Pride on line for Brodeur

Martin Brodeur remains a legend even if it could be the end for the Devil all-time great.

There are a lot of No.30's in hockey. But none quite like Devil superstar Martin Brodeur. It's still hard to imagine the former 1990 first round pick stolen by Lou Lamoriello in a swap of picks with Calgary, who took Trevor Kidd instead. We'll let that sink in for a second.

Years since, the Devils have laughed all the way to the bank to the tune of three Stanley Cups, several division titles and four Cup appearances thanks to their No.30. Once, a 19-year old teenager was introduced to blood rival Rangers in a first round conference quarter that saw Broadway prevail in seven led by Mark Messier. Odd that only two years later, Brodeur was the man following some road heroics from vet backup Chris Terreri that aided the Devils past Boston. Marty opposed Mike Richter in one of the most memorable series when he was still a bright eyed rookie. He just didn't play like one, going save for save against Richter in a classic Conference Final that nearly didn't end until Matteau! Matteau! Matteau!

A heartbroken Brodeur cried as the Rangers celebrated their first Finals appearance since '79, on their way to erasing 54 years of curses in another epic series. But the all-time greats are able to bounce back and Marty soon was a Cup hero for the Devils' first of three championships, spanning nine years. One of the dominant runs by a franchise with New Jersey's repeat bid falling just short against boyhood idol Patrick Roy and Colorado. Despite losing out to Jean-Sebastien Giguere for the Conn Smythe, there was the franchise Devil reminding fans that all that mattered was the chalice they would soon drink from. He was right. Why all these years later some fans still get upset over that is befuddling.

That's the life of a franchise that went from laughingstock to elite when No.30 took over in net. Oh. They had Sean Burke before. He of the miraculous first playoff berth thanks to former franchise scoring leader John MacLean, who victimized Darren Pang (yes, that midget). Burke was eventually dealt to Hartford for Jay Pandolfo and Bobby Holik. One of Lamoriello's wisest moves along with getting future captain Scott Stevens as compensation for losing Brendan Shanahan to St. Louis. There also was the hoist that sent Tom Kurvers to the Maple Leafs for a first rounder named Scott Niedermayer, who finally had his No.27 retired in a win over Dallas last week.

It's this type of work that's made Lamoriello one of the best sports execs. He also had a hand in helping the Nets acquire Jason Kidd, who only led them to their first two NBA Finals appearances. There also was the reacquisition of Conn Smythe winner Claude Lemieux,who helped win a second Cup with as talented a group that included free agent steals Brian Rafalski and John Madden. Staples of two of the club's three Cups. The trade for Jason Arnott didn't produce right away but once he teamed with 'A Line' members Petr Sykora and Patrik Elias, they were unstoppable.

In the first ever 3-1 comeback versus the Flyers, everyone will remember Larry Robinson's post-Game Four tirade and Stevens' big hit on Eric Lindros. But without the clutch netminding of Brodeur, they never come back. He did some of his best work in '00 and '01 when the Devils beat the Leafs twice in grueling second rounds. He also was money against defending champ Dallas, who pushed them the limit before Elias to Arnott won Game Six following Mike Modano's triple OT stunner. Those were the best games the Devils ever played even though Hasan might argue what the '03 team did was even better.

Under Pat Burns, he squeezed every ounce of energy out of not the most talented squad that still boasted Stevens, Rafalski, Niedermayer and Ken Daneyko on the back end. Madden replaced Holik, who became Benedict Arnold by bolting for Manhattan. A trade for Jamie Langenbrunner a year prior that sent popular Cup heroes Arnott and Randy McKay to Dallas also landed Hall Of Famer Joe Nieuwendyk. Much like Arnott, they didn't have success right away, getting ousted by the upstart Canes the year before. But Langenbrunner became a fixture on the Madden line with Jay Pandolfo, with the trio stifling the opposition while scoring big goals. Sykora was also dealt to Anaheim for Jeff Friesen and throw in Oleg Tverdovsky.

They made it work with Friesen torching his former club in a topsy turvy final where the home team won every game. Before they reached that glory, there also was deadline pickup Grant Marshall setting up Friesen for one of the greatest goals in franchise history, beating the Sens with two minutes left in a classic series. Wade Redden was victimized but apparently, Glen Sather never noticed. If not for Brodeur, they don't upset Ottawa. He came up with some monster saves that prevented the Sens from turning the tables on the Devs after they led 3-1. Fans killed him for allowing an OT winner to Chris Phillips, noting Marty's shaky sudden death record. But the Sens were more dangerous, boasting Marian Hossa, who Brodeur flat out robbed following a softy to Radek Bonk that tied Game Seven.

Sometimes, fans don't realize how good they had it until a legend's gone. Even during the post-lockout as Cup pieces have moved on, Brodeur still was the backbone that got the club into the postseason 13 consecutive seasons. Only once ('95-96) had they failed to do so since last missing in '88-89. Three times since Lamoriello took over, speaking to how consistent the Devils have been. Marty has been front and center. Injuries finally caught up the past couple of years but he still returned during a second half surge, playing outstanding alongside Johan Hedberg, following a dreadful start.

It's amazing to think Brodeur owns the most ever wins (633) and shutouts (116) in league history, speaking to his durability and competitiveness. The man has a lot of pride, which is on the line in what could be his final season. If it truly is the end, an era will finally be over. One full of records that probably will stand the test of time.

He's a throwback athlete who won in a more wide open style ('95) even though the Devils get blamed for the neutral zone trap due to Jacques Lemaire. What people conveniently leave out is they had one of the highest scoring teams before becoming more conservative, which spelled the end of Lemaire I.

It's also easy to leave out Brodeur's athletic skills which included emulating Ron Hextall by scoring into an open net in a series win over the hometown hero's Canadiens. His puckhandling was so good, it was like having a third defenseman. No wonder Bobby Clarke helped institute the Brodeur Rule. Whatever you want to call it, it prohibits goalies from playing the puck outside the boundaries behind the net. A silly rule that's led to defensemen getting creamed. No wonder they must seriously consider taking icings out and switching to hybrid to help eliminate such dangerous collisions. Given the fragile state the game's in, there's no other choice.

Brodeur still adjusted by coming out to play pucks before they went in the designated area. He still makes some exciting outlets on the power play but sometimes gets caught due to the unfriendly rule. Even the best can be flawed. Marty will never not play the puck. If he can, he'll do whatever it takes to help his team gain an edge.

In recent years, with only one memorable series win in exacting revenge on the Rangers with a sweep at the old CAA, Brodeur's been more scrutinized due to the team's failures. Devil fans aren't accustomed to seeing their team out of the playoffs so early. Last Spring was a harsh reality that there are no guarantees anymore. Especially with the new realignment coming next year with the Devils, Rangers and Islanders having to deal with powers Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Washington. It won't be easy with only four making it. The league did doormat Carolina no favors in the new seven team conference. It'd be peculiar if Brodeur hung it up with the old format returning that includes Conference Playoffs, where you must win two rounds before advancing to the league semis.

He's been there for all of it. There are some nights where he turns back the clock and makes a jaw dropping save like the one on Phil Kessel that had the prolific Leaf scorer shaking his head in disbelief. Early on last night, he made a strong kick save on a Ryan Callahan shot labeled for far corner. But then there are moments like the odd rebound that went right to Marian Gaborik for the winner along with Carl Hagelin's shorthanded goal that beat the glove that used to be money. It's still there in spurts, duping opposing shooters in shootouts. Just not as accurate as we're accustomed to seeing.

Even from the enemy side, it's kind of sad to see a legend starting to show that he's only human. An old 80's tune from Human League. A man who will always speak up when asked about things such as HBO's 24/7, where he was opposed to all the expletives due to children who might be watching. We might not always see eye to eye with Brodeur but he's an influential voice that should be heard even after he retires. But as he warned Larry Brooks in a Sunday Post column, it'll be up to him.

Do the Devils use Brodeur's empty slot along with Bryce Salvador to re-sign Zach Parise? Hedberg is also up, meaning it truly could be a changing of the guard in net. The transition's already taking place. It doesn't mean Brodeur is finished just yet. He still wants one more chance to shine. Don't count him out.

Seventeen Years Later: Messier Guarantee Still The One

Today marks a special anniversary. Seventeen years ago on this date 5/25/94, Mark Messier delivered on his "Guarantee" by scoring a natural hat trick in the third period for a miraculous Game 6 win- leading the Rangers over the Devils at The Meadowlands.

The Rangers avoided elimination and would go on to take the best series I've ever seen in dramatic fashion thanks to unlikely hero Stephane Matteau's double overtime goal in Game 7 at Madison Square Garden when big games still existed. Everyone knows what happened next with Messier, Conn Smythe winner Brian Leetch, Mike Richter, Adam Graves and the rest of a great Blueshirt team, preventing the underdog Canucks from coming back to win the Stanley Cup. All the controversy surrounding Mike Keenan and Neil Smith didn't matter because Messier and the rest of his focused teammates wouldn't allow it to overshadow what their goal was. A couple of lucky goalposts and one last dramatic faceoff win by Craig MacTavish following a phantom icing finally allowed the Rangers to celebrate their first Cup in 54 years. No more 1940 ever again!

