Devils' resurgent offense leads the way on a successful trip

Earlier in the season it was an accomplishment for the Devils to score more than one goal in a single game. However, during these last eight days a hibernating offense has suddenly come to life by getting eighteen in just four games, including five today on Long Island - finally gaining a measure of revenge for two humiliating defeats this season by disposing of the Isles 5-2 to conclude a three-game trip where the Devils got five of a possible six points. Yes, they failed to win Saturday in Florida to extend a streak to three straight wins for the first time in thirteen months but even getting points in four straight games is something of an accomplishment and now I'm finally starting to feel some life watching this team.

Not so coincidentally the kids have figured prominently in this recent surge, with Nick Palmeri getting a goal Saturday to help the Devils get to overtime against nemesis Scott Clemmensen. Our younger players were even more prominent today though, with Matthais Tedenby finally getting out of the doghouse after six straight games as a healthy scratch in a big way, registering a goal and an assist. Most satisfyingly, that assist went to second-year player Vladimir Zharkov, who finally scored his first NHL goal off a rebound in his 49th game early in the first period though if you watched him play you'd be astounded it didn't happen sooner.

Even our kid defensemen haven't been too bad lately since Jacques Lemaire came back. True, Mark Fraser was caught out of position twice as the Isles put on their one surge in the game, turning a 3-0 lead into 3-2 in a matter of less than a minute but Fraser also got two assists in just over eighteen minutes today. And Mark Fayne has been a lot better since his second recall from Albany. Heck, Lemaire's finally gotten Andy Greene above a -20 on the season, how about that?

Yes, other than a young, flawed Tampa team the Devils haven't exactly been playing the murderers' row my Jets are going through in the NFL playoffs and might catch a break Thursday if Sidney Crosby is still out due to a concussion that's caused him to miss the last several games but who we play is kind of irrelevant at this point. You're just looking for progress, particularly from the younger players but you also want to see the vets show they not only can still play but want to be here.

Sure enough, the vets figured into today's game as well with Ilya Kovalchuk scoring on the power play in the first, creeping his goal total upward (he now has 13 on the season). Danius Zubrus scored a second-period goal for his seventh of the season and the Devils' fifth of the game. Even fourth-line grinder Rod Pelley was getting into the act with a goal and an assist this afternoon against Isles prospect Kevin Poulin. And there's no way I can leave out the resurgent Martin Brodeur, who was again strong with 27 saves for his fifth straight good-great performance since returning to the lineup last Saturday in relief of Johan Hedberg.

About the only dark cloud over this streak was the fact that the team's continued improved play seems to prove that much more that longtime Devil John MacLean was over his head earlier in the season. You do start to wonder how different things could have been this season if then-captain Jamie Langenbrunner didn't lead a mutiny against Lemaire last year, causing Lemaire's 'resignation' at the end of last year. Of course this recent streak didn't start until Langenbrunner's trade so one could say having an unhappy captain around was part of this team's malaise, which to be fair did start late last year.

Whatever the case it's clear Lemaire's a lot stronger of a coach with Langenbrunner no longer here. Not to mention having old buddy Larry Robinson behind the bench with him for the first time since 1995 helps. Having Brodeur return to form certainly doesn't hurt either, you can't really blame MacLean or goaltender coach Chris Terreri for Marty's early-season injury and uncharacteristically long slump. And if Lemaire actually lets the kids play then hey, just leave him alone and let him do what he does best - teach.

Ranking Goalies Part I

When it comes to ranking lists, they're always fun and subjective. You'll always get different opinions on who belongs where and why. Over the years, goalie rankings have become one of the hottest topics for puckers- emerging into great debates.

In this part, we will give our criteria for why a goalie should be where they are. Where do Henrik Lundqvist and Ryan Miller fall? And is there a place for arguably the greatest ever Martin Brodeur? If you judge off current seasons, the incumbent Miller would drop out of the top 10 while Brodeur wouldn't even crack the top 25. However, is such a reactionary way of thinking conducive to ranking our favorite goalies overall? Perhaps there needs to be a change in how we view the most important position in the game. You're seeing more goalies victimized by injuries, bad teams and sometimes slumps which allow cynics to write them off.

The question is is it fair? Not long ago, Lundqvist was struggling and some were even pondering if Martin Biron was going to get the job. About as nonsensical as when Brent Johnson got out hot while Marc-Andre Fleury couldn't stop a beach ball. Eventually, the best rise up and reclaim their status, regaining confidence of both peers, media and fans.

So, how should we rank the goalies?

1.Consistency-in any sport, the best must show that they can perform on a nightly basis. Otherwise, they wouldn't reach the pinnacle. For goalies, it's based on number of starts, winning and their history. Are they where they should be?

2.Durability-it's vital for any No.1 goalie to be able to carry the workload, meaning at least 60 starts. If they can't be depended on, what's the point?

