SB Nation - John Madden

New Jersey Devils Morning News, Dec 10

TibbsBeastoftheEast — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:35:48 -0000

Devils notes: Bryce Salvador OK - (The Bergen Record)
No record, but Brodeur and Devils beat 'Canes, 4-2 - (The Bergen Record)

No shutout record for Brodeur tonight - (Fire & Ice)
Another big night for Andy Greene - (Fire & Ice)
Salvador survives dangerous hit from Cole; Leblond back in New Jersey - (Fire & Ice)
Live post: Devils lead 3-2 in third period; Salvador returns from apparent knee injury - (Fire & Ice)
Brodeur going for record-breaker tonight - (Fire & Ice)
John Madden adjusting to life in Chicago after leaving Devils; Leblond on way back - (Fire & Ice)
A Sutter returns to Prudential Center - (Fire & Ice)
Optional morning skate for Devils today; Brodeur to go for record breaker tonight - (Fire & Ice)
Is NJ Devils defenseman Andy Greene an All-Star? - (The Star Ledger)
Bryce Salvador shrugs off neck injury to help NJ Devils hold off Carolina Hurricanes, 4-2 - (The Star Ledger)
No shutout for Martin Brodeur, but NJ Devils earn 4-2 victory over Carolina Hurricanes - (The Star Ledger)
NJ Devils-Carolina Hurricanes: As they played - (The Star Ledger)
Dean McAmmond hoping to win elusive Stanley Cup with NJ Devils - (The Star Ledger)
Jacques Lemaire: Pursuit of Martin Brodeur's 104th shutout won't distract NJ Devils - (The Star Ledger)
Will Mike Mottau return Wednesday night for NJ Devils? - (The Star Ledger)
Devils go Greene against Hurricanes - (The New York Daily News)
Devils top shelf - (The New York Post)
Brodeur became star after figuring out Rangers - (The New York Post)
Watch Postgame Reaction - (Msgnetwork)
Martin Brodeur Chasing History - (Msgnetwork)
Devils 4, Hurricanes 2 - (NewJerseyDevils.com)
Brodeur joins Bettman on NHL Hour - (NHL.com)
NHL Standings - (Yahoo NHL)
Devils' players stats - (Yahoo NHL)
Devils Team Report - (Yahoo NHL)
THN.com Top 10: Calder candidates - (The Hockey News); Niclas Bergfors
Bower happy for Brodeur's shut-out feat - (Orillia Packet & Times)
Brodeur earned his place in history - (Toronto Sun)
Close but no Cigar: Devils 4, Hurricanes 2 - (Canes Country)
Scary injury still haunts Hurricane goaltender - (Kelowna.com)
They Are Who We Thought They Were - (fanhouse.com); Martin Brodeur
FanHouse MUVPs: Eastern Conference - (fanhouse.com); Andy Greene
Devils vs. Hurricanes, 12/9/09 - (Interchangeable Parts)

TRENTON DEVILS
Caruso's Splendid Homecoming Lifts Devils, 4-3, in Gwinnett - (TrentonDevils.com)
Week 8 Highlighted By Last Minute Comeback - (TrentonDevils.com)
Trenton Devils Acquire Forward Jack Combs - ECHL - (MLN - The Raw Feed)

AROUND THE NHL
Power rankings, week 10 - (The Detroit News); Devils in 4th

MISCELLANEOUS
Former Devil Madden gives leadership to Blackhawks - (The New York Post)
Program keeping pace - (The North Bay Nugget); Jersey Hockey Fights Hunger
Cops vs. Devils: dinardo Charity Hockey Game - (myfoxny.com)

Game 27 Preview: Jackets head to the Windy City to face the Hawks

Mike MacLean — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:03:19 -0000

by Jay LaPrete - AP

View full size photo »

After snapping a five game losing streak, the Jackets are in Chicago to take on the 'Hawks. On paper, this doesn't look good for the Jackets. It's the second game of a back-to-back, Rusty is out of the lineup with a groin tear (Mathieu Roy will play tonight, he's up from Syracuse on emergency recall), and tonight is the home debut of Hossa.

That said, the boys should still have some momentum from last night. It was a gutsy performance, and maybe the victory against the Blues was the tonic needed to get the Jackets back on track. Chicago is a great team from top to bottom. Their one question mark heading into the season-goaltending-seems to no longer be an issue with the strong play of Huet.

In my opinion, and likely many other share this opinion, the Hawks have the best defense in the NHL. It will be tough to score tonight, but the Jackets do have the weapons needed. Umby is playing his best hockey of the season, and Brass is looking better and better each game. If Voracek can build off of the strong game he had last night, look for that line to produce tonight. That would allow Nash and Juice to do their thing offensively-Huselius has been putting up serious points lately as well.

This is an imprtant game for the checking unit. I haven't seen much from Chimmer all season, and he needs to bring a physical element tonight. Mike Blunden hits everything that moves, and he'll need to continue doing that tonight against the 'Hawks potent forwards. Sammy was a Blackhawk for a brief period last season, and I look for him to have a strong game matching up against either Toews or Versteeg.

Fearless Prediction: Goal from a CBJ defenseman.

Game Time: 8:00pm ET

Opponent's Blog: Second City Hockey

Game Page: Blue Jackets vs Blackhawks Coverage

TSN Preview: Blue Jackets vs Blackhawks Preview

TV: FSN Ohio

Radio: WBNS-AM (1460); WWCD-FM (101.1)

More after the jump...