Without The Captain's clutch performance in Game 6 with his team's back to the wall trailing 2-zip, there never is a fourth championship and we're still talking about Curses and jinxes. The euphoria of it all will never be forgotten by New York City and generations of Ranger fans who finally lived to see a day they never thought existed. Well, that would be June 14, 1994 with the infamous sign after the fireworks:

NOW I CAN DIE IN PEACE

All this time later as I reflect back on the nervous energy expended as a teenager hoping they'd finally win for Dad, who was a season ticket holder that had the misfortune of seeing Bobby Orr skate the Cup when the Bruins won at MSG. I'll never forget the emotion of it all. Us sitting there in that office room upstairs watching the miraculous comeback started by an Alexei Kovalev late goal in the second. Messier did the rest, taking a Leetch pass off a rush and backhanding one past kid Martin Brodeur to tie the game at two. Then, off another rush started by Leetch, there was No.11 stuffing home a rebound that put the Rangers ahead, stunning everyone. But it wasn't over. Not when the Devils got a power play and Jacques Lemaire risked pulling Brodeur with over two minutes left for a 7-on-4. But before he could be second guessed, Messier shot all the way down from 120 feet into the open net for the hat trick. The Rangers would win.

Despite all the theatrics, there still was another game to play and it was a beauty just as the series had been with Valeri Zelepukin forcing sudden death with 7.7 seconds left in regulation. I can remember feeling sick. The ups and downs of another overtime. The third of a classic Eastern Conference Final that saw Stephane Richer prevail in Game 1 and Matteau notch the first of his two in Game 3, also in double OT. This was the kind of theatre that comes around every so often. That Zelepukin would find a loose puck Claude Lemieux centered and get it past a screaming Richter, who probably just lost it thinking exactly what every Ranger fan was. It was over. The Devils tied it and now, another dramatic moment would be forever remembered for one side.

Both goalies were unbelievable with Brodeur stacking the pads on Messier and Richter stifling Bobby Holik. It was some of the greatest playoff overtime hockey ever played with each team trading chances. Before Matteau could play hero, the Devils seemed to have won it when a shot through traffic Richter lost sight of. The rebound was sitting right there before Steve Larmer saved the day with Sam Rosen screaming, "Where's the puck?" I can remember fearing the worst only to be relieved when it was in the corner. Moments later, Slava Fetisov turned the puck over in his end and Matteau pounced. He then went around the net and centered a pass for a cutting Esa Tikkanen but it never got there, instead going off Fetisov past a sliding Brodeur, touching off wild jubilation on one side and total dejection for the other.

It still ranks as one of the greatest series ever. Even if you didn't have a rooting interest, this was hockey at its pinnacle. Two evenly matched teams who gave it all they had. In sports, there are winners and losers. Neither deserved to lose. But that's not how it's written in the record books. The thing that still stands out most was when the puck went in, Dad never realized they scored until I told him saying, 'It's in,' to which he went nuts. The ceiling shook. It was all worth it.

Little did we know that Pavel Bure and Trevor Linden of the Canucks would make us even crazier in another wild series. All this time later, I still think back to that Game 6 and what Messier did. He didn't do it alone with Richter absolutely standing on his head while having his best friend the post keep our team alive. If I rank those series, Devils-Rangers wins every time. It's just how it is. That was the ultimate because it told us that they were going to win the whole damn thing!

I even got the Game 7 score right in History class, calling 3-2 after Vancouver had pushed us to the limit. Hell. Mr. Bennett even had a fun pool which almost everyone took part in. I couldn't because I was afraid I'd jinx them. I just said 3-2 and had a good feeling about it. All they had been through made me believe. And so, Leetch, Graves and Messier (even if he never touched it) would score the fateful goals that finally ended a 54-year drought. Never would've happened without May 25, 1994.

Ironically, last night when the Canucks clinched their third Cup appearance on the most unpredictable ending of a great game with Kevin Bieksa the only one who knew the puck was still in play enough to shoot a roller past an unassuming Antti Niemi, it marked another anniversary. Seventeen years ago yesterday was the last time Vancouver made the Final with Greg Adams notching the OT winner. Funny how things work sometimes. The top seeded Canucks will attempt to finally be successful this time. Good thing for them they won't see a New York opponent. :P

Rafalski to announce retirement

In a surprising move, Brian Rafalski is expected to announce his retirement. The All-Star defenseman who signed as an undrafted free agent with the Devils over a decade ago became one of the game's best blueliners and a premier power play quarterback. His rookie season, he helped lead New Jersey to its second Stanley Cup along with fellow rookies Scott Gomez, John Madden and Colin White.

The former Wisconsin standout spent his first seven NHL seasons with the Devils, teaming with Hall Of Famer Scott Stevens for two championships ('00, '03). New Jersey also reached Game 7 of the '01 Cup Final before falling to Colorado. A smooth skating defenseman with great vision, Rafalski was one of the game's best passers, often able to spring teammates for breakaways up the middle. He also possessed a deflectable low shot that drove opponents crazy while killing penalties. An unselfish player who also was underrated defensively despite his 5-10, 174 pound frame. Rafalski always battled hard and used the body when called upon.

After two Cups, three All-Star selections and an Olympic Silver in Salt Lake City ('02), Rafalski departed New Jersey to play for hometown Detroit where he again got to team with a future Hall Of Famer in six-time Norris winner Nick Lidstrom. It didn't take long for him to adjust to the Red Wings, matching a career high with 55 points including a career best 13 goals while winning a third Cup in his first season ('07-08). Rafalski added 14 points (4-10-14) during the postseason for Detroit's fourth championship since '97. He followed up with a new career high 59 points including 49 helpers during '08-09. Once again, the Wings reached the Final but fell in a tough seven games to the Penguins.

In 2010, there was Rafalski as one of the leaders of surprising Team USA's run to another silver in Vancouver where they just fell short in a dramatic overtime loss to Canada. He played two more years with the Red Wings continuing to be productive, following up a 42-point '09-10 with 48 in what looks to be his final season. If it is indeed the end, Rafalski finishes with 79 goals and 436 assists totaling 515 points over 833 career games in 11 seasons. With two goals and an assist this postseason, it allowed him to reach 100 (29-71-100) in 165 games.

Rafalski never missed the playoffs in a brilliant career. Just imagine if he had been drafted instead of being forced to go overseas where he played in Finland for three years before Lou Lamoriello discovered him. Sometimes, hidden gems exist. A classy man on and off the ice, that's what Rafalski was.

Mattias Tedenby Penalty Shot Goal

                                        Another highlight from Monday took place in Newark where the Devils exploded for three goals in the first en route to a 5-0 blanking of the Capitals, getting a much needed win for John MacLean. Jason Arnott tallied twice and Patrik Elias had a neat power play redirect of a Mattias Tedenby shot as New Jersey got 30 saves from Johan Hedberg for his 15th career shutout. However, the play of the game took place late in that first when Ilya Kovalchuk sprang the Swede rookie for a breakaway. John Erskine took him down leading to the most exciting play in hockey. The penalty shot! As he had in a Saturday loss at St. Louis, Tedenby made no mistake flying in before going to his bread and butter, sneaking a backhand deke past Braden Holtby for his second consecutive game with a goal. In only six games since being recalled from Albany, the 20 year-old speedy wiz is showing why the Devils took him in the first round two years ago (2008-21st overall). With a goal and helper, he's 3-2-5 thus far and has taken 20 shots. He's been used mostly with Arnott and Elias but might Mac try the gifted right wing with Kovalchuk and Dainius Zubrus? It might be worth the risk if it helps the Devils' $100 million man get going. The Devils host Benedict Arnold's Flames tonight in what should amount to a very intriguing match. You know the fans will be ready for Brent Sutter. Can the Devs finally win two straight? We'll see.

Kovalchuk OT winner earns Brodeur 111th shutout, MacLean 1st win

It wasn't pretty but the Devils will take it. Ilya Kovalchuk's first goal of the season 53 seconds into overtime made a winner of new coach John MacLean. His first win behind the bench. Martin Brodeur stopped all 24 shots as New Jersey prevailed over Buffalo 1-0. It was Brodeur's record 111th shutout- third career against the Sabres, including a 0-0 tie over a decade ago when he and Dominik Hasek shared the game puck.

The victory was the Devs' first in four tries, pulling out the win despite using only 16 skaters. One better than their 3-1 loss to Pittsburgh Monday. Former Sabre Adam Mair signed for one year, $500,000- debuting yesterday in a familiar setting against the club he spent the past seven years with. The gritty fourth line center replaced Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond, who cleared waivers. He wasn't the only one to have a successful return to Western New York with former Sabre defenseman Henrik Tallinder putting forth his best effort thus far. It helped the shorthanded team earn the 'W.'

“We’ve had a lot of changes, we’ve had injuries, and we’ve played with 15 players, and now 16 players,” Brodeur said. “It’s been chaotic a little bit. So for us to finally get one under our belt, now we can start playing our season.”

With Brian Rolston diagnosed with a sports hernia which could keep him out six weeks, the veteran center was placed on Long Term Injured Reserve, clearing space for Lou Lamoriello to recall reinforcements from Albany for tomorrow's home game against the Avs. Maybe the NHLPA can investigate that as well.

Predictably, the two clubs played a tight checking low-scoring affair which emulated last year's season series. With the Devils still short two, it favored them. You have to wonder why Lindy Ruff's club didn't try to open it up until late in the third when they had quite a few chances to pull it out in regulation.

“We’re four games in, and there isn’t anything to freak out about,” second-year defenseman Tyler Myers said. “We had a lot of chances, we just didn’t put them in.”