Devils sweep home-and-home, break road skid against Tampa

During 2010 there wasn't much to cheer about as a Devils fan, what with the team being dead last by a mile during this season and going 30-42-8 overall in the calendar year. Despite the fact the team was finally starting to be more competitive after a series of frightening blowout losses, 2011 wasn't starting much better with losses in their first four games and trailing 2-1 against Tampa on Sunday after two periods at home.

However, the third period Sunday and the first period tonight show that maybe, just maybe there's some fun to be had watching the Devils in the second half after all. In the third period of that game Sunday the Devils scored five - yes FIVE! - goals including a couple of empty-netters to break a four-game losing streak with a 6-3 win. Fortunately four days off didn't dull the momentum from that sudden goal-scoring binge as the Devils came out flying with four more goals in the first tonight (all after Steven Stamkos opened the scoring for the Bolts on the power play), getting vet Dwayne Roloson pulled before the first twenty minutes were over en route to a relatively smooth 5-2 win.

At some point last week, Jacques Lemaire compared the Devils' predicament to having heart surgery. What he could have added was that the surgery entailed actually giving this team a heart. Or at least an opponent it can get goals against although perhaps they deserved a better fate in some recent games. Still, the team needed tangible proof of progress and these two games against a playoff-caliber team provided it. Tonight's win, in particular was our first road win in over two months after eleven straight losses outside of New Jersey.

Perhaps just as encouraging as the goal-scoring is who's getting them. For only the second time as a Devil, Ilya Kovalchuk had a multi-goal game tonight, pushing his total to a team-leading twelve. Patrik Elias also got into double digits with his tenth during the first period tonight and a short-handed tally by Travis Zajac near the end of the period gave him his seventh. Even twice-waived Brian Rolston got into the act, with a goal and an assist. Other struggling Devils, such as David Clarkson and Jason Arnott were among the heroes in Sunday's third period outburst and Clarkson in particular is finally starting to look like the well-rounded player of two years ago again.

If the scoring's been encouraging at last it's also nice to see Martin Brodeur start to resemble his old self again, after sitting out those three games he's been strong since returning to the lineup early last Saturday against the Flyers in what turned out to be a scoreless 50+ minute relief effort (though the team still lost 2-1) to go along with 30+ save performances in the last two games against Tampa. Ironically with the team so far out of the playoffs there's really no reason to worry about Marty's workload at this point so I'd expect him to get the call tomorrow in Florida for a big game.

Why is tomorrow a big game, you ask? Well, the Devils' last three-game winning streak was two Decembers ago - that's December 2009. In case you've been hibernating for the last month we're now in 2011. And even if the Panthers play ex-Devil Scott Clemmensen against us again (he won both his starts last year in New Jersey), Florida's still a beatable team. If we finally get over that hump and win more than two in a row, maybe this could be the start of a really fun second half...well unless you're one of those weenie fans that wants the highest draft pick - in a weak draft ironically enough.

And if you're keeping score at home that's three straight good performances by the team (including the loss in Philly) since former captain Jamie Langenbrunner was traded. Coincidence? It's starting to look far less so with each game. Maybe that was the real heart surgery Lemaire was talking about. Yes the coach isn't thrilling me with placing top prospect Matthais Tedenby in limbo, scratching him for the last several games without either giving him a chance or sending him down but that's an argument for another day.

For now I'm just glad to see a competitive team again, one that can actually score more than a goal a game. Hopefully this success isn't fleeting.

Hey Tort: Yes We Can!

Entering yesterday's big showdown against the league best Canucks who came in having not lost in regulation in 18 games, Rangers coach John Tortorella didn't believe his team could win 1-0 over such a lethal opponent. Considering that goals have been hard to come by lately despite the Rangers' good play, you had to figure they needed to heed Tort's advice. Perhaps the fiery coach was just using a wise tactic to get this cohesive group ready to play.

It sure worked. In one of the most exciting 1-0 games you'll see this season, the Rangers responded again following a disappointing 2-1 loss to the Canadiens by going toe to toe with The Sedins and the torrid Ryan Kesler- coming away with a well earned shutout that felt like a playoff game. Dare we say Cup intensity?!?!?!?! Considering how well each team played along with how hard, this wasn't your normal regular season game. Even if unsung hero Brian Boyle's former college Boston College teammate Cory Schneider got the call over Roberto Luongo who was in the previous night in a win over the Islanders, it didn't change the dynamics. Not when the Canucks' superb backup entered unbeaten in regulation with an 8-0-2 mark, making it easier for Alain Vigneault to rest Louie.

The headline was how could our lesser skilled club slow down the high flying Canucks? They'd been a thorn in Henrik Lundqvist's side with our Swedish King having never won against them. That included an embarrassing blowout loss a couple of years ago in which he removed himself from the game, drawing criticism. Last night proved to be different with Lundqvist intent on making every big save after permitting Benoit Pouliot's winner from a sharp angle the other night. Indeed, the All-Star netminder was at his best turning away Daniel and Henrik Sedin along with Kesler and antagonist Alex Burrows, stopping all 31 his way en route to his league-tying sixth shutout and 30th career.

