise.

I'm not critcizing Jason Arnott and who is making him into a Captain?
Nobody's making him captain, the point is that Arnott always had it in him to be a captain - everyone on New Jersey could pretty much tell that within ten games of his arrival here. Watch Horton play, he simply doesn't have it. He doesn't play with heart and he hasn't played with heart since he got his $4M/year contract. That's my point.

I'm not critcizing Jason Arnott and who is making him into a Captain?

Its just another way of pointing out the guy plays with little passion.

I'm not critcizing Jason Arnott and who is making him into a Captain?

You know, I could care less what Florida Panthers fans say because it must be impossible for a young player, let alone a veteran and better player in Jokinen, to have any motivation to play in that abomination of a franchise.

Wait, suddendly, why isn't it the player fault that their franchise hasn't the playoffs in nearly a decade?

Aren't they the ones playing the games?

I'm not critcizing Jason Arnott and who is making him into a Captain?

You know, I could care less what Florida Panthers fans say because it must be impossible for a young player, let alone a veteran and better player in Jokinen, to have any motivation to play in that abomination of a franchise.

you would hope as a young player he would come in with a passion to make a team better. Erik Staal has that passion. Sure he has more skill as well but when i watch staal its all heart. Both stepped into bad organizations and both players in my mind have gone in different directions.

You know, I could care less what Florida Panthers fans say because it must be impossible for a young player, let alone a veteran and better player in Jokinen, to have any motivation to play in that abomination of a franchise.

Florida fans are saying what I'm saying, yes, but I'm not mimicking them because I think they'd know better than I do. Watch Horton play. Look his style, what he does to score goals, his type of physicality, and tell me you see in him Jason Arnott.

I don't, I see Glen Murray - a player who came into the NHL and with the exception of one 90 point season put up 30 goal 60 point seasons every single year and never won a damn thing.

you would hope as a young player he would come in with a passion to make a team better. Erik Staal has that passion. Sure he has more skill as well but when i watch staal its all heart. Both stepped into bad organizations and both players in my mind have gone in different directions.

That's true, but for example, I remember John Torterella always clashing with Vincent Lecavalier and saying that he was lazy, selfish, etc. and even famously benched him early in their Cup winning year.

At that point in time, Lecavalier still had yet to have a montser/superstar-type season and had yet to take that step to the level he is at now.

If Lecavalier can become an elite player, there is no reason that a Nathan Horton can become one as well. That's entirely up to him though.

Florida fans are saying what I'm saying, yes, but I'm not mimicking them because I think they'd know better than I do. Watch Horton play. Look his style, what he does to score goals, his type of physicality, and tell me you see in him Jason Arnott.

I don't, I see Glen Murray - a player who came into the NHL and with the exception of one 90 point season put up 30 goal 60 point seasons every single year and never won a damn thing.

Yes, but that's the Jason Arnott of 1998 and beyond. His rookie season was 1993 and there was a 5 year period of him not being able to duplicate that rookie season, which is part of the reason why they allowed him to be dealt for Bill Guerin

To be honest with you, I can't verify or remember if Arnott played with the exact same hustle and passion that you are alluding too and that he showed here in NJ during those post rookie season years of 1994-1998. I know he was always (and perhaps still is) considered an underacheiver, and this is what can make people say players are lazy or unmotivated.

That's true, but for example, I remember John Torterella always clashing with Vincent Lecavalier and saying that he was lazy, selfish, etc. and even famously benched him early in their Cup winning year.

At that point in time, Lecavalier still had yet to have a montser/superstar-type season and had yet to take that step to the level he is at now.

If Lecavalier can become an elite player, there is no reason that a Nathan Horton can become one as well. That's entirely up to him though.

I had said in the GDT thread something similar about J-Bouw how once he gets in the right system he'll become an elite player. Much like the jump that Stevens made when he came to the Devils. While i think there is still hope for Horton it is very troublesome to see a lack of effort on a night to night basis. You still see it with Vinny on occasion as well. Once a player starts playing for a paycheck versus playing to win it can become a hard habit to break.