From the Columbus Dispatch:

The Blue Jackets snapped a five-game losing streak last night with a 5-2 win over the Blues. It should be a loud crowd tonight in United Center. The Blackhawks are back off a six-game trip, Marian Hossa makes his Chicago debut and coach Joel Quenneville goes for his 500th victory.

Jackets Links:

Columbus Blue Jackets / Columbus Blue Jackets Schedule

Columbus Blue Jackets Roster / Columbus Blue Jackets Stats

Here are the lineups for tonight's tilt:

Columbus Blue Jackets

Kristian Huselius	Antoine Vermette	Rick Nash
R.J. Umberger	Derick Brassard	Jakub Voracek
Jason Chimera	Samuel Pahlsson	Michael Blunden
Raffi Torres	Derek MacKenzie	Jared Boll

Fedor Tyutin	Anton Stralman
Mike Commodore	Jan Hejda
Kris Russell	Mathieu Roy

Steve Mason

Mathieu Garon

EXTRA: Alexandre Picard

INJURED: Fredrik Modin, Andrew Murray, Derek Dorsett, Rostislav Klesla, Marc Methot

Chicago Blackhawks

Patrik Sharp	Jonathan Toews	Marian Hossa
Dustin Byfuglien	Kris Versteeg	Patrick Kane
Andrew Ladd	John Madden	Troy Brouwer
Ben Eager	Colin Fraser	Tomas Kopecky

Duncan Keith	Brent Seabrook
Brian Campbell	Cam Barker
Niklas Hjalmarsson	Brent Sopel

Cristobal Huet

Antti Niemi

The NHL's top defensive forwards

James Mirtle — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:49:06 -0000

More photos » by David Banks - AP

Montreal Canadiens' Tomas Plekanec and Chicago Blackhawks' John Madden.

Browse more photos »

We're about far enough into the season that we can start to look at some individual stats and have enough of a sample size to draw some conclusions. This list is the same one I've been churning out for a couple years now, and ranks players defensively based on (a) quality of competition at even strength, (b) goals against per minute played at even strength and (c) goals against per minute played on the penalty kill.

Players also have to have played at least 15 games and fill a significant role on their team's shorthanded unit. Credit, as always, to Behind The Net for the data.

Here are the top 25 at the quarter-way mark:

	NAME	TEAM	GP	QCMP	EVGA/60	SHGA/60
1	BRANDON CROMBEEN	STL	21	0.12	1.44	1.33
2	KRIS VERSTEEG	CHI	22	0.13	1.49	5.25
3	JAY MCCLEMENT	STL	21	0.13	1.75	6.27
4	VERNON FIDDLER	PHX	25	0.03	1.86	3.61
5	JOHN MADDEN	CHI	23	0.12	2.17	5.61
6	DAVID LEGWAND	NSH	23	0.09	2.28	4.43
7	TRAVIS ZAJAC	N.J	22	0.16	0.73	9.20
8	MILAN MICHALEK	OTT	22	0.22	2.57	5.27
9	JAMIE LANGENBRUNNER	N.J	22	0.09	1.69	7.47
10	DANIEL WINNIK	PHX	25	-0.05	1.59	1.54
11	SAKU KOIVU	ANA	17	0.12	1.62	8.64
12	RYAN MALONE	T.B	21	0.18	2.20	7.49
13	MIKE FISHER	OTT	21	0.08	2.32	5.41
14	JOCHEN HECHT	BUF	20	-0.04	1.64	4.10
15	MIKE GRIER	BUF	15	-0.05	1.60	3.53
16	COLIN FRASER	CHI	23	0.04	2.33	4.39
17	JAMES WRIGHT	T.B	21	0.07	1.29	8.13
18	STEVE BEGIN	BOS	24	0.03	1.96	5.34
19	DANIEL ALFREDSSON	OTT	22	0.25	3.02	5.25
20	TOMAS PLEKANEC	MTL	24	-0.01	1.94	5.06
21	DAVID BACKES	STL	21	0.01	2.03	5.19
22	BRANDON DUBINSKY	NYR	18	0.06	2.20	5.72
23	JEFF HALPERN	T.B	21	0.06	2.34	5.54
24	SCOTT NICHOL	S.J	26	-0.07	1.89	2.35
25	JOEL WARD	NSH	21	0.14	2.10	8.81

There are a lot of different names so far than what we saw last season, and I don't know if that's due to the small sample size or if we're simply seeing new players step into these roles and excel. Players on the list who have gotten recognition as top defensive forwards in the past include Versteeg, McClement, Madden, Fisher, Grier, Alfredsson and Ward.

Without a lot of high profile names in there so far (i.e. Datsyuk, Zetterberg) it'll be interesting to see what the Selke candidates look like this season. I don't think you could go wrong giving it to Alfredsson, who always does a nice job on the Sens' PK.

Players who scored on the low end among those that qualified include Wayne Primeau, Craig Adams, Lee Stempniak, Greg Campbell and Rod Brind'Amour.

I'll look at the top defensive defencemen in the near future.