“Every shutout is important,” he said after recording his 196th win a Ranger, closing in on 200. “Even though there is a lot of hockey left, you want to keep your position in the standings.”

While Henrik made some awfully tough stops on tricky shots like a Kesler try that hopped forcing him to kick it out and another off a seeing eye left point shot with similar results, he also got plenty of help from teammates led by Boyle. His line with Brandon Prust and Ruslan Fedotenko had a rare off night versus Montreal victimized for the tying goal. However, they redeemed themselves with a virtuoso performance limiting the Sedin line to only six shots. Tremendous attention to detail along with physicality neutralized maybe the best line in hockey. In particular, Boyle had a night to remember coming through with an inspired penalty killing shift with the Blueshirts down two men thanks to a bogus call on Marc Staal after Burrows speared him in the jewel area, retaliating with a slash. As our coach put it, how two refs could miss such a cheap/dangerous play is beyond me. Disgusting. What made it even more galling was Chris Drury getting nabbed for an equally bogus delay of game when he made a great defensive play batting a pass with his stick in mid-air which unfortunately went over the Vancouver bench.

Protecting a 1-0 lead on newest Ranger Wojtek Wolski's first off a wild scramble in front on the power play, the defining moment of the game came on the next shift when the Canucks couldn't find a way to beat Lundqvist. That they only got four shots through was a credit to one of the game's best PK units which always does whatever it takes to get the job done. There was Boyle standing out with not one but two gigantic blocks still limping with the Garden in a frenzy. That kind of warrior-esque effort is what's made him a heart and soul player for this team. It's why his line gets so many minutes against top scoring lines and is out at the end of games, helping boost our one-goal record to 13-3-3. If that's not Selke worthy, then you need your eyes checked. In a star-cessed league where it'll probably be Kesler, Henrik Zetterberg and Mike Richards, Brian Boyle is a throwback resembling former Devil John Madden. He never quits. Neither does Robin sidekick Prust who can always be counted on to be in the right position. Whether it's playing physical or making a strong defensive play transitioning to offense like they did last night with Schneider beating Boyle with a sliding glove save, this duo epitomizes what the Rangers are. Perhaps they should share the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention how well everyone played. Every Ranger contributed. Especially the fourth line of Drury, Sean Avery and rookie Dale Weise who is looking better, even coming close to his first goal. They don't see as many minutes but you wouldn't know it by how they work the corners providing a lift. It was nice to see Drury out in that final minute winning a big faceoff and then getting more stellar defensive work from Boyle, who somehow wasn't named one of the Three Stars. Yes, Wolski scored his first as a Ranger but even he'd tell you that Boyle deserved his No.2 Star.

What else was encouraging was that Marian Gaborik looked better with Artem Anisimov generating chances, including a breakaway after blocking a shot. But Schneider beat him, refusing to give five-hole. Every line is working right now. It's just a matter of time before they break out. Perhaps in tomorrow's Habs rematch with the Flyers the following day.

The defense played superb with Marc Staal and Dan Girardi getting plenty of support from improving kids Mike Sauer, Matt Gilroy and Ryan McDonagh. Steve Eminger was large again. So much to like about this team. A reason to cheer!

Lundqvist, Staal head BONY All-Star List

Yesterday, the NHL released the rest of the 2010-11 All-Stars with teams getting decided the old fashioned way. Like a pickup game with two captains choosing which players they want in what should be a fun format. Imagine Henrik Lundqvist coming up against Marc Staal or better yet, Staal facing off against brother Eric. Could the Sedins be matched up against each other or perhaps Crosby battled Malkin assuming he recovers from a concussion to play in Raleigh.

The possibilities are endless for nothing more than an exhibition showcasing the game's best talent. Thus adding a little spice to it which should liven things up for everyone involved.

The Rangers will be well represented with both Lundqvist and Staal appearing in the game while bright rookie Derek Stepan takes part in the Skills Competition. While you could make a strong case for Brandon Dubinsky over Lundqvist, it's hard to argue over the selections. Though one wonders if maybe Jonathan Quick should've gotten the nod over Henrik or hometown Cane Cam Ward, who we have always been a fan of. It'll be Lundqvist's second appearance while Marc Staal makes his first. Well deserving in our book, emerging as the Rangers' top defenseman while teamed with overlooked Dan Girardi, who you could make a case for.

The Islanders are represented by rookie Michael Grabner, whose fared well since the club claimed him off waivers from Vancouver. With John Tavares being passed up, Grabner gets the call. His nine goals rank fourth on the club with each coming at even strength. If he can become more consistent in that department, he could be a vital part of the Isles' core. One which will include Kyle Okposo, who's finally skating.