I had said in the GDT thread something similar about J-Bouw how once he gets in the right system he'll become an elite player. Much like the jump that Stevens made when he came to the Devils. While i think there is still hope for Horton it is very troublesome to see a lack of effort on a night to night basis. You still see it with Vinny on occasion as well. Once a player starts playing for a paycheck versus playing to win it can become a hard habit to break.

EXACTLY. He has his flaws, but has shown (at times) to be the entire package. That's up to him and the situation around him on whether or not he will rise and take the next step. The same thing can be said for Jason Spezza (although much less of a physical player) who drives Ottawa fans crazy as he is notorious for being lazy, not backchecking etc.

Yes, but that's the Jason Arnott of 1998 and beyond. His rookie season was 1993 and there was a 5 year period of him not being able to duplicate that rookie season, which is part of the reason why they allowed him to be dealt for Bill Guerin

To be honest with you, I can't verify or remember if Arnott played with the exact same hustle and passion that you are alluding too and that he showed here in NJ during those post rookie season years of 1994-1998. I know he was always (and perhaps still is) considered an underacheiver, and this is what can make people say players are lazy or unmotivated.

IIRC, Arnott was thought of as a dog who made some questionable personal decisions. But you'd have to find an old Oilers fan on here to be able to confirm that.

It might have just been a case where he couldn't replicate what he did in his rookie year and being the only game in town, it snowballed on him.

This thread is enlightening about Arnott on Edmonton:

http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?p=15695279

EXACTLY. He has his flaws, but has shown (at times) to be the entire package. That's up to him and the situation around him on whether or not he will rise and take the next step. The same thing can be said for Jason Spezza (although much less of a physical player) who drives Ottawa fans crazy as he is notorious for being lazy, not backchecking etc.

Thornton was the same way for years in Boston as well. I guess he can be "salvaged" but he still has to want it. I could see him just sitting in Florida like Olli did content to get paid. My gut just tells me that Horton just doesn't care enough to take his game to the next level.

What worries me about Horton is actually that his stats have stayed consistent. He's not going from an up-season to a down-season, he's staying steady at 60 points, no improvement, no decline, seemingly no inclination to try to improve. I think he's content with his mediocrity.

Arnott, Lecavalier, players like them who eventually improved all hit a downturn in which they suffer on the ice for a season or three while they tried to figure out how to put it all together. Eventually, if they keep at it, they do.

This thread is enlightening about Arnott on Edmonton:

http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?p=15695279

Yeah, but it's kinda vague. I think you could make the same case for Arnott with us.
The Devils just got more out of him, but the personal, off-the-ice stuff was weird, too.

I still think he got traded because he was buddies with Jayson Willams, and if that was the case, it was one of the best decisions Lou ever made.

Yeah, but it's kinda vague. I think you could make the same case for Arnott with us.
The Devils just got more out of him, but the personal, off-the-ice stuff was weird, too.

I still think he got traded because he was buddies with Jayson Willams, and if that was the case, it was one of the best decisions Lou ever made.

which Jayson Williams. Murderer Williams or the racist basketball player Williams or hockey player Williams?

I didn't realize he had many off ice issues with us. I'd be interested if people have more info on this.

which Jayson Williams. Murderer Williams or the racist basketball player Williams or hockey player Williams?

Murderer. Arnott used to hang out with him alot. At least he wasn't there.

Yeah, but it's kinda vague. I think you could make the same case for Arnott with us.
The Devils just got more out of him, but the personal, off-the-ice stuff was weird, too.

I still think he got traded because he was buddies with Jayson Willams, and if that was the case, it was one of the best decisions Lou ever made.

Yeah, I was kind of glad CD posted it above because I was really curious to see their views on him, but unfortunately not a lot of people replied. I guess most fans who frequent the Oilers forum are either too young or don't remember.

Yeah, I was kind of glad CD posted it above because I was really curious to see their views on him, but unfortunately not a lot of people replied. I guess most fans who frequent the Oilers forum are either too young or don't remember.