A couple of point blank rebounds went wide, pushing the contest to OT. In it, all it took was one mistake when Devil rookie Matt Taormina recovered Andrej Sekera's turnover and dished across for an isolated Kovalchuk, who buried it past Miller off the post and in giving his team a much needed win. In a nice gesture, captain Jamie Langenbrunner rewarded Taormina with the game puck for his first NHL career point.

“I didn’t like the play with us coming back in the zone,” Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff lamented. “We could have at least competed harder.”

Brodeur credited MacLean for igniting a fire after sending the Devils off the ice after just 20 minutes of practice during the morning skate, fuming following an errant Zach Parise pass.

“It was almost like Mark Messier,” he joked. “We have to be prepared to play a certain way and act a certain way. He wants us to act like a professional and do what we need to do to get ourselves ready, and he wasn’t happy about what was going on at the morning skate.”

"I think they woke themselves up, too. I've always said we have a good hockey team here and we're going through growing pains early, but they put the effort in for 60 minutes, which is what they were looking for and they did a nice job. It was great from Marty all the way out. They played very well," praised MacLean.

For Buffalo, it's back to the drawing board after dropping a third straight on home ice. The first time they've done that since 1993. They haven't won since an opening season 2-1 victory at Ottawa. Their next chance comes tomorrow when northern enemy Montreal pays a visit to HSBC Arena for the final game of a four-game homestand. The Habs should be in a foul mood following a bitter 4-3 overtime defeat to Tampa Bay in their home opener.

Meanwhile, the Devils get Colorado and Boston at The Rock this weekend. They'll do so with a full roster following Rolston's successful hernia surgery, which freed up $5 million in cap space. The club recalled centers Tim Sestito, Jacob Josefson and defenseman Matt Corrente. It was also determined that defenseman Mark Fraser sustained a broken hand stemming from a fight with Buffalo's Cody McCormick last night.


BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Ryan Miller, Sabres (34 saves incl.15/15 in 1st)
2nd Star-Ilya Kovalchuk, Devils (OT winner-1st of season)
1st Star-Matt Taormina, Devils (primary assist-1st career NHL point)

Martin, Pens hold off shorthanded Devils

Even the Devils' favorite opponent wasn't the elixir for their inauspicious start. Perhaps facing former teammate Paul Martin had something to do with it in yesterday's 3-1 loss at The Rock. He was predictably booed by fans that attended the Columbus Day late matinee that followed the Islanders' comeback win over the Rangers. The less than sellout crowd (12,880) didn't have much to cheer for as their team struggled to find twine against Pen backup Brent Johnson, who came up large late en route to 30 saves.

In a game notorious for New Jersey dressing only 15 skaters with John MacLean down to nine forwards due to their tumultuous cap/injury situation (no Rolston or Volchenkov), his team didn't muster much the first two periods. Held to 16 shots (8 each), they fell behind the Penguins on goals by Alex Goligoski (high glove slapper) and Mark Letestu (PPG rebound). Amazingly, that made it eight straight goals allowed since the Cap debacle. Somewhat unexpected considering the firepower they now possess. If company man Ilya Kovalchuk has more scraps than goals thus far, then his turnover that led to a late Goligoski first period tally sure didn't help the cause. Halfway through, MacLean tinkered his lines sending Kovalchuk out with lone goalscorer Patrik Elias and Jason Arnott while reforming ZZ Popp. It nearly paid off.

With the crowd dead, the Devils finally came to life when Arnott won a faceoff clean back to Elias, whose one-timer finally solved Johnson at 8:20 of the third. Despite being three short on the bench, MacLean didn't make any excuses. His club certainly tried their best to get it tied, finally taking it to the Pens. However, a razor sharp Johnson wouldn't allow them to force overtime- coming up with nine saves in the final nine minutes including a sparkler on an Andy Greene laser thru traffic. He also denied David Clarkson from in tight and got a piece of Kovalchuk's putback near the right post keeping it out.

The closest they came to tying it was a great individual effort by top center Travis Zajac, who went around a defenseman and then nearly tucked the puck in with a sprawled Johnson calmly pushing the puck behind the net with help from Craig Adams. He turned aside 14 of 15 during the Devil barrage to help Pittsburgh dp something they didn't last season. Come away with a win in this rivalry. They got the two points despite Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin being held off the scoresheet. Paying greater attention to detail, the more defensive minded Pens did a good job coming back. On a roster minus injured Jordan Staal without many scoring threats for Sid and Geno to get the puck to, that's how Dan Byslma's club must play.

It helped to have the steady Martin on their side. He picked up an assist on Letestu's power play goal that put them ahead 2-zip in the second. Then sealed it by lugging the puck out and scoring into an empty net at 19:49. A good return for a player who rarely shows emotion but did crack a smile on the bench afterwards.

The Devils only had two power plays compared to the Pens' six, which MacLean's penalty killing unit did a respectable job on aside from Letestu's rebound tally that may have caromed off Henrik Tallinder. They even killed off a five-on-three in which their opponent was far too predictable. It gave them a chance to comeback. Something they'd done against this team in the past. Perhaps that's why Byslma went with Johnson instead of Marc-Andre Fleury, who the Devs owned. In relief last year, the former Blue who once got his name into the record books due to three consecutive shutouts for his first three wins one postseason (2002), was steadier than the No.1 starter. No shock that he stifled the Devil attack and was named No.1 star.

As for the NHLPA making a big stick over Lou Lamoriello listing only 15 skaters in yesterday's lineup, come on. Both Brian Rolston and Anton Volchenkov got hurt and Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond lost his head and a place on the roster after getting suspended for a fight he instigated. He was placed on waivers Monday. What choice did the Devs have here? They're up against it. Until the Devil architecht can find a way to free up space- something he did by waiving Leblond for the possible Adam Mair signing, it's going to be an uphill climb.

Still, a team that boasts a front six of Kovalchuk, Zajac, Zach Parise, Arnott, Elias and Jamie Langenbrunner shouldn't have issues scoring. Since leading Dallas 2-0 in their home opener, they've been outscored 14-4. It's added up to the club's worst start since '01-02. It should be noted that they nearly began '09-10 similarly until a frantic rally over the Lightning got them going. The difference is that team didn't face the expectations this one has. There's a lot more pressure this time. Maybe they're squeezing their sticks. All it will take is one explosion to get it righted. It probably won't get easier when they visit Buffalo tomorrow.


BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Patrik Elias, NJD (1st of season, 3 SOG in 18:47)
2nd Star-Paul Martin, Pit (ENG-1st as Pen, assist 2 SOG, takeaway, blocked shot in 26:41)
1st Star-Brent Johnson, Pit (30 saves incl.14/15 in 3rd)

Sunday Wrap Up

On a football Sunday with little puck being played, it's a good time to review the first couple of days for the Battle clubs. But before we do, Happy Thanksgiving to our brotherly neighbors up north. Wishing every Canadian a great Turkey Day. There's something cool about having the best holiday a month earlier. I just can't explain it. Maybe I should relocate. :P

Instead of just rambling uncontrollably, we're going to look at each club in this entry. Of course, it's hard to gauge too much off one or two games. But we'll just give a little synopsis based on what we've caught. Last night, the crew had a get together at my buddy John's new house in South River. It was a good night for the Ranger fans. Not so much for our notorious Sabre blogger, who was DVRing a forgettable home opener and even called us while heading home from work in Cali. He was in rare form. Let's just leave it at that. Since we referenced Buffalo, we'll start with the guys in Western New York.

Buffalo Sabres-Things started out well for Lindy Ruff's guys Friday with a hard fought 2-1 road win over nemesis Ottawa. Derek Roy tallied twice including the power play winner late in the third to give the Sabres the 'W.' The No.1 center also scored last night in the 6-3 loss to the Rangers, giving him three goals already. An excellent start for last year's scoring leader. Rating Vezina winner Ryan Miller showed his '09-10 form by making 25 stops, including all 14 Sen shots in the third to get the victory. Also of note, rookie Tyler Ennis assisted on both Roy tallies. Keep an eye on the little rascal. Saturday's home opener was a nightmare for Miller who too often was left to fend for himself. The Rangers easily could've doubled their output. In particular, sophomore defender Tyler Myers had an atrocious night that began with bad luck when a Derek Stepan redirect caromed off his skate past his own goalie. He also was victimized on the second goal when he lost his footing and got beat on another as well. Buffalo looked like a tired club that while their more rested opponents took full advantage. There weren't many bright spots but new blueliner Jordan Leopold tallied twice, including on the power play while also setting up Roy's third. The vet's been shaky defensively but is being asked to pick up the slack. It won't get any easier for Ruff's team when an angry Blackhawk bunch pay a visit tomorrow without a win. Starting with three in four ain't no picnic.

New Jersey Devils-Where to begin? A disappointing season opener saw them blow two leads before falling to coincidental '00 Cup victim Dallas in Jason Arnott's return which he scored a goal. Or yesterday's D.C. debacle in which two more leads went by the wayside as the Alex Ovechkin Caps scored six unanswered in a humiliating 7-2 defeat that even saw the two-time league MVP beat Martin Brodeur on a penalty shot. Something that hadn't occurred since '99. Hell. MB30 hasn't been sharp, allowing two or three questionable goals including one to Jersey native John Carlson from 50 feet out. Still, there was little he could do on Loui Eriksson's overtime winner. Marty was pulled after permitting five on 20 shots Saturday. Reliever Johan Hedberg came in and gave up a pair. Nothing positive could be said. Especially when company man Ilya Kovalchuk wrestled with Mike Green leading to more chaos, including Pierre-Luc Letourneau Leblond picking a fight that got him tossed and earned him an automatic one-game suspension, which could also cost new coach John MacLean $10,000. Playing a more run n' gun style based on the top two lines, the former Devil great has seen his team allow 11 goals in both losses. Sure. They got a point, Arnott's scored in both and the Dream Line looked scary in Game No.1. But where's the D? Henrik Tallinder struggled mightily and Anton Volchenkov took a Nicklas Backstrom shot which broke his nose. The winless Pens visit The Rock in a must watch. The Devs didn't lose to them last year. So, it should be interesting.