Patrik Elias goes for the Devils over team minus Ilya Kovalchuk and sentimental choice Martin Brodeur. This is probably the right call for the last place team who's still getting a decent year from the popular veteran left wing. Despite only nine goals, the classy Elias paces the club with 21 assists, 30 points and five power play goals, proving he's still a good player even in a trying year. Just look at his plus/minus (-9) compared to Kovalchuk (league worst -29). It tells you everything you need to know about the prideful Elias, who will always be one of our most admired Devils.

The Sabres will be represented by Thomas Vanek, who after a slow start has done his part pacing Lindy Ruff's club in goals (16), power play goals (8), power play points (15) and shots on goal (128). If only Derek Roy hadn't gone down, Buffalo might have a shot at getting back in it. At least Drew Stafford's (14 goals) finally fulfilling potential and Jordan Leopold (10-14-24) has been a pleasant surprise. Rookie Tyler Ennis will also take part in the skills with his 19 points showing promise for Buffalo's future.

Along with fan selections consisting of Pens Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang and Marc-Andre Fleury along with Hawks' tandem Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith, here's a look at the entire roster by team:

Ana-Corey Perry, Jonas Hiller
Atl-Dustin Byfuglien, Tobias Enstrom
Bos-Zdeno Chara, Tim Thomas
Buf-Thomas Vanek
Cgy-Jarome Iginla
Car-Eric Staal, Cam Ward
Chi-Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith, Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp
Col-Matt Duchene
CBJ-Rick Nash
Dal-Brad Richards, Loui Eriksson
Det-Nick Lidstrom
Edm-Ales Hemsky
Fla-Evgeny Dadonov*
LA-Anze Kopitar
Min-Brent Burns
Mtl-Carey Price
Nsh-Shea Weber
NJD-Patrik Elias
NYI-Michael Grabner*
NYR-Marc Staal, Henrik Lundqvist
Ott-Erik Karlsson
Phi-Claude Giroux
Phx-Oliver Ekman-Larsson*
Pit-Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, Marc-Andre Fleury
Stl-David Backes
SJ-Dan Boyle
TB-Steven Stamkos, Martin St. Louis
Tor-Phil Kessel
Van-Henrik Sedin, Daniel Sedin, Ryan Kesler
Wsh-Alex Ovechkin, Mike Green

Rookies

Logan Couture, SJ
Jordan Eberle, Edm
Taylor Hall, Edm
Cam Fowler, Ana
Tyler Ennis, Buf
Derek Stepan, NYR
Kevin Shattenkirk, Col
Tyler Seguin, Bos
Michael Grabner, NYI
Evgeny Dadonov, Fla
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Phx
Jeff Skinner, Car

Outhustled, Outgoaltended by Les Habitants

Alright. By show of hands, who actually thinks the Canadiens are better than the Rangers? I sure don't and that's even after they came into our town and owned the rink earning a 2-1 win to crawl within two of sixth.

Perhaps we're a bit biased but I digress. Montreal is a well schooled team coached by defensive staple Jacques Martin. So, it was no surprise that the game was tight checking with goals at a premium. What irks me most a day later is that they got away with starting backup Alex Auld, who yes outdueled Henrik Lundqvist despite the King seeing more rubber. Two things that I can't stomach:

1.When we make a journeyman who had a coffee stint on our roster last year into Patrick Roy.
2.When Lundqvist makes as many great saves as he did and then lets in a traditional stinker he has no business giving up.

That along with the Canadiens' superior speed and hustle added up to a frustrating loss, halting the club's three-game win streak. Still no four-game win streak for a team clearly superior to last year. It doesn't get any easier with the Canucks visiting town and then a rematch up north with a quick turnaround against the Flyers in the Big Apple. A game we'll be there for.

Simply put, John Tortorella's crew has to solve the scoring issue which has crept in despite the team's good play that has it a few points behind the Pens and Caps for fourth and fifth. It's not that they aren't generating scoring chances but just aren't finishing. There were enough opportunities to increase the 1-0 lead off team leader Brandon Dubinsky's early rush off a brilliant Matt Gilroy bank pass. They controlled the first part of the game, forechecking the Habs to death but couldn't cash in despite power plays and plenty of buzzing.

That included newest Blueshirt Wojtek Wolski who was around the puck a lot with new linemates Artem Anisimov and Marian Gaborik with the invisible man showing a pulse. Problem is he again couldn't find twine and neither did Wolski who had a couple of great chances, including the tying goal clanging off the Auld's best friend, the left goalpost with over two minutes to spare. It was that kind of night for our heroes.

Sean Avery was moved down to the fourth line with an effective Chris Drury and improved Dale Weise. The trio were solid on the cycle generating chances. Their best opportunity came off a rush when Weise took a hit in his end to spring Drury and Avery on a two-on-one. With a chance to draw even, the captain's slapshot hit the post. If only it had gone in for a player whose role is way different than the hefty check he cashes. Dru puts in a good effort every night. It would've been nice to see him rewarded.