It's probably "don't remember". Ten years is a long time, and this site has libel rules when posting. That's why I'm not saying much. I do know he had paternity issue(s)... may have been plural. In Edmonton, just to clarify.

It's probably "don't remember". Ten years is a long time, and this site has libel rules when posting. That's why I'm not saying much. I do know he had paternity issue(s)... may have been plural. In Edmonton, just to clarify.
Combine Arnott's off-ice issues with the brutal Edmonton media who was already on him for his on-ice play, and Arnott was in a completely untenable situation on the Oilers in the late-90s.

Anyway, the point is a lot of Arnott's issues over the course of his career have been off the ice. All of Horton's, so far as I know, are on the ice.

Thornton was the same way for years in Boston as well. I guess he can be "salvaged" but he still has to want it. I could see him just sitting in Florida like Olli did content to get paid. My gut just tells me that Horton just doesn't care enough to take his game to the next level.

how so? he atleast was their captain, signed to a deal and committed to the team even when they always underachieved. also consistently lead the team in every aspect not just including point production. i never got that impression from olli. prolly a bad comparison. maybe horton could use a change of zip code to bring out his consistent A game like arnott when traded here, but then again who knows. either way, theres no way hes ever gonna be a devil so well have to see where he eventually progresses to. i can see him being a flyer for some reason. he fits the mold of what they look for. i just dont see florida bailing on him atm though.

Combine Arnott's off-ice issues with the brutal Edmonton media who was already on him for his on-ice play, and Arnott was in a completely untenable situation on the Oilers in the late-90s.

Anyway, the point is a lot of Arnott's issues over the course of his career have been off the ice. All of Horton's, so far as I know, are on the ice.

Don't know too much about Horton, I try to avoid Panthers games because they're boring and Potvin is horrible. But I think, despite the team tending to be bad, it's not a bad situation to be playing in, re: pressure and such.

I don't think a player with an engine, like say, Parise, would automatically just roll up into a ball because he was playing for the Panthers. So I'd guess you'd have to question him being willing to put out 100% 100% of the time, and he has been surpassed by Booth.

Horton would be terrific, would welcome him with open arms. Would not deal Parise for him though and it's extremely doubtful that Florida ships him for anything less.

Horton and Arnott is a fair comparison. Murray always struck me as someone who is fairly one dimensional as well as relient on his teammates. Horton has the physical flair that Arnott (sometimes) has and can also create for himself. Both also suffer from acute loafing syndrome.

Devils vs. the SE division: 8-1-0. Five game win streak.... four against SE and one against the Isles... hard to talk of a turnaround sans Marty yet, but scoring 24 in five games is impressive no matter what.

Will be really interesting to see how you deal with the upcoming stretch. Looking forward to the weekend game :).

Hey, Penguin. We dont like your kind around here...

If you don't like the devils than you can geett ouutt

December is our toughest month this entire season. I'd be more than happy with .500 hockey considering the current health situation.

gotta get rolsty, greene, and holik healthy sometime soon

Well I think Madden, MOttau will play Saturday. Holik will be back seemingly @Philly next week. Rolston and Greene can't be that fire behind.

Devils vs. the SE division: 8-1-0. Five game win streak.... four against SE and one against the Isles... hard to talk of a turnaround sans Marty yet, but scoring 24 in five games is impressive no matter what.

Will be really interesting to see how you deal with the upcoming stretch. Looking forward to the weekend game :).

We don't take kindly to your types in here...

2pbvMH0mNiI

can we trade for Horton's girl in that pic?

The Penguins really should get some presents and send them to the Isles....and the Devils to the Panthers. I will take a win anyway I can get it though and 5 in a row is still 5 in a row.

There´s fifteen games left this year. December is truly the test for the current roster. If the Devils get 15 points out of that set, I´d say they´re on par considering their current roster. Anything more is just surplus and bonus.

Of course getting Holik, Rolston and Greene back in action will do nothing but good for this team to stay in the race on the second half of the regular season.