New York Islanders-Rarely can a first game potentially crush a team in an 82-game schedule. But if franchise John Tavares' mild concussion keeps the super soph sidelined a while, yikes. Scott Gordon's club is already minus top defender Mark Streit and power forward Kyle Okposo. Now, they'll have to play at least starting in tomorrow's traditional Columbus Day game versus the hated Rangers without their best player. Despite losing JT91, Gordon's bunch showed tremendous heart fighting back from a pair of two-goal deficits thanks to a hot power play which converted three-of-eight including on Stephane Robidas' first delay of game minor, which saw 30-goalscorer Matt Moulson tie it late- sending Nassau Coliseum into a frenzy. But they couldn't cash Robidas' second boneheaded delay, forcing OT. An exciting game that saw them rally with key pieces Blake Comeau (goal), James Wisniewski (PPG, A), captain Doug Weight (G, A) and Josh Bailey (assist) eventually went to a shootout where Star ace Mike Ribeiro deked Rick DiPietro out of his pads for a forehand winner in Round Three. Gordon tried former Ranger wiz P.A. Parenteau but he hit the post. Even though they lost, the third-year coach had to like what he saw with his club showing the same spunk that kept them afloat much of last season. That will be essential. DP's return to net wasn't great with him allowing four on 22 shots, including a couple of klunkers but he got through it. You have to believe they'll work him in slowly. It'd be shocking if Dwayne Roloson doesn't get the call against the Rangers in the 1 ET start. If you got off, don't miss it.

New York Rangers-A day later, people are still talking about Derek Stepan's historic debut that saw the rookie pivot become just the fourth player to ever record a hat trick in his first game- joining Montreal's Alex Smart ('43), Quebec's Real Cloutier ('79) and Dallas' Fabian Brunnstrom (10/15/08). The trick for the poised 20 year-old Minnesota native who had his Mom, sister and stepdad in attendance is not to try duplicating that great feat but to continue demonstrating the work ethic he's shown since Day One of camp. There's a reason his line of unlikely duo Sean Avery and Ruslan Fedotenko works. Because the trio have chemistry and feed off each other. As Avery put it, D-Step might not be the fastest skater but he always puts himself in good position. After the game, he quipped that he choked about missing No.4. Sophomore center Artem Anisimov's (assist) line with Ryan Callahan (A) and Brandon Dubinsky (2 goals) was also very good, doing solid work in the Buffalo end. The best aspect was that only one of the half dozen came from Marian Gaborik's unit with the Big Ticket neatly setting up Erik Christensen. Alexander Frolov was not visible. Henrik Lundqvist looked shaky and the D struggled at times. So, it wasn't a virtuoso performance by John Tortorella's chargers. He may have been pleased with Steve Eminger's aggressiveness but what did Matt Gilroy do to lose the job? Hobey would certainly be a boost on the man-advantage which didn't carry over it's preseason success. Rangers/Islanders is always interesting. Especially off The Meadowbrook. Expect the unexpected.

Rangers and Islanders open tonight

In over an hour, three Battle clubs will be in action. Two of which form one of the best rivalries contrary to what this what have you done for me lately league would have you believe. Rangers-Islanders will always be super intense even if the New York blood brothers aren't serious Cup challengers this new season. It's an added bonus that Manhattan meets Long Island on Columbus Day for the traditional Islander matinee. Let's just skip tonight's appetizer and go right to the main course.

First things first, both clubs open up the 2010-11 season this evening. The Islanders at home where the Stars- fresh off their 4-3 overtime stunner of the Kovalchuk Devils- aims for two straight against the locals. As of this report, the Islanders were having big sales on the season opener for as much as 40 percent off ticket price. Not exactly the most encouraging development as Year Two of John Tavares is set to commence. They will be under the eight ball with key cogs Mark Streit and Kyle Okposo out a while. Does Rick DiPietro get the nod in goal? How will Nino Niederreiter do? Can Josh Bailey, Frans Nielsen and Blake Comeau continue the upswing? Will Matt Moulson prove last year wasn't a fluke? And how vital is James Wisniewski now on that blueline? All good questions which will determine if the Islanders can survive.

Meanwhile, the Rangers begin their journey in Western New York against a stingy Sabre team that boasts rating Vezina winner Ryan Miller, who already stifled Ottawa last night in a 2-1 win. Historically, Miller has owned Henrik Lundqvist. Especially at HSBC Arena where the Blueshirts struggle offensively and aren't a lock in the shootout. Can a new look roster that includes Alexander Frolov added to Marian Gaborik along with Calder hopeful Derek Stepan and rookie Mike Sauer to an even younger blueline work? The Rangers are banking on youth to come through. Especially second line pivot Artem Anisimov, who anchors third-year converted left wing Brandon Dubinsky and alternate captain Ryan Callahan. Can Stepan carry over his success with unlikely linemates Sean Avery and Ruslan Fedotenko? Are Marc Staal and Dan Girardi ready to lead a young D corps? Will Lundqvist disprove the silly theory about it being about his equipment? Some of those answers will start being provided tonight.

Also in action looking to erase yesterday's ugly home loss are the more offensive-minded Devils, who visit angry Alex Ovechkin and the Caps in D.C. Will it be an offensive extravaganza? Martin Brodeur's D did him no favors in a game that saw them blow 2-0 and 3-2 leads. Henrik Tallinder was particularly bad. The good news was John MacLean's Dream Line of Zach Parise, Travis Zajac and Ilya Kovalchuk combined for two of their three goals while Patrik Elias and Jason Arnott turned back the clock on the power play. This Devil team will score. But will the new aggressive style similar to what John Tortorella teaches expose their blueline? That is the only concern for a team expected to challenge for Lord Stanley. We'll see how they respond in what shapes up to be quite a second game for both teams. The Caps were also 4-2 losers in Atlanta Friday on an emotional night where Ondrej Pavelec passed out a couple of minutes in and was rushed to the hospital. The good news is he's okay but did suffer a concussion from the fall. Best wishes go out to him.

A busy Day Three on the first of many Super Saturdays. Enjoy the puck!

Rangers-Devils Part Deux Tonight

It's only preseason but try telling that to the Rangers and Devils, who already played one intense exhibition at The Garden the other night with New York prevailing 4-3 on Marian Gaborik's power play overtime winner. The game featured two scraps along with the Devils' unveiling of their Dream Line featuring Zach Parise, Travis Zajac and Ilya Kovalchuk. The lethal trio combined for all three goals with Parise tying it with 1:30 left forcing OT.

On the flip side, Alexander Frolov got off to a good start with his new team, scoring and setting up Gaborik twice. Also impressing was top prospect Derek Stepan, who centered the new Ranger top line for two of three periods and didn't look out of place, notching a helper. The new and improved Brian Boyle fought and also beat Martin Brodeur with a strong power move, boosting his chances. New backup Martin Biron also debuted for the Blueshirts, looking sharp in two periods despite permitting two rockets (Zajac one-timer, Kovalchuk breakaway).

Tonight, the bitter Hudson rivals do it again at The Rock. Figure the Devils to have their new A Line with '00 Cup members Patrik Elias and Jason Arnott reunited where they'll team with team captain Jamie Langenbrunner. Perhaps new backup Johan Hedberg will see some action as well. For the Rangers, we could see Artem Anisimov and Evgeny Grachev along with Pavel Valentenko. In their second preseason game, Henrik Lundqvist probably will be in net.

The game can be seen on MSG tonight at 7 ET.

D Day for Devs, Kovalchuk

This could finally be it. At least that's what the Devils and Ilya Kovalchuk are hoping. Lou Lamoriello sure hopes the third time's the charm after submitting the much rumored 15-year, $100 million contract to the NHL Friday.

If it doesn't get Gary Bettman's signed stamp of approval, what's next for Kovalchuk? Should we take Russian agent Yuri Nikolaev at his word about the 48-hour deadline for a league that seems Hell bent on tossing one of their stars back to Russia where the 27 year-old sniper could wind up home in the KHL? That all depends on what comes out of today.

While this dark cloud hangs over Devil fans' heads, it also has been a huge detriment to hockey- negatively impacting other free agents who remain unsigned. That the marquee FA of this year's class could still possibly be without a contract as September looms is just nonsensical. But what else would you expect from a chaotic league intent on Armageddon II? Though if you count the post-'94 lockout, it's really No.3, which ironically enough was the last time their product was hot coming off a strong Cup with the Blackhawks ending a long drought in a great series with the Flyers.

No matter what's said out of league spin quarters, losing a player of Kovalchuk's caliber isn't good for business. Another rejection would only further draw a line in the sand, opening up a pandora's box for other stars who signed long-term deals.

Hopefully, some sanity will prevail this time. Just don't go in with too much enthusiasm.

