In professional sports, there are certain successful organizations like the Yankees, Patriots, and New Jersey Devils.  Unlike the Pats and Devs, every non-Yankee fan hates, despises, and loathes the Bronx Bombers.  I did not mean to such harsh terminology, but that is how people feel towards the Spankees.  Why then did Ryan Dixon of The Hockey News refer to the Devils as New Jersey Nobodies?  Simple.  He is envious of the Devils’ accomplishments since moving to the Garden State in 1982.

Nothing was fun and games in the 1983-84 season, when Wayne Gretzky deemed them a “Mickey Mouse” organization to a reporter after his Edmonton Oilers beat the Devils 13-4.

However, since that point, really since 1990, karma kicked in for the Devils.  They have made the postseason in 17 of 19 years in the Meadowlands, including every year since 1990 excluding the ‘96 campaign.  That included three Stanley Cups, four Conference Championships, and seven Atlantic Division Titles.  Hmm.

If Dixon is trying to stir controversy, he is failing miserably.  Remember, this is the National Hockey League.  Nobody cares about hockey in this country except for the majority of NHL rookies that are born in North America and Jacque Lemaire, who will not be fired, ever and Chicago Blackhawk fans.

Truthfully, Dixon stated the obvious in his article.

“Less talent, new coach, same result.”

True, cannot score consistently.  Brent Sutter, new head coach.  They keep winning (first place).  He must have used Yahoo Sports and Wikipedia in his research.

I cannot argue or debate Dixon for saying this.  The Devils lost Scott Gomez and Brian Ralfalski to free agency and replaced them with Dainius Zubrus, and a bunch of no-name rooks and veterans, precisely what GM Lou Lamoriello does each year.  He finds the second-liners and defensemen that fit the Devils defensive-minded style of play.

In Dixon’s piece, “Nothing New For (New) Jersey,” he mentioned Patrik Elias’ struggles, yet the team remained in first place by five points, no less, over the rival Rangers and Penguins.

Maybe, he forgot about the last two games against Edmonton and then in Calgary.  He is not getting traded any time soon.

Now, Dixon disrespected the Devils and referred to them as the “New Jersey Nobodies.”  Big mistake.  Just ask Gretzky.  Devils thrive on karma.

I also think he is a diehard Rangers fan, who realizes that they have not won squat since 1993-94 and before that, 1939-40.  I have a feeling that they will not win another Stanley Cup in 54 years.  By that time, the Devils, who average one every eight years, will have celebrated in downtown Newark about six more times.

We just need a successor to Martin Brodeur’s throne in about five years when his contract expires.  Oh yeah, that's five years away.  No worries.  Just Buffalo at the Prudential Center Friday night and an extra special Happy Holidays post from Bill.

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