Truth be told, Montreal deserved the two points by lifting their game and outworking our team. Particularly Tomas Plekanec who's line finally created the tying goal on a dominant shift against the Brian Boyle line late in the second. Much credit goes out to goalscorer Jaroslav Spacek for some great keeps and then a wise move to get a sharp angle seeing through shot off with a traffic jam distracting Lundqvist enough for the puck to just cross the goal line. Even if there was a delayed signal, it was obvious by the way the Habs reacted that they scored with conclusive replays confirming it.

Usually, the Rangers respond with their backs to the wall. They've owned third periods this season. Not last night as their Original Six opponent came out with more jump, taking nine of the first 11 shots, including Benoit Pouliot's decider off a rush catching Lundqvist a little off the post. It was a great shot similar to one Ruslan Fedotenko scored last month. However, it also was one Lundqvist admitted he'd like to have back. For as good as the two-time All-Star's been, he still has the penchant for allowing weak goals at inopportune moments. Unfortunately, his teammates couldn't pick him up.

Oh. They tried but the stingy Canadien D controlled the neutral zone, making it tough for the Rangers to get a consistent attack going. Auld made a few sparklers including a tricky one with Lundqvist on the bench, just getting a blocker to push it wide. Ultimately, the Blueshirts ran out of time with Dubinsky looking to get one more set up in front as the buzzer sounded.

Maybe Auld's groovy glove on Mats Zuccarello off a great Derek Stepan set up in the second should've told us the story. Journeyman backup comes back to New York and makes good with Carey Price taking it in. Go figure. As Jay Z would say, "Onto the next one."

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Alex Auld, Mtl (25 saves)
2nd Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (36 saves)
1st Star-Tomas Plekanec, Mtl (assist, 6 SOG, dominant)

Rangers send Rozsival to Desert for Wolski

Just as I had finished yesterday's post, the Rangers decided to one up me by trading Michal Rozsival to the Coyotes for Wojtek Wolski. As I was singing the vet's praises for steadier play than the previous two seasons, he became the odd man out after Alex Frolov went down. Considering that the team suddenly had to fill a void up front while also continuing to play well defensively minus the '05-06 holdover, it made sense to move him.

So, once again Glen Sather hooked up with pal Don Maloney and acquired a player he'd been after for a while. Slats had interest in Wolski last year before the Avs dealt him to the Coyotes in exchange for Peter Mueller. At the time, the cost was too much. So, he held firm. You know how Heinz says good things come to those who wait. In this case, it has merit because following a career best 65-point season (23-42-65) with the Avs and 'Yotes, Wolski came back to earth dropping to 6-10-16 in 36 contests this year. So, the Rangers got him cheap and saved $1.2 million in cap space by dealing the pricier Rozsival ($5 million) who has another year left on his contract. As for Wolski, he also has one year remaining and is set to earn $4 million in '11-12.

"It gives us more opportunities to do a few other things that may come up in the future," Sather noted of more cap flexibility that also includes LTI (Long Term Injury) for Frolov. "It was a situation that was easy for us to make for a lot of reasons."

The 24 year-old Wolski brings size with his 6-3, 210 pound frame talented enough to bolster our offense. On a grinding team that's been scoring by committee, adding someone like the former Avs' '04 No.1 pick should bode well for the Blueshirts. He's expected to donn the unusual No.86 and debut in tonight's big showdown versus eighth Montreal, who enters four points behind us for sixth. The two Original Sixes will also be meeting back up north on Hockey Night In Canada following a big test against the Canucks.

When he's taken part in the playoffs, Wolski's fared well recently putting up four goals and an assist for Phoenix last year while going 2-3-5 in '07-08 for Colorado. It wouldn't be surprising if John Tortorella tries him with slumping star Marian Gaborik and Artem Anisimov. That would demote Sean Avery, who's elevated his play the past three games, back to the fourth line with Chris Drury and Connecticut recall Kris Newbury, who KO'd Devil Bryce Salvador back in preseason, concussing him.

For Rozsival who was a frequent MSG target despite contributing on the blueline, he gets a fresh start in the Desert where he'll bolster a 'Yotes back end that includes Ed Jovanovski, Keith Yandle, Derek Morris and Adrian Aucoin. Given a chance by Sather following the lockout as a camp invite, Rozsival made the most of it growing into a top four D who worked well with Czech Marek Malik as part of the Euro-Rangers led by Jaromir Jagr, Martin Straka, Martin Rucinsky, Petr Prucha and Michael Nylander. Six Czechs and one Swede led the Blueshirts back to the playoffs where they hadn't been in nearly a decade.

The most memorable highlight for Rozsival and the same hypocritical Garden Faithful had to be when his one-timer from the point beat Ryan Miller in triple overtime, giving the underdog Rangers life in a dramatic Game Three Eastern Conference Semifinal at a pumped up MSG. As someone who was fortunate enough to be there, it ranks as my best Ranger game. I'll never forget the animosity towards the refs for screwing us at the end of regulation when a goal was disallowed. The Sabres forced sudden death and could've put a stranglehold on the series. Instead, our guys wouldn't let it happen with Rozy playing the hero. The place just exploded. Everyone mobbed each other in one of the most awesome scenes ever. If you were there, you know how special it was.