Kovalchuk hearing concludes, decision Monday

Finally, there will be a conclusion to this mess. We just won't know it until Monday. For Ilya Kovalchuk and the Devils, arbitrator Richard Bloch will render a decision on the catastrophic 17-year, $102 million contract the 27 year-old electrifying Russian star signed back on July 19. Here's the long and short of it via NHL.com's Dan Rosen:

Bloch has until the end of business Monday to rule on whether the NHL was justified in rejecting the 17-year, $102 million contract Kovalchuk signed with the Devils last month. NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly stated at the time the NHL rejected the contract that it was doing so because the deal circumvents the Collective Bargaining Agreement.



If Bloch rules that the NHL was within its legal right to reject Kovalchuk's contract, the Russian sniper immediately returns to unrestricted free agent status. If Bloch rules that the NHL unjustly rejected the contract and it is indeed valid under terms of the CBA then the League must immediately approve the contract.

Pretty cut and dry. It would be astronomical if Bloch ruled for the NHL, creating a firestorm as they near the end of a CBA in which the same league approved similar long-term deals as was cited in our previous post yesterday. What ever way they rule, one side is going to be awfully steamed, which probably won't bode well for the future.

Kovalchuk hearing begins among crickets

The fate of Ilya Kovalchuk still isn't known. On Day One in Beantown of the hearing between the Devils and a cynical league that was minus Gary Bettman, who opted instead to attend a conference call for the second Hockey Heritage Classic between host Calgary and visitor Montreal, nothing has been decided just yet. In fact, crickets wouldn't be able to tell you what happened today.

So, it looks like those hoping for a quick result to this chaos will have to wait until the end of the week before the 17 year, $102 million contract the Devils and Kovalchuk agreed upon is ruled on. In the mean time, the 27 year-old Russian who'll turn 44 in his final year would earn $98.5 million the first 11 seasons before his salary decreases to an average cap hit of $550,000 the final five years after $750 K in 2021-22.

Honestly, the way this astronomical contract is set up, it's enough to make your head spin from East to West a la Rocky when he meets Ivan Drago in Rocky V at Moscow. Of course, the KHL is rooting for the contract to be rejected so they can scoop up one of their own. However, even if it gets rejected, the feeling is Kovalchuk and Lou Lamoriello will work something out and he'll stay put in the NHL regardless of another threat of a lockout.

Even if the Devil architect who knew ways around a cap he helped write, there's technically nothing wrong with what he did. In the past, other teams have done the same thing with star players (ie Islanders-DiPietro, Flyers-Richards, Pronger, Red Wings-Zetterberg, Franzen, Blackhawks-Hossa, Canucks-Luongo, Capitals-Ovechkin). Should New Jersey really be penalized for taking advantage of the same rules other clubs have? Why? Because the CBA is about to expire and the league and its minyons are furious with these sorta outlandish contracts??? Hey. The cap was supposed to solve everything. Remember? If players want security and GMs and owners agree that they're worth it, who are we to disagree?

Besides. Is there a worse contract than the one Glen Sather handed out to Wade Redden with Chris Drury right behind? Maybe they should investigate the Ranger GM for robbing his own fans blind along with Dolan. If only that were true.

If the arbitrator has any sense of purpose, they'll rule in favor of Kovalchuk and the Devils, leaving collective egg on the faces of Bettman and Co. Here's hoping the right decision is made.

Devils re-sign Fraser

The Devils avoided arbitration, re-signing defenseman Mark Fraser for one year, $500,000. The former '05 third round pick (84th overall) fared alright in his first full season- tallying three goals, three assists and 36 penalty minutes while posting a plus-three rating over 61 contests. The 23 year-old from Ottawa also took part in one playoff game.

Used primarily as a sixth D by former coach Jacques Lemaire, Fraser didn't see a ton of ice-time. However, he brought physicality to the blueline and surprisingly contributed offensively. Prior to last season, he spent most of three years in Lowell aside from seven games with the big club as a 20 year-old rookie in '06-07.

With John MacLean taking over the reigns after spending a year at Lowell, it remains to be seen whether Fraser's role increases. Especially with the Devils beefing up the back end thanks to key additions Anton Volchenkov and Henrik Tallinder, helping offset Paul Martin's departure to rival Pittsburgh. With only one offensive D left in '09-10 revelation Andy Greene, Lou Lamoriello could be in the market for another solid skating blueliner who can contribute. Physical vets Colin White and Bryce Salvador are also expected back, rounding out the blueline. Fraser will likely battle with Anssi Salmela and Matt Corrente for the final spot.

Much depends on what transpires with the Ilya Kovalchuk case versus the NHL. With the NHLPA filing an appeal as expected, the controversial 17-year $102 million contract will go to an arbitrator, who will decide its fate. Club owner Jeff Vanderbeek is hoping for a quick resolution so that all sides can move forward from the latest chaos caused by a league Hell bent on another lockout. It'll be interesting to see what develops from this and how it impacts the next CBA.

Kovy thoughts from the swamp

I'm sitting here still flabbergasted over today's events, not knowing how quite to start this blog. Especially since Derek's already done a good job of summing up the news of the day. In case you haven't been around for the last eight hours, the Devils have retained star winger Ilya Kovalchuk, in what came as a total shock to this blogger for two reasons.

One because the speculation of the last few days had him all but signed, sealed and delivered to Los Angeles. As the cynics pointed out though, if he wanted to go there as badly as some of his actions may have indicated then he would have found a way to take less and sign there. Clearly money wasn't the sole factor though, since Kovy still turned down more from the Thrashers months ago and allegedly turned down lucrative money from Russia to stay in Newark.

Actually the bigger surprise to me was that the Devils' biggest selling point - a winning organization - I thought took a big hit in Kovalchuk's eyes after our quiet first-round exit in this year's playoffs. Not so, in fact our reputation still worked in our favor as did GM Lou Lamoriello's personal touch (especially if you contrast it with Kings GM Dean Lombardi's public bluster), that made a difference according to agent Jay Grossman.

New Jersey remained absolutely steadfast in their interest. They were patient. They were understanding. They didn’t change their viewpoint, their position, anything in terms of their approach throughout the entire time.

“I think Lou, with his college background at Providence College as a recruiter, picked some of the tools out of his bag and he really was able to always call seemingly at the right time, always say the right thing. Again, you go out there and you look at things and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. He had a right to do it and, ulitimately, we realized that we came back to that point.”

Now that the Devils' stunning 17-year, $102 million contract is ready for NHL approval and the yearly salary structure is public knowledge, the speculation will come over what's next. Even with a surprisingly friendly cap hit of $6 million per season, the Devils will still have to move at least one player to get under the cap again before October since they were about $4 million under it before this deal.

Of course people will cry foul over this contract since Kovalchuk's salary takes a dramatic downturn at age 39, leaving room for a mutual buyout at that point to get the cap hit off the books so that Kovy isn't playing for minimum salary. Sure, it violates the spirit of the CBA and artifically lowers the cap hit but it's not like this is unprecedented. Philly did it with Chris Pronger and the Hawks have done it with Marian Hossa. Why shouldn't we take advantage of the rules too? Clearly in the next CBA negotiations this loophole will have to be closed one way or another.

And yes, there is always the inherent danger that Kovy can get hurt early in the deal a la Rick DiPietro and have the contract be a cap-killer but if Kovy was signed to a shorter term deal for more money and gets hurt in the first year, that deal would be even more of a cap-killer. Plus he isn't over 35 at the time of signing the deal so the consequences of replacing an injured player are less prohibitive. You have to pay top money for top talent and there's no disputing Kovy's talent. To put the cap hit in perspective it's less than Wade Redden's cap hit on the Rangers. And just a million dollars more than Brian Rolston on our own team. You have to give up something to get something, which in this case means giving up more money up front to get cap space.

True, $100 million in just over ten years is a lot of money to shell out for owner Jeff Vanderbeek, who's made Grossman a rich man in recent weeks after deals with fellow clients Anton Volchenkov and Johan Hedberg. Not to sound cold, but that's not my concern. I'm just glad we have an owner who's a legit fan of the team and wants to win. Not every owner fits that category.

And a final word about the process, which took eighteen days to sort out from the start of free agency on July 1. Although I've given the media a lot of well-deserved flak for the myriad of speculation, false information and rumors that were utter rubbish you have to give credit to the one guy who did call this - Larry Brooks of the Post, who tweeted this specific contract offer days before it was agreed to by the Kovy camp. I guess a cynic could say if enough people venture a guess, at least one has to be right but you do have to give credit where it's due.

Although Lou didn't manage to keep that offer under wraps, kudos to him as a whole through the whole process. While former protege Lombardi was all over the place grandstanding (and a big haha to the fact he didn't even get Simon Gagne, their supposed Plan B), Lou was in the background, seldom revealing much or negotiating through the media. Granted, he couldn't offer much when the ball was in Kovy's court but I'm glad he resisted the temptation to pull the offer and move on to other things the way a lot of Devils fans wanted him to do. Others have said that we should pull the offer because 'clearly' we weren't Kovy's first choice.

To that I say...so freaking what? As if every free agent automatically signs with their first choice. You think the Yankees or their fans would give back CC Sabathia a season and a half after they were, at best a sixth or seventh choice for him to go to behind the West Coast teams? I certainly don't see Kovy as the type to lollygag it on a winner, maybe he did with the Thrashers as Chico Resch pointed out memorably during one Thrashers-Devils game early last season but it does become hard to get motivated to play on a perrenial loser. He was certainly more motivated last year than a lot of people who will also be Devils this season.

