Eastern Conference

• TSN's Power Rankings: Ottawa Ahead of New Jersey and Montreal-- Are You Serious???- Power rankings do not mean anything to me.  I don't care for them at all.  They're useless and full of inaccuracies.  But, when TSN.ca decided to rank Ottawa ahead of Montreal and New Jersey yesterday, I maddened and screamed.  What have the Senators accomplished recently to justify the fourth spot?  I can easily justify the Devils recent road success, recording four wins on the road, including two consecutive at western conference foes.  In fact, the Devils maintain the second best record (7-3-0) for an eastern conference
• Season Predictions: From Hart to 2008 Stanley Cup Champions- With the clock ticking, I reveal my predictions for the regular season's most valuable player, rookie, defenseman and goaltender. Then, not in any order particular order, I offer my "two cents" on the Eastern and Western Conference representatives fighting in the Stanley Cup Finals. Warning Sign: Detroit and Pittsburgh WILL NOT compete in the championship round despite their best efforts this season, due to their goaltender issues. Although Ty Conklin has successfully taken over the goaltender reins in Fleury's absence, Conblock cannot dominate a seven-game series.
• Elias Lifts Devils into Eastern Conference Lead- Throughout his career, the Devils have relied upon Patrik Elias's experience and ability to perform down the stretch.  He carried the team yet again last night.  Elias’s goal with 58 seconds left in overtime boosted New Jersey (26-35-7) to a 2-1 decision over visiting Tampa Bay (39-23-6) at the Prudential Center and, more importantly, sole possession of first place in the Eastern Conference.

  Competing in front of an announced attendance of 15,670, the Devils outshot the Lightning 33-22, dominating many aspects of their fourth and

• And They're Off...- The Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference has never been so exciting. As of right now the New Jersey Devils sit atop both the division and the conference, but as we all know, this could change over night with the Pittsburgh Penguins only one point behind the Devils. The New York Rangers are also playing some of their best hockey of the season, making the task of winning the division that much harder.

  The

• Getting Better With Age- Martin Brodeur showed many signs of slowing down and aging at the beginning of this season. A 14-year veteran, Brodeur played uninspired hockey in the opening month (3-6-0, 3.02 GAA), allowing weak, atypical goals, and more importantly, losing more games than expected. Fortunately for the Devils team and their die-hard fans alike, the "new and seemingly aging" Brodeur did not last for more than six weeks. Since the middle of November, he has returned to the Brodeur that we are more familiar with: the record-breaking (22 wins away from tying Patrik Roy’s
• Devils Slaughter 'Canes, Gain Share of First Place in Eastern Conference- Five different players scored goals and New Jersey improved to 3-0 versus Carolina this season with a 5-1 win in front of 16,182. With the victory, the Devils improved to 4-0-1 in their last five games and captured a share of first place in the Eastern Conference standings.

  Although they have played two games this past weekend on consecutive nights, the Devils were healthier and more effective than the Hurricanes.

• General Managers Meet in Naples: Trade Deadline Approaching- With the trade deadline approaching faster than a speeding bullet, all 30 NHL general managers convened in Naples, Fla. for a tan, some cookies and discussions. There are many rumors regarding who is likely to be moved before Feb. 26 at 3pm eastern time. Scott Burnside of ESPN thinks that 6
• Southeast Sleepiness- Is anyone else concerned about the Southeast Division’s weakness from 15? I look at this division and I find it hard to believe some of their current records and seeds. If it were not for the division leader rule, the Southeast would not have qualified a member for the postseason as of today. The NHL did not even implement the policy until they separated the teams into three divisions per conference. I am stunned, especially considering the division’s talented skaters. Washington, Carolina, Atlanta, Florida and Tampa Bay. I am just stunned.
• Devils Upend Thrashers, Can They Make it Four Straight?- The New Jersey Devils have broken out of their slump and the Tampa Bay Lightning are in the midst of their three-game losing streak.  Goaltender Martin Brodeur is heating up and just recorded his first shutout of the season, 3-0, last night over the Thrashers, a milestone no less.  He is 1-1 against the Lightning this year, losing the season opener 3-1 before a 6-1 convincing victory in the Prudential Center.  Jamie Langenbrunner has made a serious contribution since returning to the lineup on Nov.
• Starting to level off...-

  The New Jersey Devils are starting to play like the team that most critics expected. As Jeremy pointed out, in his very accurate piece on the Devils progress so far, they cannot put the puck in the net, as expected. During a stretch spanning November and early December, the Devils seemed almost unbeatable, going 9-0.