Mark It Eight, Dude: Blackhawks Crush Sharks 7-2 for Their Eighth Win in a Row

Matthew Dirt — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 07:09:50 -0000

More photos » by Marcio Jose Sanchez - AP

Browse more photos »

In the history of Second City Hockey, we've probably had some pretty terrible game recaps - this might be one of them. McClure and Fels are obviously still over at the Whirlaway plowing down drinks and eating whatever delicious food Maria has made for the horde that made it out to the bar.

Meanwhile, I got back to my parent's home just in time for the second period to watch the Sharks game go absolutely down the toilet. Of course, I had to watch the game on a shitty internet connection and Yahoo's feed kept fucking up so I don't have any great insight as to how the game actually went - as if I ever do anyway though, eh? I've had several Yuengling's though - so I'm good to go.

Since the feeds out here sucked, all I've really got to go on are the stats and the game thread... and by the way the game thread had over 700 comments - I'm very fucking proud.

There are two things that obviously stand out - the Hawks scoring 3 short handed goals and Hossa netting two goals in his return to the ice... Honestly - I'm not sure which is more impressive. Short handed goals are always a mix of great play and a bit of luck. Due to the poor feed, I can't remember who but I remember seeing Sharks D-men falling down allowing at least one of the shorties. It was almost the bizzaro version of the game against the Flames where the Hawks scored their goals on the power play. This time they got them with a man feeling shame in the box - word is Brouwer, Sharp and Hossa all grew goatees too... Regardless - awesome. Hossa immediately making his presence felt, that could be even sweeter. This team is scary good at the moment, hopefully it's this fun for a lot longer.

Hossa ended the night with 2 goals on 4 shots in 16:35 minutes of ice time - Quenneville obviously didn't have any problems pushing Panda (alliteration!) tonight, only Patrick Sharp and Jonathan Toews had more ice time among the forwards.

On the Sharks side of things - it didn't look too good. Danny Boyle, Dany Heatley, and Joe Thornton were all -4 tonight. Patrick Marleau had a team leading 4 shots (one less than John Madden and a few other Hawks) on goal but was still -3. Speaking of shots on goal - The Sharks only managed 11 through the first period, though they did more than double that total in the third once the Hawks foot was clearly off the gas and settled into cruise control.

Scoring a touchdown (the extra point is good!) on the road is good - doing it against a team that hadn't lost in regulation at home, that's better. If you read the Power Rankings post I had yesterday, you saw that this was had the potential to be a statement game. These are two of the best teams in the NHL - and the Blackhawks absolutely dominated the Sharks. Happy Fucking Holidays.

Don't know how the other two are going to be feeling tomorrow but if they're not too annihilated they may have a few more thoughts before settling into a traditional American food coma. If not, let this be the Second City Hockey message to all of you saying we're very thankful to have all of you as readers and we hope you have a great day. Enjoy.

Player Of The Game:

Once again, this could have gone to a lot of players. Troy Brouwer had a goal, an assist and two hits. Duncan Keith had another 3 assist game. Both Patrick Sharp and Brent Seabrook had goal and assist games - Biscuit also had 5 hits. Cristobal Huet had another great game - he came out with only a .917 SV% but deserved better since the Hawks got sloppy in the waning moments. I think we've got to go with the new guy though. 2 goals on 4 shots in just over 16:30 minutes TOI.

Thanks again to GMH for the image - which is slightly terrifying but awesome at the same time.

The New Jersey Devils All-Decade Second Team

John Fischer — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:15:09 -0000

More photos » by Bill Kostroun - AP

Zach Parise has much to be happy about. We think he's worthy to be named on the Devils' All-Decade Second Team. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

Browse more photos »

This season marks the end of a decade. It was a successful decade for the New Jersey Devils. They opened it up with a Stanley Cup, earned a second one in 2003, and they have put together a combined record of 462-247-62-31-18 for 1035 points not including this short season so far. From the 1999-2000 season through the 2008-0 season, the team has won 56.34% of all their games and taken 63.11% of all potential points. We have seen two numbers retired in Scott Stevens' #4 and Ken Daneyko's #3. We have seen franchise records broken such as Patrik Elias' 96 point season in 2000-01 and has led the franchise in points last season; Brian Gionta's 48 goals in 2005-06; and Martin Brodeur's taking over the NHL career win record in 2009. The team has even changed to a new home. The Devils have got out of the swamps at the Meadowlands and has moved into a fantastic new arena in Newark, the Prudential Center.

It's been a big decade.

While this season will fall under this realm, Steve Lepore, Thibaut "Tibbs" Deshayes, and myself felt it was a good idea to determine who were the best Devils in the 2000s. Steve initially came up with the topic, we agreed it was worth thinking about, and so we all named first and second teams. Eventually, we came up with two teams we could agree upon as who stood out the most in Devils' red. If you've been following the team for much of the last decade, then may not surprise you too much; but figuring out who is worthy and at what level is certainly worth discussing (as well as who didn't make it).

Today, I give you who we named as the New Jersey Devils' All-Decade Second Team. Three forwards, two defensemen, and a goalie were named as players who stood out but not necessarily standing out on their own. We didn't just consider the talent of the player, but also what they have accomplished as a Devil - for themselves and the team. Every player on both teams has put in at least four seasons with the Devils. I've written a blurb for each player. I've also included their regular season and playoff stats from this decade; do note that for current players, I've included their current numbers.

Tomorrow, I will post the First Team - the top Devils of the past decade. Read on for the Second Team.