It allowed our team to get back in the series, winning Game Four to push it even back to Buffalo. We all know what happened there. Straka scored late in regulation with lone '05-06 member Henrik Lundqvist on the verge of stealing Game Five. But as fate had it, Chris Drury got to a rebound and buried it with 7.7 seconds remaining. The same amount of time Valeri Zelepukin scored with a lifetime ago for the Devils. This time, there was no Matteau Matteau Matteau. Instead, Maxim Afinogenov broke our backs when his shot deflected off a diving Jed Ortmeyer past King Henrik. The Sabres would win a real shootout in Game Six to wrap up the series. Still, to this day, it's hard not to go back and contemplate just how close that team was to advancing to its first Conference Final since Messier and Gretzky teamed up with Leetch, Graves and Richter. Oh. What could've been.

It's hard to believe that Rozsival evolved into a reliable defenseman here. I remember laughing at the '05 signing thinking, 'The former Pen. Come on.' Well, the joke was on me. In his first year, Rozsival scored five goals and 25 assists for 30 points while posting a plus-35 rating along with three power play goals. Amazing. Of course, it helped to have No.68 to pass to during his record-breaking season. Still, Rozy proved it wasn't a fluke by increasing to career highs with 30 helpers and 40 points along with seven PPG, 20 power play points and three deciding markers. In '07-08, he again had a strong season tallying a career best 13 goals with 25 assists for 38 points along with half a dozen PPG and 18 PPP. Even if he sometimes was an adventure in the corners, one couldn't dispute his contributions- helping guide Marc Staal and Dan Girardi who now are a shutdown tandem.

It would be foolish not to think Rozsival had something to do with their development. He was the one vet the organization kept. Even if Slats messed up giving him four years, $20 million while foolishly spending a ton on the immortal Wade Redden. His real folly while gambling on Nikolai Zherdev for Fedor Tyutin. True enough, Rozy wasn't the same after Jagr left becoming overly passive on the power play driving fans nuts with his tenativeness to shoot despite a deadly one when it hit the net. For a year and a half, he struggled badly while playing through injuries- continuing to log big minutes and never complaining once about the unfair treatment from the home crowd. Sure. It was frustrating because of some of the chances he passed up. However, it's also accurate to say he was our best passer, often making perfect outlets that strung teammates for breakaways.

There also is the notion that Rozsival was soft. While he'll never be confused with Jeff Beukeboom, the guy always battled and often sacrificed his body to get in front of shots. He was a superb penalty killer and that should be valued in his new home. Under Tortorella, he regained confidence and became more active in all facets. To ignore the marked improvement wouldn't be fair to the kind of character he had. Rozy stuck up for teammates shoving players away from Lundqvist's crease. He did have pride and it showed during the final portion of a solid Ranger career. In nearly six seasons, Rozsival finishes with 42 goals and 134 assists totaling 176 points over 432 games. He went 4-10-14 in 31 games during the postseason on Broadway.

"It was a good opportunity for us to get younger and bigger and give the kids the opportunity on defence to play," Sather said of the change. "I was very happy with the way Rozie played. He's a good player, he's durable, he works hard, he played through a lot of pain through his career. We have nothing but good things to say about him. He was treated a little unfairly once in a while, but he was a guy who was the ultimate professional."

Rangers continue to be Road Warriors

They are NHL Road Warriors. How else to explain the Rangers' league best 15 wins away from MSG? After dropping an uncharacteristic two in a row in Florida last week, John Tortorella's resilient bunch again rose up- stringing together back-to-back impressive wins over the Stars and Blues over the weekend.

That they had to fight back twice against one of the West's best teams before prevailing in a shootout and then follow it up by bouncing back from a goal down to edge St. Louis 2-1 is indicative of what this team is all about. No matter who goes down, these Rangers fight and scrap their way to two points. They've already been without emotional leader Ryan Callahan for 10 games. How have they responded since a dissapointing Florida trip? By winning three straight including an equally satisfying overtime win over ninth Carolina. Three consecutive one-goal triumphs puts them at 6-2-2 since Cally went down at Pittsburgh in the first of ironically a character building 4-1 win that saw the club stun the Pens with four unanswered in the final nine-plus minutes.

It's that kind of never say die attitude that has these Blueshirts 25-15-3 with 53 points in sixth knocking on the door behind fourth Pittsburgh and fifth Washington. The 15-7-1 road record demonstrates how closely knit this gritty bunch is. Along with an impressive 10-1 mark in the second of back-to-backs, Tortorella's crew doesn't know the word quit. Are they perfect? Far from it. Aside from struggling finisher Marian Gaborik, the Rangers lack the big play ability of the Crosby Pens, Ovechkin Caps, star studded Flyers and Stamkos/St. Louis Lightning. They get it done as a group through hard work by outhustling opponents and winning all sorts of battles.