• London in 2007, More Europe in 2008- The NHL will open the 2008-09 season in Europe, NHL.com reported. The players’ organization has yet to ratify the league's decision, which will affect four eastern conference teams. I apologize about not posting this story two days ago, when it was first announced. I just returned from winter vacation and I had to revert to my academia. The league will attempt to replicate its success with Anaheim and Los Angeles opening the current season with two games in London.
• The New OHL (Ovehckin's Hockey League)-

  There are three types of forwards usually found on NHL teams: the grinder, play maker and goal scorer.  Let me explain all three to you, while Jeremy discussed the Devils UFAs already.  Don't jump the gun.  Then there is Alexander Ovechkin, who may in fact comprise all three genres.  If there is an Oscar for best NHL player, he may win it.  Yep, he's that good.

• Devils Host Maple Leafs and NY Football Giants Playoff Game-

  The New Jersey Devils, who are hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs at 5 o'clock, did not expect the New York football Giants to be playing today at 6:30.  To accommodate Devils and Giants fans, myself one of them, the Prudential Center will broadcast the Gmen's NFC Championship Game on TVs throughout the arena and the Bud Light Goal Bar, Restaurant, and Fire and Ice Lounges will stay open for the entire NFC title game in Green Bay.
  

• Devils Power Play Fails Again in Disappointing Loss to Florida-

  Although the New Jersey Devils were hosting a backup goaltender and several minor leaguers, they flopped against the Florida Panthers.  The Devils, who played in front of 15,203, failed to capitalize on five power play opportunities, en route to their second consecutive home loss.  The Panthers defeated the Devils 2-1 behind spectacular play by reserve netminder Craig Anderson, timely scoring and strong penalty killing.

• Devils Score Four, Brodeur Shuts the Door-

  The New Jersey Devils seem to amaze the hockey world night after night.  Tonight was no different as they dismantled the Southeast Division leading Carolina Hurricanes 4-1 (Just as Ethan predicted they would). 

  The Devils seem to get scoring from everyone this season.  Last night four different New Jersey players tallied goals as the Atlantic Division's hottest team collected two more points (some may argue that Pittsburgh is hotter considering it has won eight straight).

• Ovechkin Lands Record Contract- Alexander Ovechkin has agreed to a 13-year contract extension with the Washington Capitals worth a record setting $124 million. 
  
  ESPN is reporting that Ovechin signed the record contract "working out the details himself in negotiations with owner Ted Leonsis and GM George McPhee."
  
• One Size Doesn’t Fit All-

  In recent years, goal scoring and television ratings have been the main topics of discussion around the National Hockey League.  Mostly, the discussion has been how to increase scoring which will in turn increase ratings (I believe this to be false as any true/old school hockey fan would rather see a 1-0 low-scoring affair with great goaltending and many scoring chances).

• NHL All-Star Fan Balloting Final Numbers, Brodeur's 10th Appearance, 4th Career Start- Unlike the Presidential election and last year's "Vote for Rory" scandal, there were no miscalculations this time around.  No illusions, aberrations, or inaccuracies.  The 2008 NHL All-Star Fan Balloting results were as successful as the Winter Classic.  You can't ask for much more for that.
  
• Devils Host Sabres Tonight, Begin Second Half of Season-

  The New Jersey Devils definitely slept well last night.  Even though they lost to Boston on Jan. 5, they looked at the standings and realized they remained in first place.  Despite injuries and offseason departures, they have managed to hold down the fort for the first half of the 2007-08 campaign.  They have done so with timely scoring, superior goaltending, and the addition of some new arrivals.