There´s fifteen games left this year. December is truly the test for the current roster. If the Devils get 15 points out of that set, I´d say they´re on par considering their current roster. Anything more is just surplus and bonus.

Of course getting Holik, Rolston and Greene back in action will do nothing but good for this team to stay in the race on the second half of the regular season.

I agree...But we need to remember when these players come back they are probably going to need to work themselfs up to full speed.

When ever we've gotten players back from extended injury in the past the same scenario seems to always happen... They play great for the first couple of games then the adrenilien wears off and the adjustment period kicks in.

I agree...But we need to remember when these players come back they are probably going to need to work themselfs up to full speed.

When ever we've gotten players back from extended injury in the past the same scenario seems to always happen... They play great for the first couple of games then the adrenilien wears off and the adjustment period kicks in.

thats why i wouldnt mind if Rolston played with Madden for that time. You can work him back into the lineup slowly and he doesnt have to feel the pressure of an offensive role immediatley, but still will get top minutes and will gain confidene. I'm sure it will help madden and pando get back on track too.

I agree...But we need to remember when these players come back they are probably going to need to work themselfs up to full speed.

Sure, I hope no one is expecting them just appear to the lineup and start performing like nothing happened.

I should´ve written my thought out more throughly, because that´s pretty much what I thought. Getting these guys back to the lineup means less stress for Elias´ and Parise´s lines and gives the offense more overall flexibility, since the key faceoff man Holik and fast firing Rolston are back. It doesn´t matter, if and when it took a couple of games for these guys to adjust themselves.

Hey, Penguin. We dont like your kind around here...

Oyoyoy! Four or five such declarations and that's with me being all respectful. Sure are 'shoot first, ask later' kind of guys huh!? :laugh:

Ah well, Devils fans are usually good value in the Pens forum, so I cannot say the feeling is mutual.

Oyoyoy! Four or five such declarations and that's with me being all respectful. Sure are 'shoot first, ask later' kind of guys huh!? :laugh:

Ah well, Devils fans are usually good value in the Pens forum, so I cannot say the feeling is mutual.

South Park dude, South Park. We do it to everyone who pops in for tea and biscuits.

We dont take kindly to your types around here..... :rant:

:sarcasm:

Ah :D . That helps!

Now Skeeter he aint hurtin' nobody.

December is going to be tough though. We're playing the Penguins, Rangers, Flyers, Canadiens and Bruins. All hot teams right now. There are some struggling teams in the mix, like the Leafs, the Sens, Blues and the Stars, but by the time we get to them they may be hot again.

Lets hope the guys stay focused and ride this winning streak for a winning december.

I just want to beat the ****ing Rangers.

They took our joooooooooooobs!

derrrrrkkaaa derrrrrr!!!!

Whats madden's injury? and do you guys remeber me starting the predict the next devil to get injuired thread, and in it i predicted john madden.

Whats madden's injury? and do you guys remeber me starting the predict the next devil to get injuired thread, and in it i predicted john madden.

BOO THIS MAN!!!

Whats madden's injury? and do you guys remeber me starting the predict the next devil to get injuired thread, and in it i predicted john madden.

thank you for reminding us to kill you.

Whats madden's injury? and do you guys remeber me starting the predict the next devil to get injuired thread, and in it i predicted john madden.

So this is all your fault?

yea why the hell would you bring that up like its something youre proud of?

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j179/devilelias26/BooThisMan.gif

Didn't you predict Marty getting injured too?!

you ever suck feet for coke man?!?!
huh?
i seen him!
damn

Yeah, until we beat a good team there really isn't much to celebrate. Sure, a 5 game winning streak is nice...but beating Tampa Bay and Florida (barely) isn't that impressive really.

Hopefully they'll extend the streak tomorrow.

I'll tell you what...if the Devils can walk into Mellon Arena and grab 2 points, I will be one hell of a happy man! It would be a huge statement that the Devils can still be contenders without their franchise goalie. Plus, after the game, they don't play until Thursday.