Left Wing - Zach Parise (2005-06 - Current)

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	SOG	PCT
Season (2005-Current) - Zach Parise	347	135	145	280	54	111	37	2	29	1105	12.2
Playoffs (2006-Current) - Zach Parise	32	12	12	24	1	14	4	0	2	115	10.4

You may be asking, John, he's great, but he's only 25 - what is he doing here? I respond with, why not? Drafted in 2003, Parise was one of the most tantalizing prospects the Devils have ever drafted. The Devils traded up in that draft to get him, surprised that he was available after the 16th overall pick. Since being drafted, he was a First Team All-American at North Dakota and was MVP of the 2004 World Juniors Tournament. No other prospect in this decade has accomplished as much as Parise.

While his rookie year in 2005-06 didn't turn the hockey world upside down, you could see his potential in flashes. He exploded onto the NHL scene soon afterwards. In 2006-07, Parise showed off the depths of his offensive talented and doubled his rookie point total - 31 to 62. 2007-08 saw more of the same, but he led the team in scoring. In retrospect, it should be seen as a passing of the torch from Elias to Parise as the Devils' top forward. The 2008-09 season was a revelation as Parise challenged both Elias' team record for most points in a single season and Brian Gionta's team record for most goals in a season. While Parise came up short against both, the 45 goal, 94 point season made everyone in the hockey world stand up and take notice. The Devils have a new ultra-talented left winger, and to think, he's not even in his prime.

Already he's becoming more of a cornerstone for the post-lockout Devils, being named an alternate captain to the team and with hints of being the future captain. The best is yet to come, but Parise has already made his mark within the past decade.

Center - John Madden (1999-2000 - 2008-09)

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	SOG	PCT
Season (2005-Current) - John Madden	708	140	156	296	37	193	6	17	19	1529	9.2
Playoffs (2006-Current) - John Madden	112	20	21	41	3	24	2	4	4	289	10.4

John Madden wasn't drafted. In retrospect, you have to wonder why. He went to Michigan late and developed into a potent scorer. The Devils eventually signed him as an amateur free agent, leaving him to develop in Albany. What a find he became! Madden became a great scorer in 1998-99, putting up 38 goals and 60 assists in 75 games. Yet, when looking to make the Devils, it was advised that he try a checking center role.

That would be some of the best advice Madden ever took.

Madden became a regular center in 1999-2000 on the fourth line, potting 16 goals from a largely defensive role. Madden remained as a bottom six forward, eventually taking over the third line spot once Bobby Holik moved up (and later moved to the Rangers). While Madden would never consistently show offensive talent, he has his moments - namely a 6 goal, 10 assist effort in the 2003 postseason. More consistently and importantly, he was a consistent pain for the opposition. He, along with his usual partner, left winger Jay Pandolfo, would just hound opposition forwards all night long. For example, just look what he did to Mario Lemieux in Game 5 in the Eastern Conference Finals in 2001. He made stops, got under Mario's skin, took two slashes, and drew a cross-checking call.

His defensive play was recognized with being awarded the Frank J Selke trophy in 2001 and was a finalist for the best defensive forward award three times afterwards in 2003, 2004, and 2008. His heart, work ethic, and dogged marking of opposing players earned him the nickname "Mad Dog." He signed with Chicago in the past offseason, but he will always be respected and appreciated by the Devils faithful for his contributions to the team.

Right Wing - Brian Gionta (2001-02 - 2008-09)

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	SOG	PCT
Season (2005-Current) - Brian Gionta	473	152	160	312	62	227	48	5	30	1351	11.2
Playoffs (2006-Current) - Brian Gionta	67	19	21	40	4	18	5	2	5	187	10.2

Gionta is small. Exactly listed as 5'7", 170 lbs. small, but he had heart like the late Andre the Giant. He played big. Gionta was shifty, but he was more than willing to go to the front of the crease, take the punishment from bigger defensemen and forwards, and keep coming back for more. He represents yet another example of the Devils organization recognizing talent over a measurable like size.

After an excellent college career at Boston College, it didn't take long for Gionta to break into the NHL. He only spent 37 games with Albany before being called up for 33 games with the Devils in 2001-02. Gionta was decent, showing flashes of his offensive potential in the following two seasons; but he didn't break out. 21 goals in 75 games in 03-04 was good; but the effect is a bit diminished when you consider he only had 29 points that season. His peak came in the season immediately after the lockout. He eventually became the team's top right winger, playing along side Scott Gomez, and looking like he was developing into a good scorer. A bright spot in what was looking like a dismal season. Then Elias came back and when placed with Gomez and Gionta, it was then-perfect match-up. Gionta eventually broke out and took the franchise records for most power play goals in a season (24) and most goals in a single season with 48. He wasn't just on fire, he was an inferno. Many wondered what would Gionta do to follow that up.

Unfortunately, Gionta's production dropped off since then; but he still contributed with at least 20 goals in each of the next 3 seasons, while increasing his assists in those same three seasons (20, 31, 40). Not great, but more than acceptable as a secondary scorer. He was a player that the opposition still had to respect and while the total amount of goals dropped; he developed his playmaking skills and occasionally scored goals like he did in 2005-06. Gionta is no longer a Devil, but his magical 2005-06 season and the way he always played much bigger than his actual size will be remembered for years to come.