Whatever you want to say about Kovy's defensive deficiencies, his contract, our glut of left wings and the fact that teams don't win Cups in July you can't deny the fact that today's a good day for the Devils Legion. Businesswise despite the high salary it certainly helps Vanderbeek since the Devils sold out fifteen of eighteen games after Kovy came aboard last season. Plus it still leaves us with more than enough room to maintain fellow star Zach Parise beyond next season and on the ice, who wouldn't want to add a perennial 40-goal, 90-point scorer? Teams can no longer key on Parise solely, which should open things up for him in April and beyond.

Now we never have to look back and wonder what might have been with Nicklas Bergfors, Johnny Oduya and Patrice Cormier. For once a big name stayed with the Devils. Most offseasons (other than 2006 when Patrik Elias and Jamie Langenbrunner re-upped) we're lamenting over the ones that got away. Who would have ever suspected that we'd get both the top defensive defenseman on the market - Volchenkov - and retain the top offensive player by far in Kovy?

Kovalchuk Breakdown Plus Why He Stayed Put

Credit the Devils for working with Ilya to get this done. Full credit to Puck Daddy's own Dmitry Chesnokov, who's been a beast during this monstrosity. Here's the breakdown:

-earns $80 million over first 8 years hitting targeted $10 million average
-earns $15 million the next 2 years totaling 95 of 102 million thru first 10 years of contract
-earns $1 million-per-year over the final 7 years

On what Kovalchuk turned down, Dean Lombardi offered 15 for $80 million. By comparison, prior to being traded out of Atlanta, Ilya rejected a 12-year $101 million deal. Winning turned out to be most important to the 27 year-old fiery Russian with the rocket from the point. He gets his chance to do it in Jersey where Martin Brodeur has two years left on his contract and Zach Parise one before he re-signs. And yes, you know Lou will find a way to get it done. Just as he'll somehow find a magical taker for Brian Rolston.

Also of interest is a solid column from Inside Hockey's own Michelle Kenneth. She covers the team and had an excellent take on why Kovalchuk chose to remain in Newark. Entitled, "Ilya to Remain a Devil," it's a fascinating read. A couple of key aspects we liked:

First, building a team around him was a factor. The Devils moved in that direction and signed a couple of free agents to attract him to the team: Anton Volchenkov and Johan Hedberg. Both players are friends of Kovalchuk. Not only do the two signings make the locker room more comfortable for him, but it is also the beginning of a build around him.

Second, while many believe that inking Kovalchuk will create problems in re-signing Zach Parise next year, part of Kovalchuk’s decision to remain with the Devils is having Parise on board. The rivalries that could exist between the two players are merely a myth. It is very important that Parise remain on the team, because Kovalchuk wants his team to win. Parise is part of that design.


Third, Kovalchuk has repeated numerous times that he would take a paycut if it meant remaining with the Devils. He said it not once, but several times. A few weeks prior to free agency, that was still the same story being repeated. Whatever the offer was from the Devils, Kovalchuk’s decision was not purely based on the amount of money they were offering.

The point about them adding two former teammates in Heds and Volchenkov is dead on. Of course, he wants to win. So, retaining Zach Attack is a must even if many will compare the salary No.9 gets to No.17. And finally, he did take a paycut. Even if it's frontloaded with him getting the desired salary he wanted during his remaining peak years, he did good by the team. A couple of other things she touches on that make sense:

In the true dynamics that is the Los Angeles Kings, as luxurious of an item as Kovalchuk would have been for them, their future would have dwindled in the signing. It was not in their best interests to ink Kovalchuk if it meant giving up their future. That is also a future that would effect Kovalchuk being part of a winning dynasty. That, in itself, would have made the offer from the Kings unattractive.

Kovalchuk wants to be part of a winning team more than anything else. Since Day One with the New Jersey Devils, he loved the philosophy of how important it was to win. Losing was such a big thing to the Devils. With Atlanta, he said that losing was not that big of a deal.

For the Devils, losing is a big deal. You don’t want to be on that end of the spectrum in Devils territory. You might find someone throwing a jar of jelly across the room.

Outstanding point on why LA didn't fit. Even if they'd landed the sniper, it would have screwed them in the long run- forcing them to sell off players a la Chicago and Philly. What we saw with Simon Gagne going to Tampa for a bag of pucks was embarrassing. Nice way to treat the longest tenured Flyer, who really should be staying after how heroic he was in miraculous playoff run. Blame Paul Holmgren. We still can't figure out what he saw in Andrej Meszaros. The other points on the Devils being about winning while Atlanta essentially wasn't speak volumes. Nobody was happy with how this past Spring ended. Kovalchuk and the club had some unfinished business. So, he returns.
 
Now, we get to see how creative Lou is at finding takers for Rolston, Dainius Zubrus and perhaps Bryce Salvador. The Devs are built to win now. Will securing Kovalchuk finally translate to some post-lockout success?

Rumored Kovalchuk Numbers False, 17 for 102 Mill

Take it for what it's worth. According to an ESPN report, the Devils' richest star in franchise history Ilya Kovalchuk could be getting 17 years, $150 million when he makes it official at tomorrow's press conference in Newark. Yiiiiiiiikkkkkkesssss.

I want you to repeat this 10 times fast.

SEV-----EN-----TEEN YEARS ONE---HUNDRED-----AND------FIF------TY MILL-----I---ON!!!!!!

There is no other way to describe it as insanity. This from one of the most respected GMs in sports. Woooooow.


UPDATE: Well, no great shock that Scott Burnside was wrong. The official numbers are 17 years for a cool $102 million. At six million a pop, I'd say Kovalchuk took a huge discount just so he could finish the rest of his career in the Garden State. Maybe he wanted to upstage buddy Alex Ovechkin. But there's no way he's worth as much as Ovi and that played out with many teams not even bothering. Is Ilya one of the best pure snipers in the game? Absolutely. Can he put up points in a hurry? No doubt. But what other team was seriously going to give him that much security? Not only did Lou once again score big here but got the exciting Russian at a bargain, which means he should be able to re-sign top priority Zach Parise next summer. Only the Devils could pull something like this off. That's what you get when the GM knows too many loopholes in what's become a flawed system. So much for the cap resolving everything.

How is it good for the league that basically, three teams vyed for his services and one was from the KHL? He priced himself out. Here's one huge question we're hoping a reporter will have enough guts to ask tomorrow.

Q: Were the Devils your top choice?

A: Da!

:as Dean Lombardi chokes up his drink:

Will he or won't he?

Is Ilya Kovalchuk re-signing with the Devils as has been speculated by everyone's fave the NY Post? Or did they jump the gun?

Supposedly, the terms are seven years for $60 million, which would make the electrifying 27 year-old Russian star the highest paid Devil in franchise history. It would average a gaudy $8.57 million. If true, it would be the changing of the guard with penny pinching Team President/GM Lou Lamoriello finally throwing the gauntlet to someone other than key cogs Martin Brodeur and Patrik Elias. The Devils would then become Kovy's team for better or worse even with Zach Parise having a year left at a golden bargain hit ($3.125 M) before being due a significant raise next summer. Zach Attack's '10-11 salary is $5 million.

While that'll be vital to New Jersey's long-term success, getting Kovalchuk to sign on the dotted line hopefully before the night ends would be huge. The Devils would enter this season as one of the favorites to challenge Atlantic rivals Philly and Pittsburgh to come out of the East along with Washington. Along with re-signing David Clarkson ($2.67 M), acquiring Jason Arnott, signing Johan Hedberg ($1.5 M) and adding blueliners Anton Volchenkov and Henrik Tallinder, the Devs would be stacked. However, Lamoriello would also be forced to unload salary with likely candidates Brian Rolston ($5 M), Dainius Zubrus ($3.4 M) and either Bryce Salvador ($2.9 M) or Colin White ($3 M) possibilities.

If Kovy re-ups, that's a problem Lou wouldn't mind because his team should be a serious Cup challenger. The club needs to maximize their chances. Especially with cornerstone Brodeur not getting any younger. The 38 year-old future Hall Of Famer has just two years remaining on his contract. Bolstering the offense and solidifying the D would go a long way to chasing elusive Cup No.4.

The question is when will No.17 finally come to his senses. Unless he's really considering the Islanders or holding out hope some other team comes out of lurking, the Devils are his best option. They have a roster which is built to win now and the rumored terms are more than fair. What's taking so long? Only Kovalchuk knows.

Devils now Mac's team

Finally, No.15 gets his shot at running Jersey's team. Say what you will about how John MacLean's New Jersey Devil career ended. When I think of Johnny Mac, I'm reminded of one of the greatest Devils to ever lace 'em up.

As a rival fan, I feared a streaking MacLean firing one of those patented slappers streaking down the right wing. No doubt, whether No.15 was wearing Christmas ornament red, white and green or Satanic black and red, he was a constant. Selected by New Jersey sixth overall in 1983, the kid from Oshawa, Ontario grew up in the Garden State- becoming one of the key pieces helping turn around a franchise Wayne Gretzky once labeled Mickey Mouse. The man who got the franchise into the playoffs for the first time ever thanks to his OT winner at Chicago, kick starting an exciting run to the Wales Conference Final in 1988- became its all-time leading scorer, amassing 413 goals and 429 assists for 842 points over 14 seasons ('83-84 - 12/7/97). That included three straight 40-goal seasons prior to ripping up his knee costing all of '91-92.