Didn't you predict Marty getting injured too?!

nah that wasn't me, i would never predict that. I do remember people on this board saying "oh no marty changed his mask, its going to be bad luck now".

Btw, what is maddens injury and is he day to day? I haven't seen anything on these boards about his injury and the first game he missed i didn't see the beginning of it, so i have no idea why hes hurt.

Another thing. Is it possible to include pando on a trade out of here if we are doing a trade deadline or is his contract such that it wont happen. I would like to see Roloston and Clarkson on a more offensive line then with madden and pando. If Clarkson ever learned to pass he would be a 60point player who can fight. His stick handeling is top notch i have to say.

Anyway, Unite Holik back with Clarkson and mayb put pando there. Actually i forgot about rupp. Rupp holik pando.

nah that wasn't me, i would never predict that. I do remember people on this board saying "oh no marty changed his mask, its going to be bad luck now".

Btw, what is maddens injury and is he day to day? I haven't seen anything on these boards about his injury and the first game he missed i didn't see the beginning of it, so i have no idea why hes hurt.

Another thing. Is it possible to include pando on a trade out of here if we are doing a trade deadline or is his contract such that it wont happen. I would like to see Roloston and Clarkson on a more offensive line then with madden and pando. If Clarkson ever learned to pass he would be a 60point player who can fight. His stick handeling is top notch i have to say.

Anyway, Unite Holik back with Clarkson and mayb put pando there. It sucks if clarskon is stuck on the 4th line because he does bring so much offensive potential.
I've said it before, I'll say it again...

Rolston - Madden - Clarkson
Pandolfo - Holik - Rupp

I've said it before, I'll say it again...

Rolston - Madden - Clarkson
Pandolfo - Holik - Rupp

can u answer my question about the madden injury. Can anyone?

can u answer my question about the madden injury. Can anyone?

day to day - is skating as are holik and rolston too.

Feeling it?

The Test = Epic fail

The Test = Epic fail

One game. Can you pipe down a bit. No one likes to lose, but it's one loss. You're going to look very foolish if this team can win a couple games over this stretch.

One game does not make a season.

We are 12-8-2 without Martin Brodeur. End.

We are 12-8-2 without Martin Brodeur. End.

Correction: We are 6-6 without Martin Brodeur. End.

I made this thread with the intention to remind people, the current condition the team is in. This board is too bi-polar for it's own good. I saw we had a win streak going, and people were getting their hopes up in all the wrong places.

This is the reality thread. This is for the realists who know they sky isn't falling, but also know we aren't going to be anything to write home about until Marty and the Injured reserve come back.

Right now, it's just a matter of survival, to hold a tenable position in the standings so that the team can make playoffs. Once they're in, that's good enough.

I made this thread with the intention to remind people, the current condition the team is in. This board is too bi-polar for it's own good. I saw we had a win streak going, and people were getting their hopes up in all the wrong places.

This is the reality thread. This is for the realists who know they sky isn't falling, but also know we aren't going to be anything to write home about until Marty and the Injured reserve come back.

Right now, it's just a matter of survival, to hold a tenable position in the standings so that the team can make playoffs. Once they're in, that's good enough.

For me, not winning the cup = sky falling. This team isn't winning a cup.

For me, not winning the cup = sky falling. This team isn't winning a cup.

I feel the same way, but that is a long-term goal. We have to do 999 (or 666) things to even get a chance to win.

And #1 is to maintain a tenable position in the standings with #2 being: get our injured back!

One you have those two, you can make playoffs and proceed from there. Your panic is more warranted after we get bounced in playoffs... NOT NOW.

Correction: We are 6-6 without Martin Brodeur. End.
Your point? We are .500 without our best player. .500 without Rolston, Holik, Greene, Madden.

Quick quick fire the coach, that will heal Marty's bicep tendon quicker.

Only six teams in the league were below ".500" last season. No matter who we put in while Marty is gone we will have one of the worst starters in the league, and this team isn't good enough to overcome that. My biggest fear right now is that this team will find a way to miss the playoffs and still not get a top ten pick.