Left Defense - Scott Stevens (1999-2000 - 2003-04)

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	SOG	PCT
Season (2005-Current) - Scott Stevens	360	25	84	109	106	281	4	1	7	606	4.1
Playoffs (2006-Current) - Scott Stevens	78	7	21	28	31	61	1	0	1	103	6.8

While Scott Stevens' minutes and production declined in the twilight of his career, Stevens' defensive work, his strength, and leadership never did. While he only played four seasons in the 2000s, he remained an important cornerstone to the team. And his post-hockey life has been filled with honors later in the decade.

He was still top defender in 1999-2000, especially in that post season. In the 2000 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Conn Smythe didn't go to Jason Arnott, Patrik Elias, or Martin Brodeur - it went to Stevens. He was all over the place, wrecking forwards, clearing creases, and even put up 3 goals and 8 assists. He followed that up with a strong 2000-01 season. That was his best offensive season since 1993-94 and led the Devils all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals. From that season on, the next three saw fewer points; but Stevens was still a strong defensive defenseman, able to punish any forward with a massive hit or close them off from making an offensive play. He led the Devils in 2002-03 to the team's third Stanley Cup before a final injury-shortened swan song in 2003-04.

Since retiring after that season, Scott Stevens has had his #4 retired in 2006, inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 2007, and is currently being groomed within the organization as a coach. He is still having an impact on the newer defensemen, surely advising, motivating, and inspiring them - if not the whole team. For many, Scott Stevens represents the best of the New Jersey Devils, the best player to ever put on the jersey. That opinion may change in due time; but regardless of that, his accomplishments in this decade deserve inclusion among the best Devils defensemen in this same time frame.

Right Defense - Paul Martin (2003-04 - Current)

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	SOG	PCT
Season (2003-Current) - Paul Martin	387	24	130	154	46	112	10	0	5	472	5.1
Playoffs (2004-Current) - Paul Martin	37	2	14	16	-10	18	2	0	2	43	4.7

Much like Zach Parise is now the current offensive leader of the team, Paul Martin has rose in the ranks in this decade to become the team's top defenseman. He's a two-way defender like Brian Rafalski. He's not as prolific on offense, he's not particularly physical, and he's still getting used to leading breakouts this season. Yet, Martin's defensive awareness and positioning warrants respect. He's certainly getting it throughout the league, as teams get to see him plenty in all situations. Martin's average ice team per season through this season has increased from 20:07 (03-04) to first-pairing minutes right after the lockout with averages of 23:37, 25:14, 23:53, 24:22, 23:57 per game.

At 28, Martin has already established himself as the top defenseman on the Devils and he will only get better on the blueline as a veteran. Sure, Colin White has been a Devil for much longer and has enjoyed more success than Martin. Yet, Martin has been the relied on much more than White on average for a reason. He's just an intelligent defender who has led the Devils' blueline since the departure of Brian Rafalski - something Colin White has not done (which is fine, as he's really a #3). No, he's not a true #1 stud defender like Stevens or Scott Niedermayer, but he can play in all situations and take big minutes against the best opposing forwards night after night. After last season, he is no longer a hidden gem in the NHL and the best is yet to come. Hopefully, he'll continue making an impact in New Jersey.

Goaltender - Scott Clemmensen (2001-2007, 2008-2009)

	GP	W	L	T	OT	SO	GA	SA	SV%	GAA	MIN
Season (2001-2009) - Scott Clemmensen	65	32	19	0	5	4	150	1666	.909	2.54	3547
Playoffs (2006) - Scott Clemmensen	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	1.000	0.00	7

Of all the backup goaltenders to Martin Brodeur, the only one who got more than just a few games was Scott Clemmensen. When Martin Brodeur suffered a torn bicep to his left arm in 2008-09, Devils fans were worried. Rightfully concerned of what will happen to the team without Martin Brodeur for 3-4 months. Could Kevin Weekes or Scott Clemmensen step up? Ultimately, Clemmensen proved to be the better candidate and head coach Brent Sutter went with the Iowa-born netminder as the main replacement for Brodeur. Clemmensen played in 40 games, earned a record of 25-13-1 with a G.A.A. of 2.39, a save percentage of 91.7%, and two shutouts. It would be the best performance by a Devils goaltender not named Brodeur in this entire decade while helping the Devils earn the franchise record of wins in a single season. There can be no other choice than Scott Clemmensen for this position.

And there you have it. The New Jersey Devils All-Decade Second Team:

Zach Parise - John Madden - Brian Gionta

Scott Stevens-Paul Martin

Scott Clemmensen

Thank you for reading. Feel free to discuss any of the players in the comments. Perhaps you would have liked to have seen someone else. Maybe you want to add your own thoughts about any one of these players. If you don't feel like waiting until tomorrow, you can even speculate on who we named to the First Team.