To Mac's credit, he returned to form netting 37 and tallying 33 assists en route to a 70-point year in '93-94 on a loaded club that pushed the Rangers to the brink before falling in one of the best Conference Finals ever. After coming so close, the Devils took the next step in 1995, winning their first Stanley Cup by sweeping the Red Wings. The club's longest running alternate captain was an integral part tallying five goals and 13 assists for 18 points during the franchise's run to hockey's pinnacle. Unfortunately, it would be the only championship for the team record holder in goals (347), power play goals (92) and power play points (197).

Following consecutive disappointments that included no Cup defense and a crushing second round elimination by the Rangers, the Devils' greatest right wing soon was on the outs due to a philosophical difference on how he was being used at the start of '97-98. His Devil career ended on Dec.7, 1997 when Lamoriello shipped him out West to San Jose. After a brief stint there, he astonishingly signed with the enemy Blueshirts- proving he still was capable of finishing. While a dreadful team had little success, Johnny Mac did himself proud getting into all 82 games for the only time in his career, notching 28 goals and 27 helpers for 55 points during '98-99. Though he didn't duplicate it in Year Two on Broadway, 18 goals and 24 assists weren't bad enough for new President/GM Glen Sather to treat him like garbage. Somehow after just two games, the classy ex-Devil was made the scapegoat with Dolan's snake exiling a proud 16-year veteran to Manitoba.

Eventually, he'd get out of jail winding up with Dallas and getting the last laugh by helping the Stars into the second round while Sather's new outfit golfed. Deployed in a checking role under Ken Hitchcock, MacLean played two more seasons in Big D before calling it a career. It was then that Lou took him back with No.15 hired as an assistant. A role he'd become acclimated with over the next several years. But while the fiery Devil GM changed coaches about as often as Paris Hilton changes men, MacLean had to wait as he tried others with hardly the success a proud club had pre-lockout. While Jacques Lemaire returned behind the bench last season, MacLean was given AHL Lowell. There, he did a respectable job leading the franchise to its only postseason appearance in four years.

Now, it's finally Johnny Mac's time to shine. Can the only No.15 with apologies to current team captain Jamie Langenbrunner restore order in Newark? At 45, he gets his chance to show what he can do. MacLean should be quite familiar with a roster that still includes former 'mates Martin Brodeur, Elias and Brian Rolston. Add to it a core that features Zach Parise, Travis Zajac, Colin White, Andy Greene, David Clarkson and the experienced assistant shouldn't have much trouble getting acquainted. He'll also be quite familiar with prospects Matt Corrente, Tyler Eckford, Nick Palmieri along with sophomore Vladimir Zharkov. He'll also have loyal soldier Larry Robinson back behind the bench running a D which could have a different look depending on what happens with Paul Martin. Martin is the team's top blueliner who plays every key situation but is expected to test the market.

With New Jersey turning back the clock to 2000 for Cup hero Jason Arnott by sending Matt Halischuk and a 2011 second round pick to Music City. Apparently, the Preds are selling their best players with the rival Flyers picking up key target Dan Hamhuis the other day for former prospect Ryan Parent- further bolstering the East champs' blueline.

While it remains to be seen what happens with Martin and Ilya Kovalchuk, this now becomes MacLean's Devils. So, while his number doesn't yet hang from the rafters, he gets his shot behind the bench. Given how it's gone lately, the Devil great should be ready for anything. Here's wishing a good man the best of luck.

Lemaire all class till end

So much for Jacques Lemaire still wanting to coach. A few days removed from the first round disappointment to the Flyers after a great season, the soon to be 65 year-old Hall Of Famer abruptly retired earlier today. Maybe the passion was really gone despite indications he still enjoyed being behind the bench.

The two-time Jack Adams winner ('94, '03) who guided the New Jersey Devils to their first Stanley Cup finishes with a 588-441-124-60 career record. Over 16 seasons with Montreal, the Devils and expansion Wild, Lemaire did outstanding work getting his teams to buy into his defensive oriented system. While he did win Lord Stanley in 1995, perhaps his best job came in St. Paul when he took the '02-03 Wild to the Conference Finals before losing to the Mighty Ducks. In the franchise's first postseason, they came back to upset both Colorado and Vancouver, each time rallying from 3-1 deficits.

Built around Marian Gaborik, the sum was greater than the parts with the quirky gum chewing affable coach getting them to buy in. Under Lemaire, journeymen such as Sergei Zholtok, Wes Walz, Richard Park, Jim Dowd, Jason Marshall, Antti Laaksonen and Darby Hendrickson shined while turning Willie Mitchell and Nick Schultz into shutdown defenders- earning them millions. He also revived Dwayne Roloson's career effectively teaming him with nephew Manny Fernandez. Would Rollie have gone onto the success with Edmonton nearly winning a Cup post-lockout? Probably not. Instead, the 40 year-old undrafted netminder remains in the league doing stellar work for the Islanders. Blueliner Filip Kuba also developed well morphing into a solid puckmoving D who contributes offensively.

A little over a decade later, Lemaire returned to the team he helped turn into a powerhouse. Re-teaming with Devil architect Lou Lamoriello, he looked to duplicate early success where familiar franchise piece Martin Brodeur was still in Jersey shattering goalie records. Former pupil Patrik Elias had become the franchise's all-time leading scorer. Even if his early days with Jacques weren't that great. There also was favorite Devil/Wild student Brian Rolston welcoming him back. Scott Stevens, John MacLean and Ken Daneyko were still in the organization and there was familiar friendly broadcast tandem Doc Emrick and Chico Resch. Plus Larry Robinson. It's how Lou operates, opting to run his organization like a tight knit family where you're always welcomed back.

For much of 2009-10, it almost worked. Despite injuries to Elias, Paul Martin, David Clarkson and Dainius Zubrus, Lemaire had a team some figured would take a step back atop the Atlantic getting standout performances from Andy Greene, Colin White, Bryce Salvador, Rob Niedermayer and Dean McAmmond. His best players also did their part with Brodeur, Zach Parise, Travis Zajac and Jamie Langenbrunner instrumental in a tremendous first half that saw them win 30 of 48 games before things turned.

Ironically as Hasan's alluded to plenty, inconsistencies showed once the club got healthier. Perhaps Jacques worked better with less talent because of his Wild experience. The constant line shuffling didn't help. Even Ilya Kovalchuk, who gave it everything, never seemed to fit in. You wonder why Lemaire went away from ZZ Popp or Triple Z's (Zubrus-Zajac-Zach) but part of it was to help Kovalchuk, who didn't have much chemistry with Elias. One combo he didn't try was Kovalchuk-Zajac-Parise, instead opting to stick Zach on the second line. Might such a dynamic line have changed the outcome or was it doomed once Langenbrunner tuned out?

Breaking up Paul Martin and Martin Skoula for the slow and slower pair of Skoula and Salvador was a debacle. By sticking Martin with Greene, it hurt the rest of the D. There also was the odd continued dressing of Pierre Luc Letourneau-Leblond, who barely saw the ice. Might Lemaire have been better off using PK extraordinaire Jay Pandolfo? Especially in Games 4-5. Special teams hurt them all series. So, wouldn't it have made sense to insert the vet who's been through the wars with the team a la Dano in Game Seven vs Anaheim SCF '03? Experience matters. Pando could've provided a lift.

Whatever the real reason (likely PR), Lemaire will no longer coach the Devils. Looks like this really is it.
"It's a game I have been in a long time," he said. "I really have a thing for it and I still do. There is no doubt if I had the energy I would keep going because I love it.'

"It's not the team, it is not the result or the lack of result we had in the playoffs. It's not that at all. It's the end of the line. I'll be 65. It's just time."

But how could there not be a correlation? You know it had to kill Lemaire that it ended so miserably with him taking the team to task with the "playoff hockey" reference. He did go a little soft in his second Devil stint, opting not to throw players under the bus. Perhaps the fire was out. After that bizarre question about whether coaching was still where he wanted to go (talk about disrespect), he handled it with class. The man is too nice and definitely takes losses hard. Our Buffalo contingent can vouch for that referencing the bitter end to '95-96 when he interned for the Devils.

But why such a quick change? He could've taken more time. One thing about the Devs. Not everything is always what it seems. Only two men know the truth. Lou and Jacques. Regardless, congratulations to Lemaire on an outstanding career that totals 11 Cup rings dating back to the Canadien dynasty. He'll at least remain within the Devil organization in some capacity. Who wouldn't want a man with his knowledge and personality? All class till the end.

Back from the Dead

Well, after a few days away, I'm finally back from the dead. Like the classic House Of Pain '94 tune, no pun intended. It's nice to have a funtioning computer again, even if it is psycho. Haha. One of these days, maybe I'll hit the jackpot and finally upgrade to a laptop. God knows I haven't had one since that first ESPN stint in Bristol nine years ago which had a sad ending. Word of friendly advice. Never stay in a Motel 6. :-P

There's so much going through my mind. Been doing lots of stuff here including fixing up the old room. When it's completed (still a long way to go), it'll be more hockey themed with two cool Team USA Olympic banners I picked up at Gerry Cosby's before the Islander destruction last week. Why does that game feel like so long ago already? Go away from here a few days and things sure change. Even if the Rangers' postseason chances continue to hang by a thread with another must win at Nassau Coliseum in a few hours on the second night of Passover. As for the banners, I got Ryan Callahan and Patrick Kane. Unfortunately, Cally's nicked up and might miss another game. How he has 19 goals on this roster minus a No.1 center is a miracle. What if someone could get the puck to him? He's no star but just a solid hockey player who on a good team, would be a tweener who could play third line and moved up if needed. A poor man's Jamie Langenbrunner.