If one player epitomizes the yeoman effort, it's Brandon Dubinsky. The fourth-year Alaskan has flourished since being shifted to left wing. Dubi as fans and teammates call him is on pace for a career season with his contract up after the season. While it'd be easy for us to concern ourselves with that, that's for Dubinsky and management to handle. This season, the 24 year-old forward paces the Rangers with 16 goals and 36 points. But it's more than just the numbers with one of the hardest working players who is a PK fixture hounding opponents and always is willing to sacrifice for the good of the team. Lately, it's resulted in defining moments like the one where he came off the wall beating two Blues to set up Sean Avery's winner. Since his running mate Callahan went down, Dubinsky has stepped up contributing nine points (2-7-9) during the latest Ranger run helping put some distance between them and the Hurricanes. Dubinsky is still a little streaky but his constant puck pressure makes him so valuable. It's why he'll definitely get extended by Glen Sather, who'll have to recognize the improvement.

While Dubinsky has led, he's gotten plenty of help from Marc Staal and Dan Girardi, who have fulfilled their new contracts by becoming the shutdown pair the Rangers envisioned. Not only are they limiting scoring chances against but also assuming more responsibility by performing admirably on the power play and also jumping up more when it's needed. Perhaps the best example this season came from Staal, who scored a huge shorthanded goal tying the Pens before Dubinsky set up Callahan in overtime for a huge win. That kind of leadership after how Pittsburgh stunned a frustrated Henrik Lundqvist with two straight cannot be underestimated. It's a play Staal doesn't make last year. Whether it's throwing the body, getting in the path of a big shot or warding off checkers for a huge clear, each has grown in stature.

It's that kind of committment that has this team looking like a dangerous out come Spring. However, they still have plenty of work left with two games against eighth Montreal this week sandwiched around the sizzling Canucks, plus a third meeting against the Flyers. It promises to be tough but one thing about the 2010-11 Rangers. They've met every challenge. Whether it's the constant checking of Brian Boyle and Brandon Prust or the equally surprising Ruslan Fedotenko, they come hard. Rookie Derek Stepan continues to grow all the time, tying the Blues off a nice feed from Mats Zuccarello, who looks like he'll stay on Broadway even when the Rangers get totally healthy.

Of course, they won't be that now that Alex Frolov is done for the season with a torn ACL/MCL suffered in St. Louis the other night. A bitter end to probably his only year in the Big Apple. Say what you will about the lack of production from the former King. But he was still trying. His forecheck had improved leaps and bounds after a stint with Boyle/Prust. From that standpoint, they could miss the enigmatic Russian who finishes with seven goals and nine assists in 43 games. Much like it's been all season, it'll be up to someone else to step up. They'll need more goals off the stick of Artem Anisimov, who when he shoots is dangerous. Just ask Dallas goalie Kari Lehtonen, who had no chance on an absolute ripper that forced extras last Friday. Arty has taken 97 shots thus far. He needs to shoot more. If he does, 20 goals is possible.

Of course, Tortorella needs more from Gaborik who couldn't even get a gimme which looked in to snap a slump. Hell. Even Sam Rosen and Joe Micheletti were convinced it was in only to have replays confirm his one-timer off Dubinsky's brilliant feed went off the cross bar before Avery followed it up. At this critical juncture, it's no longer about who he plays with. I could care less if he doesn't have the marquee center to play with. Gabby has proven he can finish with Erik Christensen. Another injured player who won't be back anytime soon. Simply put. It's time for the Big Ticket to remember who he is. There are no excuses. It looks Avery is finally getting it. Maybe he can rub off on Gabby.

Goaltending has been a strength. When you have Henrik Lundqvist, it should be. He's been more consistent lately and even is contributing offensively. It was his brilliant pass that caught the Stars changing, allowing Anisimov to wire his 10th for the equalizer. As scary as he is playing pucks which led to a goal against over the weekend, believe it or not King Henrik leads all goalies with three assists. Let's just hope he minimizes the adventures. What's even better is the way backup Martin Biron performed Saturday, making key stops in the second to give his teammates a chance. The ex-Sabre has already started 11 games and won seven posting a respectable 2.26 GAA and .920 save percentage. Exactly what Tortorella was looking for to keep Lundqvist fresh down the stretch. Just maybe it'll make a difference.

You can't forget the contributions from Mike Sauer, who's become the team's third best blueliner. Credit goes out to the Sauer Man on persevering despite injuries to finally work his way into our top four. He rarely makes mistakes and is rock solid in his end. The kind of sturdy defender we've always needed. Then there's Matt Gilroy, who has gone long stretches sitting in the press box but never complained. And now, he's being rewarded and rewarded the coach with better play by getting involved offensively while playing stronger defensively. Enough can't be said about both these two who have made a huge impact to boost our back end. Michal Rozsival probably will miss more games this week but the vet's had a better year. And there's not enough praise for Steve Eminger.

It's been an exciting season for our Blueshirts. One which they have earned.