• NHL Calendar, All Star Game Later This Month-

  Later this month, the world will experience some peace and quiet with the  2008 NHL All-Star Weekend in Atlanta, Georgia.  Well, not exactly.  I hope the Philadelphia Flyers are not invited though.  They are not friendly creatures.  NY Islanders' Chris Simon is not welcome either.  Can someone encourage him to do rehab?  I am not certain that a 30-game suspension will suffice for someone who broke his own 25-game record established back in March for a dangerous and violent stick-butting inci

• Devils Like New Arena, Very Very Much-

  The New Jersey Devils have now played at their new Prudential Center arena for 11 full weeks.  We decided to review the positive memories and the few bad experiences (opening night) from the past two-plus months, in their new house.  Unfortunately, things were not very joyous on Oct 27th, 2007.  They were not nearly as disastrous as the The NHL's All-Star “Rorygate” voting disaster last season.

• NHL All-Star Game Final Numbers-

  The fans spoke.  After several months of deliberation, they voted for Crosby, Levacalier, Markov, Chara, and Martin Brodeur to lead the east.  Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Lidstrom, Phaneuf, and Luongo received the most votes for the Western Conference.  The NHL will officially release the starting line-ups Jan. 8.

• Devils Stellar Play of Late Earns Coach a Spot in All-Star Game-

  ESPN reported that Mike Babcock of the Detroit Red Wings, Ron Wilson of the San Jose Sharks, John Paddock of the Ottawa Senators and Brent Sutter of the New Jersey Devils will comprise the 2008 All-Star game coaching staff. 

• Atlantic Division: New Year's Eve Update- In early November, the New Jersey Devils faced their Atlantic Division opponents in nine consecutive games.  They went 4-1 against Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, but 0-3-1 against the New York Rangers and Islanders. 
• Devils Tickets Still Available for Tonight-

  The New Jersey Devils want you, not to join the army, but to attend some games this year, especially weekday matchups. Tonight, they host the Florida Panthers at the Prudential Center, their third meeting of the season.

• Devils Late-Night Statistics-

  I am incredibly bored and have nothing better to do at 4 a.m. on the east coast.  I am assuming that you are sleeping in a warm cozy bed.  I will join all of you shortly (in my bed).  In the meantime, enjoy some Devils’ statistics, which I find valuable and important to their success this season.
  

• New Jersey Devils Broadcast and Attendance Information- The New Jersey Devils host the Buffalo Sabres on Friday night at 7 p.m at the Prudential Center.  The game is on FSNY, MSG and on WFAN 660 AM.  There is no preview tonight on television.  Tomorrow night, the Devils travel to Long Island to face the Islanders.  The Islanders' TV guys will host on FSNY and Doc and Chico (Devils tandem) on FSNY 2 since it is a road game.  I a
• Happy Holidays as Devils Rest Up...-

  First and foremost, I would like to wish everyone a happy holiday, whatever it is that you are celebrating.  I celebrate Christmas and it was one of the most hectic ones ever!  So I hope that everyone has been having happy and healthy ones everywhere. 

• Off Season Transactions- With less than three months until opening night, the New Jersey Devils resigned their top scorer from last season Zach Parise( 31 goals). Son of JP, a former Minnesota North Stars Captain, Zach excelled in many facets this past season.  At 4 years and 12.5 million dollars, the restricted free agent was a steal compared to the massive overpaid contracts.
  
• Devils Daily Gets Recognized-

  After months of hard work and dedication, Devilsdaily has finally been recognized.  Credit Ian, Mo, Joel, Bill, and everyone else involved for their loyalty and dedication.  We started back in August and have no written over 250 blog posts since then with many more on the way.  Blogtalkradio

• Time to Say Goodbye- At the end of a playing career, professional athletes and their bodies tend to wear down physically and mentally.  It's one of the reasons that NFL running backs Barry Sanders and Tiki Barber retired before the age of 32.  However, there are other athletes like Brett Favre, who, at 38, is still starting at quarterback for the Green Bay Packers.
  