Only six teams in the league were below ".500" last season. No matter who we put in while Marty is gone we will have one of the worst starters in the league, and this team isn't good enough to overcome that. My biggest fear right now is that this team will find a way to miss the playoffs and still not get a top ten pick.

Bingo. There's nothing I hate more than mediocrity.

This team as it now, with the injuries, is the definition of mediocre. They have enough offensive talent and are responsible enough defensivly that they will kill the also-rans of the league that absolutly suck defensively (I.E. the entire southeast division). However they aren't good enough offensively or defensively to keep up with the good teams that do play a good defensive game. They will have that brain fart at some point in the game and give up a bad or soft goal.

They will hang around the final playoff spot until Marty comes back. From there we have to hope they get hot and get in. If this team can actually be healthy they can be dangerous. Unfotunatly we won't see that healthy team for at least another 2-3 months

This team as it now, with the injuries, is the definition of mediocre. They have enough offensive talent and are responsible enough defensivly that they will kill the also-rans of the league that absolutly suck defensively (I.E. the entire southeast division). However they aren't good enough offensively or defensively to keep up with the good teams that do play a good defensive game. They will have that brain fart at some point in the game and give up a bad or soft goal.

They will hang around the final playoff spot until Marty comes back. From there we have to hope they get hot and get in. If this team can actually be healthy they can be dangerous. Unfotunatly we won't see that healthy team for at least another 2-3 months

They were pretty mediocre before the injuries too though.

They were pretty mediocre before the injuries too though.

6-2-2 doesn't seem too mediocre to me.

But look at who we beat!

Capitals
Panthers (twice)
Islanders
Tampa Bay

Not the most stellar list of teams (outside of the Caps). But they won the games they should have won.

On Saturday, the real test begins:
Penguins
Canadiens
Flyers
Penguins (again)
Rangers
Buffalo

We can beat the bottom half of the Eastern Conference... now the top half wants to play.

Thoughts?

This seems like a very negative thread but last time I checked it is America and we are allowed free speech. Although it's negative you do have some good points. Yes, we have beat some sub par teams but look a the adversity we have had to deal with this year? It's pretty impressive that we are still competing night in and night out despite all the injuries. That says a lot about the coaches and the players. On the flip side it might be a little scary as our schedule gets tougher. We all saw what happened in Pittsburgh last night. We can't beat the rangers even when we are healthy so what's going to happen now that we have all these injuries? Realistically I think all we can hope for is that the team continues to do what it's been doing. If we can continue to compete once our injured players do get back we'll have half a chance. However we are still a couple of big trades away from doing anything in the playoffs.

This seems like a very negative thread but last time I checked it is America and we are allowed free speech. Although it's negative you do have some good points. Yes, we have beat some sub par teams but look a the adversity we have had to deal with this year? It's pretty impressive that we are still competing night in and night out despite all the injuries. That says a lot about the coaches and the players. On the flip side it might be a little scary as our schedule gets tougher. We all saw what happened in Pittsburgh last night. We can't beat the rangers even when we are healthy so what's going to happen now that we have all these injuries? Realistically I think all we can hope for is that the team continues to do what it's been doing. If we can continue to compete once our injured players do get back we'll have half a chance. However we are still a couple of big trades away from doing anything in the playoffs.

big trades that arent happening:yo::help:

6-2-2 doesn't seem too mediocre to me.

Yea? You should have watched those first 10 games then. They played pretty terrible, but if you want to breakdown the numbers...

Of those 6 wins, 4 were against teams that are currently ranked in the bottom 5 of the entire league, 1 was in the shoot-out, and 1 was a gift from Hal Gill.

Both losses came against divisional rivals. We were outscored 10-4 in those two games.

The OT loss came against a divisional rival, the SO loss came against a team that's ranked 24th overall. We gave up 8 goals in those 2 games.

We had 30 goals for, and 24 goals against.

Our PP was at 15.78%, and our PK was at 77.78% both good for bottom 10 in the league.