Speaking of which, I was always a huge fan of the Devil captain and pined for us to trade for him back in the Dark Ages. Of course, we wound up with Todd Harvey instead. The Heartbeat was very rootable but just couldn't deal with the physicality which took its toll. While he eventually went elsewhere like they all do, the Devils acquired Langenbrunner and Joe Nieuwendyk from the Stars for '00 Cup hero Jason Arnott and Randy McKay. We all know how that turned out with Langs an integral part of New Jersey's third championship in 2002-03 teaming with John Madden and Jay Pandolfo to form a deadly checking line that produced while limiting opponents. That said, they don't win without Grant Marshall to Jeff Friesen in Game Seven ECF at Senators, signaling the end of Wade Redden's NHL career. Slats?!?!?!?!?! Simply amazing. I can't figure out what's crazier. That that unlikely combo came up roses for Lou or that our senile GM actually signed Tinman and then made that pathetic statement about him being the best first passer. Best first passer my ass! Maybe for opponents who are too busy blowing by him in hysterical laughter.

So, there's an important game tonight. Why am I not talking about it? Well, if you're a suffering Ranger fan because we all know this franchise is going the wrong way like my favorite John Candy character from Planes, Trains and Automobiles, what makes you believe they'll win tonight? This team hasn't been able to get it done. Montreal. Boston. St. Louis. Toronto. Why will it be any different against what figures to be a fired up Islander squad hell bent on putting the final nail in the 2009-10 coffin off last week's stunning no-show at Mediocre Square Garden? For those logical reasons, I just can't get too excited for this. As I've said before, these guys remind me of the sadsack loser teams we had pre-lockout. I already made the '02-03 comparison when the same Isles gave us every chance but our team choked. This time, it's the Flyers who apparently are Devil kryptonite and the Bruins, who get that same team they can't beat making for two must watch games at 7. How many fans will be laughing at the chaos? Hopefully, it won't make us pour more wine.

A few other thoughts:

-Congrats to the Coyotes on making the postseason. What an amazing job Don Maloney's done. Even if he'll always get flak for Hugh Jessiman, the former Ranger assistant GM deserves kudos for helping turn around the troubled franchise in the Desert. It began last year with his deadline deal of Derek Morris here for Petr Prucha and Nigel Dawes (Cgy). Morris returned at this year's deadline and aids a strong blueline led by rejuvenated Ed Jovanovski and emerging Keith Yandle. Adrian Aucoin was a brilliant move. Matt Lombardi's turned Olli Jokinen into a joke. Key pickups Lee Stempniak and Wojtek Wolski have boosted scoring minus Scottie Upshall. Radim Vrbata loves Phoenix and so does expected Jack Adams winner Dave Tippett. Great hire by Maloney, who can thank the NHL for forcing Gretzky out. Sad. Lauri Korpikoski has more of a role than Enver Lisin ever will on Broadway. Then there's Ilya Bryzgalov, whose play is Hart worthy. Where would they be without him? Even Ranger reject Jason LaBarbera has panned out. From risky moves like Stempniak who's pumping in a goal-a-game probably leaving Brian Burke speechless- to underrated signings like Vernon Fiddler and Taylor Pyatt, it's all worked out for the 'Yotes, whose 100 points are a franchise record. Truly a dream season with the first playoffs since '01-02 still to come. We'll also be having a special feature on these Coyotes very soon. Stay tuned.

-It's awfully hard to ignore what Jimmy Howard's doing in Detroit. Even if the just turned 26 year-old rookie netminder looks like he'll edge Tyler Myers and Matt Duchene for the Calder, he's every bit as worthy as chief Vezina contenders Bryzgalov and Ryan Miller. It's hard to ignore the 22 straight starts and amazing post-Olympic stats that have the former University Of Maine star 11-2-1 with a 2.11 GAA, .923 save percentage plus a 33 save shutout in a 1-0 skill competition road win over the Predators Sunday. Not a bad way to celebrate 26 a day later. In his first full season, the former '03 second round gem (64th overall) from Ogdensburgh, New York has gotten into 57 games (55 starts) while posting a 32-15-9 mark with a 2.24 GAA (3rd NHL), .926 save percentage (4th NHL) and two shutouts. His 32 victories rank 10th with unflappable Martin Brodeur pacing the league with 41 wins- one better than Bryzgalov and Evgeni Nabokov. Miller is fifth with 38 wins trailing Jonathan Quick (39).

Aside from Bryzgalov and Miller who both deserve to be nominated for the Vezina, there's not a clearcut third choice. Brodeur's got solid numbers (41 W 2.37 GAA .912 Save Pct 7 SHO) but hasn't been as consistent. Nabokov (40 W 2.39 GAA .923 3 SHO) has had another good season but is supported by one of the league's best offenses. Though many will contend his D isn't as good as years past. What about Craig Anderson (36 W 2.60 GAA .919 7 SHO), who has the Avs on the verge of the playoffs? Neither Miikka Kiprusoff nor Roberto Luongo will be included even if Kipper has had a nice bounce back year while Louie has gone in the tank since winning gold in Vancouver. Jaroslav Halak doesn't have enough starts and Tomas Vokoun plays for Florida. It could be that Howard is the best of the pack, carrying the load in goal with Chris Osgood riding the pine. For a first-year player to perform this well with the team needing every win to keep their playoff streak intact, it speaks to the maturity. Good on Detroit for not rushing J-How.

-Every time the Hart is discussed, it's Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby, who are one goal apart in an exciting Rocket Richard race that also includes super soph Steven Stamkos (45 goals). Nobody is more lethal than Ovechkin, whose top seeded Caps have a remarkable record since he became captain. Meanwhile in Pitt, Sid The Kid's putting together his best campaign with a career high 47 markers and 94 points placing third behind Ovie (46-54-100) and Art Ross leader Henrik Sedin (28-73-101). Crosby's had to be better because Evgeni Malkin hasn't been himself. Even if injuries are part of it. AO has overwhelming support on the league's highest scoring team (287 GF) from Nicklas Backstrom (29-61-90), Alex Semin (35 goals), Mike Green (17-54-71) plus strong castmates Brooks Laich, Tomas Fleischmann and Mike Knuble. It's Crosby who's accounted for 20.5 percent of his team's 229 goals while AO counters with 16 percent of the Caps' 287. In games he's missed, they've won still scoring at a rapid rate (53 GF in 10 GP, 7-2-1 record incl. 2 losses to NJD).

What of Sedin's career year that's seen him hit the century mark with a league leading 73 helpers? Impressive stuff while twin brother Daniel missed 18 games but has returned producing ridiculously (75 Pts in 57 GP). Most notable is that neither has done much on the power play, meaning the bulk of it came at even-strength helping support their plus/minuses (Henrik-33 Daniel-32). One could argue Ovie's league-leading plus-43 as evidence of the mighty Russian's improvement. Will the suspensions hurt in the public eye of a player who's won the last two MVPs? Hard to say. It's clear that these are the three top candidates offensively speaking. Where does that leave Bryzgalov and Miller, who are front and center backstopping pedestrian offenses (Phx-198 GF Buf-211 GF)? One could cite similar with Brodeur on a Devil team that's produced 197 goals. The bigger question is has Zach Parise supplanted him as the team's most important player? If Parise went down, it's probable that they'd fall apart speaking to how much the Devil leader in half a dozen offensive categories could be sorely missed. When you look at their offense, a Devil fan can say why isn't Zach Attack a candidate? They wouldn't be wrong either. Good thing they got Ilya Kovalchuk (8-12-20 in 20 GP).

No doubt deciding this year's Hart is tough because all three offensive standouts are worthy as are the aforementioned goalies who give their teams a chance every night. Crazy as it sounds, Duncan Keith would've been a good candidate before Chicago started losing. Perhaps the lack of a No.1 goalie is finally showing. Patrick Kane's had a great season but is he really more valuable than Keith or Jonathan Toews? San Jose trio Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau and Dany Heatley all play together and boast Nabokov, Dan Boyle, captain Rob Blake along with an overlooked cast of Joe Pavelski, Ryane Clowe, Devin Setoguchi, Manny Malhotra and Jason Demers that get little fanfare. The Sedins have Ryan Kesler, Alex Burrows, Mikael Samuelsson, Mason Raymond along with arguably the best D plus the overrated Luongo.

The Sabres are led by a finally healthy Tim Connolly, Derek Roy, Myers, Thomas Vanek and Jason Pominville. Not exactly earth shattering for Miller who gets it done. How do you ignore a .930 save percentage? Two more wins and he reaches 40. Even if shootout induced sans MB30, it's still impressive. Did anyone have Bryzgalov leading the league in shutouts (8) with 40 W's on a franchise minus an owner who's leading scorer Doan has 53 points? In our book, that's the deciding factor. Yep. We say Ilya Bryzgalov deserves the trophy. Even with Tippett behind the bench, it's impossible to ignore the 'Yotes emergence. Buffalo was expected to be good and the Caps, Pens, Canucks and Devils were always going to be there. He deserves to be the first netminder to win the Hart since Jose Theodore swept MVP/Vezina in '01-02 for Montreal. Yep. That guy.

-Norris Race:

1.Duncan Keith
2.Mike Green
3.Drew Doughty

-Selke Race:

1.Ryan Kesler
2.Jordan Staal
3.Mike Fisher