• Puffy Coats and Exaggerated Dollars-

  The NHL has a creative salary cap system that has forced general managers to sign players to fatter and more extensive contracts.  This has led to overpaid and some ridiculous contracts.  For starters, Islanders goaltender Rick DiPietro signed a 15-year, $67.5 million deal to remain in Long Island essentially until he retir

• Devils Start Three Game Trip Tonight-

  Tonight, our New Jersey Devils hit the road (and plane) to take on the Vancouver Canucks in the first game of a three-game western Canada road trip that will also include the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers.  The Devils are hitting the road after winning a big Atlantic Division game against the Philadelphi

• Devils Travel to Boston... Take on Bruins No. 2 Goaltender... Finish Road Trip- The New Jersey Devils travel to Boston tonight to face the Bruins and backup goaltender Alex Auld for the first time this season.  Auld, 0-2 lifetime against the Devils, replaced Tim Thomas (strained groin) and Manny Fernandez (possibly out for the season) as the starting goaltender for the time being... Let's just say that he's off to a good start, 3-0 for the
  
• Devils looking at Schneider?- Since former Devils defenseman Scott Niedermayer announced that he will return to the Anaheim Ducks this season, all I've been able to think about is whether New Jersey Devils GM Lou Lamoriello would be able to get something out of this situation to help the Devils.
  
• All Star Voting Update... No Surprises- Vote for the NHL All-Star starting lineups.  You have until Jan. 2 to determine the starting lineups.  Get out there... hustle.... Anyway, here's the latest from the NHL... not many surprises on the Eastern front... rainy, cold, nasty, Sid the Kid still in front of all voters...
• Power rankings, Devils Ahead of Pack...-

  The USA Today's most recent power rankings listed the New Jersey Devils as the second best team behind the unanimous first-place Detroit Red Wings.  You can attribute the team's success to a recent nine-game winning streak that was halted on Sunday.  Others placed the Devils a little bit lower after the quick losses.
  

• Devils Lose To Capitals, Snaps 10-Game Point Streak-

  Playing in the nation’s capital for the first time this season, the New Jersey Devils were defeated by the Washington Capitals 3-2.  In better news, Bill shares his thoughts on the New Jersey Devils Ice Hockey Program.

• Are NJ Devils Too Healthy?-

  After reading forums and other news on the New Jersey Devils organization, I wonder if the team is too healthy (other than Jay Pandolfo's recent injury bug).  Lately, head coach Brent Sutter has had to waste time before games deciding on the 20 bench players allotted.

• Devils Miss Rafalski and Gomez... Still Winning-

  Even though the New Jersey Devils lost two important members of their organization to free agency this past offseason, they are still continuing their winning ways.

• Devils Going for 8 Straight...-

  Tonight the New Jersey Devils look to extend their winning streak to eight games, and the way they are improving each game, it would not surprise me if they were victorious tonight.  As I posted in my last blog, the Devils finally have started to play 60 full minutes of hockey, 65 full minutes of h

• Atlantic Division, Toughest in the NHL?-

  Last season, four of the five Atlantic Division teams made the playoffs, the most from any division throughout the league, and this season looks to be no different.  We all know the moves that each team made in the off season.  What we did not know was the amount of impact they would have on the teams and ultimately the

• Win Streak Continues: Devils Play 60 Full Minutes of Hockey...-

  Of course we are all happy that the Devils won the past six games, but up until last night, I do not feel that the Devils have played to their full potential or 60 full minutes of hockey.  Last night was the best team effort of the season, highlighted with a few nice individual achievements; Zach Parise's first hat-trick of his promising career and Marty's 94th shutout of his career. 

• A Lot on the Line Tonight Continued...- Devils defenseman Karel Rachunek returned to practice for the first time since being injured in the home opener against Ottawa on Oct.
• Devils-Canadiens Preview minus Pandolfo- Five wins and counting.  The New Jersey Devils look to keep their winning streak alive tonight against a team they've defeated the past eight matchups.  The Devils face off with the Montreal Canadiens at the Prudential Center tonight after a come-from-behind win over Dallas on Wedne
• NHL Eastern Conference All-Stars Updated- Yesterday, Martin Brodeur was riding second place among Eastern Conference goaltenders.  He is now in third behind Henrik Lundqvist and Cristobal Huet, the new top vote-getter, representing the Montreal Canadiens.  Habs fans were apparently annoyed this time around and got out to vote.  Just check out the lead Habs defenseman Andre Marko
• Tonight's Devils Game... Second of Nine Straight vs. Division Rivals- Atlantic Division- Some important games tonight in the NHL NJ Devils take on Penguins in the Prudential Center where they are 2-1 in the new $375 million complex... and the fans are "where in the world" are they... I hope that they fill the arena to the max or at least to a rather full capacity tonight...
• Devils Are Catching Fire...-

  Martin Brodeur and the rest of the NJ Devils are starting to play like the team we all know and hoped they were this season.  Last night the Devils beat the always dangerous Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 in Tampa.  Despite outplaying the Lightning for most of the first period, it was Vinny Lecavalier who opened up the scoring less than a minute into the second period.   This

• Rick DiPietro earns his 100th NHL victory.- Normally I am not a big NY Islanders fan, but today is different, for two reasons.   One is that the Islanders beat the division leading NY Rangers, which keeps my Devils only 7 points back. The second and more important reason though is that Rick DiPietro earned his 100th NHL win.
• Game #16: Devils Travel to Long Island, Brodeur Goes for 500- As the Devils (6-7-2) bus to Long Island for another Atlantic Division matchup with the Islanders (8-4) , whom I gave no hope for the season (boy was I wrong so far), I wonder if the Devils can repeat success.  Can they continue to overcome special teams woes, something that plagued the Jersey
• Training Camp Cuts- I hate training camp roster cuts, but they are part of the process. They determine who is good enough to make the team come Oct. 4th, NHL opening night for the New Jersey Devils. Unfortunately, there are players, who worked hard throughout the summer, who will be left off the roster. Yes, I do feel bad for them.
• LIVE CAPPING THE PRESEASON- 2MANADVANTAGE has a nice live cap of the game last night. Thanks guys for your efforts. TOM GULITTI also blogged last night's contest between the New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia Flyers.
• DEVILS WIN THEIR SECOND PRESEASON GAME, RANGERS & ISLANDERS BRAWL IN THEIR CONTEST- YAHOO SPORTS has the full recap on the New Jersey Devils game. Rookie Nicklas Bergfors scored two goals to lead the Devils to a 3-1 victory over the Flyers Monday night.
• Stanley Cup Finals 2007-2008 Betting Lines- Here are the lines to win the the Stanley Cup Finals, according to THEGREEK, a popular sports betting site. Most of the lines look sharp, but I must say that the Sabres lost several key players to free agency and are not worthy of their 14-1. I would place them around where the Devils are, at +2045, which really means 20.45 to 1 on your bet.
• Eric Lindros Announces His Retirement from the NHL-

  As a New Jersey Devils hockey fan and now blogger (what's this world coming to!), I'll admit- it's sad to see Eric Lindros retire.  What's more tragic were his (minimum of) eight concussions suffered during his illustrious, yet injury-plagued 13-year pro-career.
  

• Martin Brodeur Step Aside... We are the New Class of Goaltenders- Pascal Leclaire- five shutouts this season while maintaining a 7-2-0 record for the Columbus Blue Jackets... their best start in team history... and his 1.12GAA and .957SV% lead the league in their respective categorical rankings... not too bad for a team consisting of no-names really (sorry guys)!
  
• Quick Atlantic Division Update- Standings: GP W L OTL PTS Phil. Flyers 12 8 4 0 16 NY Islanders 11 7 4 0 14 NY Rangers 13 6 6 1 13 Pitts Pens 13 6 6 1 13 NJ Devils 13 5 6 2 12