New Jersey Devils Departures and Replacements at the Quarterpoint

John Fischer — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:51:44 -0000

More photos » by Gene J. Puskar - AP

How does Niclas Bergfors, the rookie scoring winger for the Devils, compare to Brian Gionta, who was the team's second line right winger last season? (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Browse more photos »

In this past offseason, the New Jersey Devils have lost some significant players to free agency. Here's a list of the notable departed players from last season:

John Madden signed with Chicago
Brian Gionta signed with Montreal
Scott Clemmensen signed with Florida
Mike Rupp signed with Pittsburgh
Bobby Holik retired

To replace those spots, the Devils gave Nicklas Bergfors a real shot to make the team as a scoring winger and has stayed up ever since. Also, after training camp, the Devils assigned Rod Pelley to center the fourth line as Bobby Holik did for much of 2008-09. With respect to the other three spots the Devils signed Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond, Andrew Peters, and Ilkka Pikkarainen as "tough" wingers; signed Rob Niedermayer to play center on the fourth line; and signed Yann Danis as a backup goaltender.

A reader suggested that I compare how these players are doing with respect to how the departed players are doing at the quarterpoint mark of the season. A quick comparison of stats via NHL.com follows after the jump.

Second Line Right Wing - The Departed: Brian Gionta

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	ATOI	SOG	PCT
2009 - Brian Gionta	19	8	5	13	3	8	2	0	1	20:53	65	12.3

The Replacement: Nicklas Bergfors

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	ATOI	SOG	PCT
2009 - Nicklas Bergfors	21	5	9	14	0	6	3	0	2	15:23	55	9.1

Now, Gionta broke his foot; but prior to that he was enjoying his hockey with Montreal. He's been scoring goals and playing on Montreal's top line. Only injury has really slowed down Gionta so far this season. Who actually is playing right wing on the second line is debatable as Jacques Lemaire switches his lines from game to game, often within the game. Based on his role as a scoring winger, I feel Bergfors would be the appropriate choice as his replacement. While the rookie doesn't have as many goals, he's got one more point than Gionta with less average time per game, and he has shown a good tendency to shoot. Of course, Bergfors should remain more productive just because he's healthy; but I feel he needs work with his consistency. After putting up 5 points in 2 games, he only has 2 shots on net in his last 4 games. He can't dip into spells like that, not as an offensive winger. But so far, so good.

As an additional note, David Clarkson potting in 7 goals (3 PPG) and 8 assists is a significant amount of production in Gionta's departure not necessarily being a big deal. Since Clarkson's role changes along with where he's moved to in the lineup (e.g. more physical on a fourth line, more defensive on a third line), that's even more impressive than Bergfors' start as a rookie.

Third Line Center - The Departed: John Madden

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	ATOI	SOG	PCT
2009 - John Madden	21	4	4	8	-1	10	0	0	0	16:47	36	11.1

The Replacement: Rob Niedermayer

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	ATOI	SOG	PCT
2009 - Rob Niedermayer	13	2	5	7	3	4	0	0	0	17:38	19	10.5

Madden has been playing his brand of defensive hockey for the benefit of Chicago. Rob Niedermayer was a late signing in preseason, but has been a mainstay on the Devils' third line until he got injured. Niedermayer has fit in well and even provided some early production as a nice bonus. Niedermayer was actually used more often than Madden has been in Chicago; but Madden has the advantage in shots against differential per 60 minutes in even strength situations over Niedermayer according to the numbers at Behind the Net. Had Niedermayer not get hurt earlier this month, the comparison would be more meaningful. As of now, it's Tim Sestito holding the role and there really isn't much of a comparison there. But when Niedermayer does get healthy, he'll retake his spot as the third line center.

Fourth Line Winger - The Departed: Mike Rupp

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	ATOI	SOG	PCT
2009 - Michael Rupp	23	4	2	6	2	29	0	0	0	9:05	25	16.0

The Replacements: Andrew Peters, Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond, Ilkka Pikkarainen

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	ATOI	SOG	PCT
2009 - Andrew Peters	13	0	0	0	-4	18	0	0	0	5:49	10	0.0

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	ATOI	SOG	PCT
2009 - Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond	7	0	0	0	-3	0	0	0	0	5:16	2	0.0

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	ATOI	SOG	PCT
2009 - Ilkka Pikkarainen	13	0	1	1	-3	6	0	0	0	8:17	7	0.0

Yeah, this isn't really close. Rupp has been very useful in his limited role with Pittsburgh and has gotten more ice time on average than any of these three players. Whereas these three Devils wingers are incredibly limited and haven't contributed much of anything this season. Even in hits, Rupp has 53 - which is 5 more than these three Devils combined (Peters has 17, Pikkarainen has 17, and Leblond has 14). Granted, the position isn't crucial for success; so it's not like the Devils are sorely missing Rupp. Yet, you want a contribution from all your lines and the fourth line hasn't done much of that for New Jersey.

Fourth Line Center - The Departed: Bobby Holik

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	ATOI	SOG	PCT
2008 - Bobby Holik	62	4	5	9	-2	66	0	0	1	10:11	79	5.1

The Replacement: Rod Pelley

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	ATOI	SOG	PCT
2009 - Rod Pelley	20	0	2	2	-6	11	0	0	0	7:11	18	0.0

Since Holik is retired, I'm using his numbers from last season for comparison. And it's not really that bad. Holik didn't contribute much outside of getting limited action per game, throwing a couple hits, winning faceoffs, and contributing a little production. I have no issue with Pelley's offense, but if he got minutes similar to Holik's then it should improve slightly. Pelley does have one big advantage over Holik. Pelley's not likely going to get benched in the second half of the season for getting aggressive and taking really dumb calls regularly. Then again, Lemaire hasn't shown much faith in the fourth line as seen by their average ice time, so it may be a moot point. So far, Pelley has done OK in that spot.