Yep, my bad. We weren't mediocre at all.

Yea? You should have watched those first 10 games then. They played pretty terrible, but if you want to breakdown the numbers...

Of those 6 wins, 4 were against teams that are currently ranked in the bottom 5 of the entire league, 1 was in the shoot-out, and 1 was a gift from Hal Gill.

Both losses came against divisional rivals. We were outscored 10-4 in those two games.

The OT loss came against a divisional rival, the SO loss came against a team that's ranked 24th overall. We gave up 8 goals in those 2 games.

We had 30 goals for, and 24 goals against.

Our PP was at 15.78%, and our PK was at 77.78% both good for bottom 10 in the league.

Yep, my bad. We weren't mediocre at all.

Yep buddy. Didn't watch the games at all. Hey, let me get my information from you from now on. :rolleyes:

They played terrible? If they played terrible they'd be 2-6-2. Not 6-2-2. If you want to say they played average, OK, that's fine. Terrible, that's ridiculous. I think that's just you being overly negative.

They were bad on specialty teams. Bottom 10. But what you didn't include was the fact that they were the best 5 on 5 team in the league during that timespan, with 10 more ES goals for than goals against. I also saw a team that gave up 2.4 G/G when 5 games came against teams that are in the top 10 in scoring. And 7 of those games were against teams in the top 12 in G/G.

What I saw was a team that got road wins against very good teams in Washington and Pittsburgh. You can say that the Pittsburgh win was a result of a Hall Gill blunder, but hey, I'm not surprised at the negative comments. The Washington win was still a good one. I don't give a **** how it came. They beat a good team on the road. I also saw a team that struggled on the PK and PP and to beat the Rangers.

Hey, if you wanna be a dick and flame me because I didn't feel that a team that was 6-2-2 at the time was mediocre, be my guest.

Yep buddy. Didn't watch the games at all. Hey, let me get my information from you from now on. :rolleyes:

They played terrible? If they played terrible they'd be 2-6-2. Not 6-2-2. If you want to say they played average, OK, that's fine. Terrible, that's ridiculous. I think that's just you being overly negative.

They were bad on specialty teams. Bottom 10. But what you didn't include was the fact that they were the best 5 on 5 team in the league during that timespan, with 10 more ES goals for than goals against. I also saw a team that gave up 2.4 G/G when 5 games came against teams that are in the top 10 in scoring. And 7 of those games were against teams in the top 12 in G/G.

What I saw was a team that got road wins against very good teams in Washington and Pittsburgh. You can say that the Pittsburgh win was a result of a Hall Gill blunder, but hey, I'm not surprised at the negative comments. The Washington win was still a good one. I don't give a **** how it came. They beat a good team on the road. I also saw a team that struggled on the PK and PP and to beat the Rangers.

Hey, if you wanna be a dick and flame me because I didn't feel that a team that was 6-2-2 at the time was mediocre, be my guest.

They destroyed and humiliated Pittsburgh in that first game in every way but one. Of course, it's the most important one, but it doesn't change how that game was played. At times, they were a very dominant team, they just couldn't score.

They destroyed and humiliated Pittsburgh in that first game in every way but one. Of course, it's the most important one, but it doesn't change how that game was played. At times, they were a very dominant team, they just couldn't score.

He conviently left that one out though.

He conviently left that one out though.

nah, it was the gift from Hal Gill... which isn't inaccurate either, it's just the pessimistic way to look at that game.

They deserved the 2 points they got.

Yep buddy. Didn't watch the games at all. Hey, let me get my information from you from now on. :rolleyes:

They played terrible? If they played terrible they'd be 2-6-2. Not 6-2-2. If you want to say they played average, OK, that's fine. Terrible, that's ridiculous. I think that's just you being overly negative.

They were bad on specialty teams. Bottom 10. But what you didn't include was the fact that they were the best 5 on 5 team in the league during that timespan, with 10 more ES goals for than goals against. I also saw a team that gave up 2.4 G/G when 5 games came against teams that are in the top 10 in scoring. And 7 of those games were against teams in the top 12 in G/G.

