Is New Jersey Beginning To Fade?
The great state of New Jersey maybe have brought us the music of Bruce Springsteen but right now the New Jersey Devils are starting to dwindle! After a glorious period from 1995 to 2003 which included 3 cup wins, the Devils have only been the finals once since in 2012 when they lost in six games to the LA Kings. Last season they finished only 11th in the Eastern conference and the seasons only real highlight was Martin Brodeur being selected for the new NHL 14 cover!
Problem with this team is the key elements that them such a threat are either long gone or about to leave, missing are the days of the tough defensive pair of Scott Stevens and Scott Neidermeyer. Right now NJ doesn't have that back line that makes a difference and with Brodeur now 40 and seemingly on the verge of ending his great career, it seems that their fail safe options are thinning out!
So should this team look to the future? Well right those options are looking scarce, kid wonder Zach Parise bolted to Minnesota last year for a larger salary and solid third liner David Clarkson joined the Maple Leafs and immediately got a 10 games for leaving the bench to brawl! This season's acquisitions have so far left a lot to be desired with new goalie-of-the-future Cory Schneider failing to shine in net. But; as a Canucks fan I will reserve judgement on this man because he needs friends at this time. Damien Brunner has also proved a disappointment after his good form at Detroit and has only mustered only 8 points.
So far this year the Devils currently stand 9th in the Eastern Conference and 4th in the Metropolitan division. 41 year old Hockey veteran Jaromir Jagr has been the sole stand out with 22 points and has showed that age isn't slowing him down yet. But with the lack of interesting hockey on display at the Prudential Center, it seems that this may be another season where the playoffs are beyond their reach and we should expect a rise on odds on coach Peter De Boer being canned!
One day glory shall return the state of New Jersey, but that may be sometime away!
Problem with this team is the key elements that them such a threat are either long gone or about to leave, missing are the days of the tough defensive pair of Scott Stevens and Scott Neidermeyer. Right now NJ doesn't have that back line that makes a difference and with Brodeur now 40 and seemingly on the verge of ending his great career, it seems that their fail safe options are thinning out!
So should this team look to the future? Well right those options are looking scarce, kid wonder Zach Parise bolted to Minnesota last year for a larger salary and solid third liner David Clarkson joined the Maple Leafs and immediately got a 10 games for leaving the bench to brawl! This season's acquisitions have so far left a lot to be desired with new goalie-of-the-future Cory Schneider failing to shine in net. But; as a Canucks fan I will reserve judgement on this man because he needs friends at this time. Damien Brunner has also proved a disappointment after his good form at Detroit and has only mustered only 8 points.
So far this year the Devils currently stand 9th in the Eastern Conference and 4th in the Metropolitan division. 41 year old Hockey veteran Jaromir Jagr has been the sole stand out with 22 points and has showed that age isn't slowing him down yet. But with the lack of interesting hockey on display at the Prudential Center, it seems that this may be another season where the playoffs are beyond their reach and we should expect a rise on odds on coach Peter De Boer being canned!
One day glory shall return the state of New Jersey, but that may be sometime away!
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