Backup Goaltender - The Departed: Scott Clemmensen

	GP	MIN	W	L	T	EGA	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
2009 - Scott Clemmensen	5	247	3	1			17	4.13	139	122	.878	0

The Replacement: Yann Danis

	GP	MIN	W	L	T	EGA	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
2009 - Yann Danis	3	140	2	0			5	2.14	65	60	.923	0

Scott Clemmensen has had a rough time in Florida as Tomas Vokoun's backup. He's been shelled for goals and not inspiring any confidence in his team. A big contrast to how he played in relief of Martin Brodeur when Brodeur was injured. Danis has been earning the confidence of the Devils' coaching staff however. They gave him two starts in back-to-back situations and was given the start in Dallas on Saturday after two losses. Sure, Danis was pulled in that Dallas game, but he had no real chance at the goals and I doubt he'll be placed in exile for it. While he hasn't played as much as Clemmensen, Danis has the better numbers and will likely continue getting a few more games here and there in New Jersey. Best of luck to Clemmensen in turning it around in Florida.

Looking just at the numbers, it's clear to me that the Devils have done an adequate job in filling in these larger holes in the roster. Granted, if Gionta wasn't injured, then it may be a different story. But we can only compare what has been done and honestly, the only real big gap is at fourth line winger as Rupp's job has not really been replaced. You can argue that third line center is an issue now with Rob Niedermayer injured and leaving Tim Sestito - an AHL callup - to take over with spot duty (though the job may be Dean McAmmond's now).

Perhaps this is to be expected. After all, despite going winless in their last three games, the Devils are still 14-5-1 and only a point outside of the Atlantic Division lead. From that alone, one could say the Devils have not been rocked too hard by the losses of these players. However, it is heartening to see that some of the replacements for their positions are generally doing as well as the departed players for the most part. Hopefully, this continues for the rest of the season.

Feel free to disagree or agree with how I'm looking at the departed and replacement players. Are you happy with the replacement players who aren't fourth line wingers? Do you wish any of those departed players didn't leave New Jersey as they did over the summer? Do you have a better way of comparing these players, or a different perspective? Please let everyone know what you think in the comments.

Shark Sandwich - Hawks 4, Sharks 3 (OT)

McClure — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:40:34 -0000

Eight of eight points against 3 top conference foes and one truculent opponent? Yeah, we'll take it. Tonight's win wasn't pretty, but an ugly win is still a win.

Things started off well enough with Brent Sopel (yes, BRENT SOPEL) notching his first of the year on a one time feed from Jordan Hendry who won the puck down low skating at forward tonight. Fresh call-up Bryan Bickell provided a nice screen on a shot that Evgeni Nabokov never saw. The Sharks answered later on in the period when dickweed Dany Heatley took a feed from Joe Thornton on a play that the Hawks should have cleared the zone on, but Jason Demers made a nice play to cut off Troy Brouwer receiving the exit pass.

Early in the second, we got to see the numbskullery we had been missing from Ben Eager, where he somehow managed to earn an extra two minute unsportsmanlike conduct penalty from his scrap with cro-magnon Douglas Murray. On the ensuing power play, the Sharks broke the Hawks streak of 18 straight penalties killed when Demers picked up a loose puck in the left circle on a broken play. It was a shot Huet did not get over to his post in time to cover. Forty-five seconds later, Patrick Marleau got a pass from Joe Pavelski in the slot, where he was left alone in a defensive breakdown, and was allowed to get two cracks at the net, the second of which he punched through. For the rest of the period, the ice was tilted in the Hawks favor. Patrick Kane picked a corner over Nabokov's glove to cut the deficit in half. With about a minute and a half to go, John Madden tied things up after skating through four Sharks to bury a rebound of a shot that was generated between he, Andrew Ladd, and Troy Brouwer. There was a scare in the middle of the frame when the puck squirted behind Huet and the Sharks had thought they had scored, but there was no indication on the ice, and the war room in Toronto determined no goal.

The third period was a rather tenative affair, with neither team generating much offensively, almost playing as if they were resigned to the fate of overtime as teams once did in the pre-lockout era. The Hawks ended things quickly with a great shift from Troy Brouwer and Jonathan Toews, who won the puck after hard work in behind the Shark net, with Toews finally able to slip it to a pinching Brent Seabrook who shot the puck through Nabokov for his second of the year, and second OT winner. Ballgame.

The Hawks were without the services of Kris Versteeg tonight, who was likely banged up after getting demolished by Jeff Finger on Friday night. Bryan "Don't Call me Travis" Bickell filled in admirably, and proving to be basically the left handed version of Troy Brouwer, which isn't a bad thing to be at this point.
Glad to see the Hawks hang tough and win over the top team in the league with basically half of their top 6 out for tonight's game (Bolland, Versteeg, Hossa).
Niklas Hjalmarsson continues to impress with his patience and smarts in his own end. As we've mentioned before here, and in the Indian, pay attention and marvel at his knack for absorbing a hit to make the correct pass. Additionally, he had a nice break up of a rush by dropping to a knee and taking away a passing lane.
Coach Q broke form and got way less matchup happy in the second period when the Hawks were down two goals, in an effort to generate some offense. Of course, with the score knotted in the third, John Madden once again resumed shadow detail on Thornton.
It wasn't Huet's best night, but he made a gigantic save on Scott Nichol in the waning seconds of regulation, so credit has to be given. All we as fans have asked from him is to just make the key save, and there was none bigger in the contest than that one.
The Hawks again limited one of the top offensive teams in the league to just 23 shots.
EDIT: John Madden was 9-0 on draws. The man love grows ever stronger.