What I saw was a team that got road wins against very good teams in Washington and Pittsburgh. You can say that the Pittsburgh win was a result of a Hall Gill blunder, but hey, I'm not surprised at the negative comments. The Washington win was still a good one. I don't give a **** how it came. They beat a good team on the road. I also saw a team that struggled on the PK and PP and to beat the Rangers.

Hey, if you wanna be a dick and flame me because I didn't feel that a team that was 6-2-2 at the time was mediocre, be my guest.

Those 10 even strength goals were scored against Atlanta and Dallas, who are currently ranked 29th and 30th respectively in the goals against category. I'm not being negative, the numbers are there. They find ways to win, but this team just isn't that good. We've seen the same thing for the past 3 years, they put up a great regular season record but they got absolutely manhandled in the playoffs. They got obliterated by Carolina, Ottawa, and NYR, and it will happen again.

A great regular season record doesn't mean anything, just ask Claude Julien. All it does is get you a playoff ticket. This team isn't a cup contender, they've got no identity and they're too inconsistent. They win 5, then they lose 5. They play like wounded puppies against some teams, and like rottweilers against others. That's called mediocrity.

We probably could have made it to the second round of the playoffs last year if we didn't play the Rangers. The fact that any team, let alone the Rangers, "has our number" is a major sign of weakness. Even if we went 75-4-3 last year, we would have been out of the playoffs in the first round if we played the Rags. Am I the only one who thinks that's a huge problem, or am I just being negative?

We are the most spoiled fans in professional sports.

We are the most spoiled fans in professional sports.

I'll admit to that. I became a fan in '97-'98 and saw them win 2 cups in 6 years. Now we're looking at no cups in 6 years, it's not something I'm used to.

I'll admit to that. I became a fan in '97-'98 and saw them win 2 cups in 6 years. Now we're looking at no cups in 6 years, it's not something I'm used to.

Its not a bad thing, I am guilty of it too. My Uncle is a Islanders fan and talking to him during Thanksgiving made me feel like a piece of ****, haha.

Those 10 even strength goals were scored against Atlanta and Dallas, who are currently ranked 29th and 30th respectively in the goals against category. I'm not being negative, the numbers are there. They find ways to win, but this team just isn't that good. We've seen the same thing for the past 3 years, they put up a great regular season record but they got absolutely manhandled in the playoffs. They got obliterated by Carolina, Ottawa, and NYR, and it will happen again.

A great regular season record doesn't mean anything, just ask Claude Julien. All it does is get you a playoff ticket. This team isn't a cup contender, they've got no identity and they're too inconsistent. They win 5, then they lose 5. They play like wounded puppies against some teams, and like rottweilers against others. That's called mediocrity.

We probably could have made it to the second round of the playoffs last year if we didn't play the Rangers. The fact that any team, let alone the Rangers, "has our number" is a major sign of weakness. Even if we went 75-4-3 last year, we would have been out of the playoffs in the first round if we played the Rags. Am I the only one who thinks that's a huge problem, or am I just being negative?

What so we discard the +10 because it was against Atlanta and Dallas? Do you want us to forfeit the next games against the dregs of the league because win or lose no one on this board will ever be ****ing happy?

We can't win every year. It's just not possible. ****, yeah I wanna win every ****ing season, you're a loser if you don't, but the percentages aren't there. I mean damn, we get lucky with a pick here, we get a big free agent there and we could be cup contenders again.

We don't need to be happy that we're just 'good' or 'mediocre' or whatever we want to call it, but we don't need to act like we're the crapstain on the underpants of the NHL. Ask the old timers on here who witnessed the lean years of this organization. There was probably no hope in sight. Now, as pessimistic as you all may feel, we're not THAT far away.

Ok, so now they won more than a couple... but those stupid Rangers kept us from winning 10 in a row last year, and may **** things up again with their trapping style and various other damned things!!!!!!

They still haven't proven me wrong... I think. :dunno: