Brent Sutter

• Devils Host Tampa at The Rock- In a surprising move, Devils head coach Brent Sutter shifted sophomore Travis Zajac from center to right wing for tonight's home contest versus Tampa Bay.  Devils beat writer Tom Gulitti broke the story yesterday, reporting that Dainius Zubrus will move into the center slot and Mike Rupp the left wing.  Gulitti added that Sutter might revert to Zajac at center and that his plan is definitely not final.

  Meanwhile, the Devils welcome the Lightning for a 7:00 p.m.

• Devils Fall to Montreal, I Lose My Mind on Officiating or Lack There Of Last Night-

  The previous game, a 4-0 loss Washington, I described as unintelligent. Head coach Brent Sutter ensured a more competitive match in the second half of a back-to-back stretch, yet the Devils fell for the third straight game, 2-1 to Montreal, in front of a soldout raucous crowd of 21,273 at the Bell Centre.
  
  Both teams worked hard in the first period, with the Devils leading 13-8 in shots on goal. However, after 20 minutes of action, the game remained scoreless.
  

• Salvador Nervous Before Tonight's Game- After wearing a St. Louis Blues uniform for 11 years, Bryce Salvador shared some nervous feelings before tonight's debut with the New Jersey Devils. "It's going to be a good nervous," Salvador told Tom Gulitti of the Record. "It's not nervous to play. It's more nervous, excited to be in a new atmosphere. Once the puck is dropped I'm in my element, so I'm going to be pretty comfortable out there."
• 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 Finally Conquer Islanders; Extend Point Streak to 7- Maybe, Sutter's family should move to New Jersey permanently. After attending the last contest, a 3-2 Devils win, the Sutters, made another appearance, watching the Devils first win in six tries over the Islanders this season over head coach Brent's former team. Alongside a rare sellout crowd of 17,625, the Sutters and Co. witnessed the 4-2 effort

  Trailing 1-0 after eight minutes of action, the Devils responded valiantly, utilizing a brilliant

• Devils Hire Brent Sutter as Head Coach- A new coach. A new era of Devils hockey.  Hopefully, that is the case with Mr. Brent Sutter, a two-time Stanley Cup winner with the New York Islanders.  A cliché, yes, but the Devils and their loyal fans have not celebrated a complete playoff run since 2003 (my brother and father attended game seven that year of course). For diehard fans that is unacceptable business for Sweet Lou Lamoriello and his brilliant staff.  Especially, after dancing with Lord Stanley’s Cup three times in nine years. Sutter, do you really want this position?
• Last Minute Line Change Leads to Success-

  I was pleasantly surprised by the Devils lineup this past Saturday night. I noticed a major change. Elias, Gionta and Parise skated on the A line. Zubrus, Langenbrunner and Zajac controlled the second offensive unit, while Madden, Brylin and Clarkson paired the checking line. Asham, Rupp and Pelley played sparingly on the Devils fourth pairing.

• Atlantic Division Preview-

  The Devils have yet to finish fourth in their division in a very long time. If you search the record books, the last time they missed the playoffs was the 1995-96 season. That year the Devils finished sixth out of eight teams in their division. Historically, the divisions were split into the Northeast and Atlantic at the time. Today, there are three divisions in each (east and west) conference. Since that season, they have placed at least third, a remarkable streak. Since the 1990-91 campaign, the Devils have

• Devils Shoot Sabres Out of Newark-

  The Devils were clearly frustrated after they allowed the Sabres to to tie the game with 1:37 remaining in regulation, preventing goalie Martin Brodeur from earning yet another shutout. Instead of succumbing in the last 90 seconds plus overtime, they regrouped and captured the 2-1 shootout win.

• Wanna Fill a Void? Hire a Sutter...-

  That's right... I said it... Head coach Brent Sutter is not only a respectable and good coach, but he was the missing link from last season... you want proof?  How about nine straight wins... you might say that Martin Brodeur played like a drugged-up rabbit in October... how about missing Mr. Langenbrunner and Colin "I can (partially) see" White... you're gonna say boohoo...Jamie scored two goals last night for the first place Devils, the second one thanks to the Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno "Johnny Oduya" Chara...

• Wanted: Consistent Offense- The Devils are a defensive-minded team not known for scoring many goals. But, then they go out and score six against the LA Kings on Saturday night, basically teasing us Devils fans! How can the one of the lowest scoring offenses in the league keep teasing supporters with these rare yet kind outbursts? I prefer the Devils support Brodeur with three goals per game, than score six or even seven every now and then.

• Sutter Challenges Captain- During the Devils telecast Saturday night, TV cameras showed Devils coach Brent Sutter yelling at captain Jamie Langenbrunner on the bench. Apparently, Langenbrunner lost coverage on Jack Johnson, who scored the Kings second goal, Tom Gulitti noted on his blog. Gulitti reported that Sutter and Langs are still on good terms regardless of what happened on the bench.

• Game 50: Devils Welcome Penguins Minus Crosby-

  The Devils are back in action on Tuesday night. They host the Penguins at the Prudential Center at 7 o'clock. Beginning with the pregame show at 6:30 pm, the discussion will likely focus on Devils goalie Martin Brodeur and head coach Brent Sutter. Brodeur was absent from the All Star Game, resting his 35-year-old body with his children. Sutter returned home to Deer Park, Alberta to spend time with his family as well.

• False Alarm: No Players Representing New Jersey in All Star Game-

  I apologize for being misinformed.  Contrary to popular belief, the New Jersey Devils will not have any representatives in this year's All Star Game.  Head coach Brent Sutter and Martin Brodeur were selected respectively for their achievements thus far; however both men will not participate in the event.  Brodeur informed GM Lou Lamoriello last week, who finally announced his decision to the media today.  Devils beat writer Tom Gulit

• Injury and Broadcast Information: Looking Good-

  When the New Jersey Devils entertain the Maple Leafs in a few hours, you may find some changes on the ice.  Veteran John Madden is likely to return after a lacerated right ankle kept him out for two games, both losses for New Jersey.  The Devils also welcomed back defenseman Karel Rachunek versus Florida after he missed 10 games with an ankle injury.

• Around the Devils Blogosphere- 01.21.08- Since fellow New Jersey Devils bloggers focused their eyes and ears on the New York Giants 23-20 thrilling NFC Championship win over Green Bay following the Patriots win over San Diego, the posts were shorter than usual, as expected.
• 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 Host Florida Without Madden and Pandolfo-

  For only the second time in the last eight years, the New Jersey Devils will host the Florida Panthers Friday night without two of its best defensive forwards.  While Jay Pandolfo is still nursing a pelvic bone ligament he suffered on Nov. 28, linemate John Madden will miss the fourth meeting between these two teams this season with a laceration on the inside of his right ankle dating back to Jan. 11(TG).

• Devils Notes From Past Week, Late-Night Statistics III-

  While I was on vacation, the New Jersey Devils went 2-1.  They were victorious  in both road contests before falling at home to the NY Islanders last night.  I am sure that everyone wants to know how London was, but, more importantly, we need to discuss the Devils current events.  A lot has taken place, including John Madden’s leg injury, special teams updates, shots on goal and the Prudential Center’s attendance figures.

• 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).

• Devils Deliver Due to Sutter's Teamwork- Teamwork can be defined as "cooperative or coordinated effort on the part of a group of persons acting together as a team or in the interests of a common cause." I feel the New Jersey Devils have taken in this concept and used it towards their success in the National Hockey League.
  
  Mark Everson of the New York Post, spoke about giving the Devils their due.
  
• 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.

• Devils Poor On Shots In Weekes' Rare Start-

  After the New Jersey Devils' 45th shot on net tonight, the final buzzer rang, and both teams were definitely exhausted.  Unfortunately, goaltender Kevin Weekes, who spelled Martin Brodeur in net for the first time since Dec. 10, seemed uncoordinated, and allowed three first-period goals in the Devils' first loss in a week.

• 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.

• Devils Dominate Flyers-

  The New Jersey Devils came away last night with a victory over the Philadelphia Flyers.  Patrik Elias returned from a groin injury to pave the way with a goal and a helper.  But, what surprised fans, the media, and everyone occurred in the second period of the Devils 3-0 blanking of the Flyers.

• 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.

• Top 10 New Year's Resolutions for the New Jersey Devils-

  From Guest Blogger Ethan Kwassman, who has hosted many Devils broadcasts on blogtalkradio:

• Devils Battle Atlantic Division Rival Flyers Tonight at Prudential Center- At this point last season, the New Jersey Devils entered the New Year with a 47-26 double-digits lead in points over their Turnpike rivals Philadelphia Flyers.  While the Devils were on their way to another Atlantic Division crown, the Flyers could not wait for the season to end and to clear house (they fired GM, coach, involved themselves in several large transactions during the offseason).
• 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 Power Up in Practice-

  The New Jersey Devils completed the post-Christmas weekend at 1-1 yet remain in first place in the Atlantic Division.  Unlike earlier this season, where head coach Brent Sutter may have given his team a day off after playing two games in 48 hours, tis was not the case in this morning's practice. 