Player of the Game

Though realistically, the honor should have gone to Patrick Marleau, who was everywhere tonight, you don't really think we'd pick someone from the other team, do you? So in that case, I'm going to go ahead and hand this out to Hammer, who was again rock solid tonight, in spite of being -1. Stats be damned, I know what I saw.

Return of the King - Hawks 4, Kings 1

McClure — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:24:22 -0000

More photos » by Charles Rex Arbogast - AP

Browse more photos »

....and I don't mean Raitis Ivanans.For the first time in two and a half weeks, the Hawks had their captain and top center back in the lineup, and it showed. On top of winning 13 of 20 draws, Jonathan Toews added the insurance goal in what ended up as a one-sided (for the last 20 minutes) affair for the Hawks.

The first period started things off at a lively pace, with both teams trading chances and both Jonathan Quick and Cristobal Huet having an answer for all of them. While the Hawks outshot the Kings only by a 13-11 margin, the ice was tilted in the Hawks' favor the majority of the time. These were clearly not the Kings of last year, favoring a more wide-open attack, particularly while boasting the league's leading scorer in Anze Kopitar.

After a scoreless first, John Madden added a tally a little over a minute into the second frame on a backhand that farted through Quick's legs that was on a rush sprung on a rush by Duncan Keith and Troy Brouwer. LA answered about 8 minutes later when Kopitar found himself untouched on Huet's doorstep to pound home a rebound of a Drew Doughty shot after the entirety of the Hawks skaters had collapsed below the top of the rings. Huet made a few key saves to survive what was left of the second, before Patrick Sharp drew an interference call with five seconds left in the period.

On the ensuing power play in the third period, it was Sharp who found himself with time and space walking out from the left half wall to fire a wrist shot at Quick which Troy Brouwer tipped home. A couple minutes later, the Kings again found themselves shorthanded, and Jonathan Toews slid a backhander past quick after finding a loose puck alone in front of the LA net. Andrew Ebbett later netted his first as a Hawk after having a puck redirect into the goal off his nipple on a broken play. From there on out, the Kings never really mounted a threat; Hawks win 4-1.

Even with Bolland out, what a difference having Toews back makes when everyone is skating (for the most part) in their proper roles
The "Versteeg-at-center" experience lasted all of two shifts before Quenneville jumbled the shit out of the lines
Since being called out by this blog, Patrick Sharp has once again been skating like he gives a shit when he's not on Patrick Kane's line.
Good god, two moments of adequacy from the power play!
It's been real nice these past couple of weeks to have Cristobal Huet's play be an afterthought to the rest of the game.
The Hawks' defensive positioning in their own zone is really something to behold these days. At least in that aspect of the game, they're already playing like it's late May.

Player of the Game

Our Boy Troy has worked his ass off for every second of ice time he's sniffed this young season, and he was finally rewarded with significant power play time and a three-point effort. He was the first star as far as the press contingent at the UC was concerned, and he's also our first star here. Well done, sir.

New Jersey Devils Morning News, Nov 3

TibbsBeastoftheEast — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:31:44 -0000

Devils expect Elias to play this week - (The Bergen Record)
Langenbrunner to practice Tuesday; Oduya day-to-day - (Fire & Ice)

Elias "not in shape," but might be ready to play this weekend - (Fire & Ice)
Elias on ice for first practice of the season; Oduya, Langenbrunner not practicing - (Fire & Ice)
NJ Devils Patrik Elias practiced Monday, eyes weekend return - (The Star Ledger)
Patrik Elias practices with NJ Devils for first time; Johnny Oduya, Jamie Langenbrunner absent - (The Star Ledger)
Devils welcome back out-of-shape Elias - (The New York Post)
Elias returns to practice - (NewJerseyDevils.com); also check Patrick Elias' interview
Builders induction a fitting tribute to Lou Lamoriello - (NHL.com)
NHL Standings - (Yahoo NHL)
Devils' players stats - (Yahoo NHL)
Devils Team Report - (Yahoo NHL)
Hard time at home - (Asbury Park Press)
Announcing "Spooking Sidney": A Writing Challenge - (Interchangeable Parts)

LOWELL DEVILS
Lowell Devils Annual Food Drive Begins November 7 - (LowellDevilsHockey.com)

AROUND THE NHL
Central: Madden gets his points across to Blackhawks - (NHL.com)
Jay Feaster's Blog: Looking at Team Canada after a month of hockey - (The Hockey News)
THN.com Blog: Players beginning to speak out against head shots - (The Hockey News)

MISCELLANEOUS
Honourary Captains Announced For Subway Super Series Game In Windsor - (OurSports Central); Marcel Pronovost and Igor Larionov

New Jersey Devils Morning News, Oct 29

TibbsBeastoftheEast — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:43:13 -0000

Slow start dooms Devils in 4-1 loss to Sabres - (The Bergen Record)
Elias and Devils support Trick or Treat for UNICEF - (Fire & Ice)