   
• Devils Depleted By Injuries, Activate Reserves-

  The New Jersey Devils have roared into 2008 with wins in three of their last four games and a first-place hold in the crowded Atlantic Division.  They have climbed aboard goaltender Martin Brodeur's shoulders as he leads them into the New Year. 

• Devils-Panthers Broadcast Info and Line Changes-

  The Devils host Florida tonight at the Prudential Center.  If you are not attending this contest (shame on you), catch it on FSNY, WFAN 660AM, or NHL radio. By the way, tickets are still available, but the names of back of the Devils' jerseys may seem unfamiliar at first.
  

• New Jersey Devils Captain- If Not Elias, Then Who?- Over a week ago, head coach Brent Sutter revealed that he is unsure if Patrik Elias will remain as team captain this upcoming season.  If Jamie Langenbrunner were to replace Elias, that plan might have to be delayed. He went for surgery on his injured groin and will be sidelined for up to two months.
  
• Devils Back in Action Tonight, Host Buffalo at The Rock-

  The Devils return from a three-day holiday vacation as they host the Sabres (18-14-4) at the Prudential Center for the first time this season.  Martin Brodeur continues to shine as he leads New Jersey (20-13-3) to three-point first-place margin in the ultra-tight Atlantic Division.  The last-place Islanders are separated from the Devils by five

• Love Thy Neighbor-

  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.&nbs

• 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. 

• Long Live the Coach- You do not hear the expression "Long live the coach" in sports anymore.  Instead, you hear pack your bags, take a hike, you're fired a lot more often.  Why is that?  Why does it seem like coaches today are given the boot at a higher and faster rate than in year's past?  Truthfully, I believe it has to do with the media.  It has such an important impact on our liv
• Sutter- Having Fun Yet?-

  Brent, you definitely have your work cut out this upcoming season. Not only are you the new head coach of the New Jersey Devils, but you have the honor to start the season on a nine game road trip spanning three weeks. Not the fun kind.

• Brent Sutter- Continued...-

  Brent, you definitely have your work cut out this upcoming season. Not only are you the new head coach of the New Jersey Devils, but you have the honor to start the season on a nine game road trip spanning three weeks. Not the fun kind.

• Perfect Pass Leads Devils to Overtime Win-

  Merely 25 seconds into overtime, Patrik Elias took advantage of a Flame s turnover, and one-timed a Brian Gionta assist by Miikka Kiprusoff to give the Devils the 1-0 overtime win.

• Devils Conclude Canadian Trip in Calgary-

  If the Devils want to bestow head coach Sutter with a holiday present, nothing would be better than a win tonight.  The schedule makers randomly assigned Sutter's Devils to play Calgary today Sunday Dec.

• Devils Break Out of Scoring Drought with Three in Third Period - Defeat Oilers-

  The New Jersey Devils were moving dangerously close to being shutout for the second consecutive game.  Then came the third period and unusual coaching decision by Edmonton Oilers Craig MacTavish.
  

• Luongo Wins Battle of the Nets-

  As I wrote in my last blog, the Vancouver Canucks were due for a boost in their play with Roberto Luongo coming back into the line up after a few games off with an injury.  And he was more than up to the task, shutting out the New Jersey Devils and out dueling Martin Brodeur 5-0 last night at the GM Place in Vancouve

• New Jersey Lands in Vancouver... Pelley's Back Home- The New Jersey Devils look to build on their last win over the Philadelphia Flyers when they take on Vancouver at 10 p.m. on FSN NY and on the radio at WFAN 660 AM.
• Like Father Like Son-

  Like father like son.  As Devils head coach Brent Sutter continues to reign in his first season at the helm in New Jersey, his 18-year-old son Brandon continues to make headlines back in Canada.

• With Philadelphia on Horizon, New Jersey Looks Past Phoenix... Big Mistake-

  NEWARK -- Two professional hockey teams, one in first place and the other tied for last, competed at the Prudential Center in downtown Newark this past afternoon.
  

• Confidence in Captain Langenbrunner- The AP reported that Devils coach Brent Sutter has given Jamie Langenbrunner a vote of confidence two weeks after he was named the eighth captain in team history...
• Martin, Pandolfo MIA as Devils Host Phoenix in First Prudential Center Day Game- Devils- Coyotes TV: FSNY Radio: WFAN-AM 660...Time: 1:00 p.m (NO PREGAME SHOW)....Tom Gulitti of the Bergen Record reported this morning that NJD defenseman Paul Martin will not play for the Devils (17-11-3) this afternoon when they host the last place Phoenix Coyotes (13-16-0).  Forward Jay Pandolfo is also still recovering from his pelvic i
• My Interview with Rangers Blogger Daniel Akeson-

  Unfortunately, the Devils have not had much success thus far against their arch-rival New York Rangers.  Nevertheless, I am confident that the Devils can and will rebound in their final four meetings.  Daniel Akeson of Puckonbroadwa

• 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.

• Sutter Rest Brodeur... Weekes to Start Tonight- NJ Devils reserve goaltender got the nod from head coach Brent Sutter this morning indicating that he will be starting tonight's contest against Washington.  Like the Vick sentencing, this came as no surprise.
  
  Weekes has been an efficient backup to Martin Brodeur but has not started in nearly a month.
  
• 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 Lose in Overtime, End Unbeaten Streak at Nine Games-

  The stakes were simple: The New Jersey Devils were trying to extend their unbeaten streak to a season-high 10 games and the NY Rangers were looking to end a three-game losing slump.
  
  In the end, Brendon Shanahan's one-timer beat Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur 30 seconds into overtime, and reversed both trends for the time being.

• 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 Rest After Ninth Consecutive Win... Rangers Next- After winning their ninth in a row, fifth straight at the newly-designed Prudential Center, head coach Brent Sutter gave the New Jersey Devils players a break on Saturday.  The Devils are in the midst of a three-game four-day tour and looked sluggish towards the end of Friday night's contest against the Washington Capitals.
  
• Simplicity and Success over Wealth and Misery- Yes, Jamie Langenbrunner was officially named team captain before Wednesday's game against Boston.  In New Jersey Devils fashion, there was no press conference or major announcement made, nothing fancy.
  
  Maybe, that's the way the Devils like to play as well, modest.
  
• 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
• Devils Extend Longest Winning Streak of Season To Five -- Upend Dallas- After the first period ended, the Devils down 2-0, I was confused.  The Devils were coming off an incredible four-game road-trip sweep and were losing for the first time in five games.  Other people, media perhaps were concerned coming in that they had not played in the Prudential Center much this season and were only 3-4-0 in the downtown arena.
  
• Devils Status Report: Healthy (well... almost)- 1. Patrik Elias was poisoned, food poisoning apparently, which sidelined him the last two games.  Relax everyone, it's not related to the Hepatitis A he suffered while playing in Russia during the NHL's 2004-2005 Lockout...
  
• Devils Daily: Brodeur and the Devils Return Home With All Smiles- I really don't know any other way of describing the New Jersey Devils 4-0 road trip than dominant.  I think the team is unconscious right now.  Bill thinks they are catching fire.  After the first two wins of the trip, I had this feeling that they were overcoming some early season jitters.&nb
• Langenbrunner Has Successful Return, Devils Lose to Rangers-

  FINAL THOUGHTS: Unspecial, effortless, speechless performance by the Devils who are now playing three games in a four day stretch.  Brian Gionta had a huge opportunity to trim the lead on a breakaway at 5:51 of the third.  What do you know- Henrk Lundqvist (9-7-1) denied his ass...

• Rangers Visit Prudential Center For First Time-

  Okay, so I have been recapping games and not giving my opinion.  Let me assure you that I am still an opinionated son-of-a-gun.  I just like to recap games from a professional standpoint, but I will ensure everyone that I am here to stay.  Well, Patrik Elias might join me as well… If he can continue performing like a beast in Pittsbu

• Devils Leave Pittsburgh With Much-Needed Win, Prepare for Rangers and Scott Gomez's Return on Wednesday-

  The New Jersey were coming off a disappointing showing in Long Island and fans were beginning to wonder which direction the season was headed.

• Thank You Patrik Elias, Devils beat Penguins, Get out of the Cellar- Hey Patty, I don't know if you've been keeping up with these posts but it certainly seems like it.  Just hours after my positive criticism, you were able to score the game-winning goal with only five minutes thirty seconds remaining in regulation.  This goal, along with your helper on Zach Parise's power-play goal, will hopefully get you back on track. 
  
• No. 500 Must Wait for Brodeur: Devils Lose to Islanders-

  With the game on the line, tied in the third period, someone from the New Jersey Devils bench (rookie coach Brent Sutter refrained from revealing the culprit) uttered some abusive language towards one of the referees.  As a result, a bench minor infraction was called on the Devils bench, coupled by a penalty to Devils defenseman Shelden Brookbank, leaving them down t