Devils midseason review: A nightmare scenario

For those of you who don't know, DEFCON 1 is a national defense condition that indicates World War III is imminent, as depicted in the '80s movie WarGames. How does that apply to the Devils season? Well when you have just ten wins and 22 points in 41 games, good for last place in the NHL (a full ten points behind the 29th place Islanders) with a team that was supposed to be a Stanley Cup contender after the post-July 1 signings of Ilya Kovalchuk, Anton Volchenkov and Henrik Tallinder, that pretty much qualifies as a situation which needs the most drastic measures available to fix.

When I talk about fixing the Devils it certainly isn't something that's going to happen overnight or be evident in this year's results. Obviously, the Devils are going to miss the playoffs for only the second time in the last two decades and are somehow managing to cement even finishing in dead last below the AHL-quality Islanders - despite the Isles shedding players left and right (goaltender Dwayne Roloson and defenseman James Wisniewski in trades, as well as fellow goalie Rick DiPietro with another predictable injury).

Clearly the first step toward fixing the problem is to figure out how things got so bad so fast. I mean just last April the Devils were winning their ninth division title in the last thirteen seasons. To have such a pronounced dropoff from that to now being in the middle of what could be a franchise-worst season recordwise, and one of the worst offensive outputs in league history is still inconceivable to me. Especially with expectations going through the roof after retaining Kovalchuk and adding defensemen Volchenkov and Tallinder.

Such unfulfilled expectations and dissapointment has led to a two weeks unlike any other in franchise history. To wit: Coach Johnny MacLean was axed two days before Christmas, captain Jamie Langenbrunner was traded two days ago and future Hall-of-Famer and multiple Vezina winner Martin Brodeur was demoted to second-string goaltender last week. All in two weeks! I can't exactly accuse GM Lou Lamoriello of sitting on his hands anymore, although it appeared as if he was for the longest time - since his lone move before December 23 was the futile gesture of putting Brian Rolston through waivers, then re-entry waivers - only for the $5 million man to go unclaimed.

About the only thing I'm sure of is there's no one single reason you could point to for this kind of a meltdown in record time. Are there talent deficiencies? Sure...after all, not having a puck-moving defenseman is a big reason the offense has been stuck in neutral for most of the season. Coming into the year the only defenders you could describe as adequate puck-movers were Andy Greene (who is looking more and more like a three-month wonder), and Matt Taormina - who had never played an NHL game till this season. While Taormina was one of the few pleasant surprises for the team early, he's all but dissapeared after a high ankle sprain and multiple setbacks have left him in limbo, with a return date unknown.

Even with Taormina, this D's a far cry from the Scott Niedermayer-Brian Rafalski-Paul Martin days of having guys who could skate and move the puck. Not to mention the defensive talent is lacking as well, what with playing green kids such as Mark Fayne, Matt Corrente, Alex Urbom and Anssi Salmela for long stretches and frequently having two or three of them in the lineup at once. Hold-the-fort vet Mike Mottau leaving due to cap concerns and Bryce Salvador getting a career-threatening concussion on the eve of the season downgraded the defense from passable to troublesome, even with the additions of Volchenkov and Tallinder - though the latter's been an utter disaster so far (four points in forty-one games with a -26) as the 'replacement' for Martin.

If our defensive woes were somewhat predictable, our offensive issues have been downright mind-boggling. Yes, Zach Parise got hurt before the season and after playing through it for about a month has basically been shut down for the duration after surgery (he won't even skate till the beginning of March). Clearly missing our best player doesn't help. Still, the offense should at least have been respectable with fellow ZZPops members Travis Zajac and former captain Langenbrunner, $100 million man Kovalchuk, all-time franchise leading scorer Patrik Elias and other complementary pieces like one-time A-line member Jason Arnott also returning via trade. Heck, even Rolston was a 30-goal scorer multiple times although he's never come close to showing that kind of form here.

Not only has the offense been dissapointing, they've been historically bad with just 70 goals in 41 games (the standings say 72 but two of those 'goals' are due to shootout wins). Our leading point-getter - Elias - has just 27 in half a season. Despite being the only player to get to double-digits in goals Kovalchuk's season has been a disaster with just ten in forty games despite getting the second-most icetime in the league behind Sidney Crosby, and has a ghastly -30 to go along with his unfathomly bad shooting this season. Talented centerman Travis Zajac had 66 points last season and just 21 so far this year. No Devil has twenty assists halfway through the season.

Sure, you can say the lack of puck-moving defensemen is a factor in the offense's woes and age is also no doubt a factor in the performance of players like Elias, Arnott, Langenbrunner and Rolston (with desire also lacking in at least the latter two). How to explain the struggles of guys like Kovy and Zajac though? Not to mention David Clarkson, who looked like a 20-goal scorer in the making in '08-09 but has become more finesse and less gritty despite a dramatic downturn in his goals from the 17 of two years ago. I guess like a bad virus, when so many people are playing way below par, it eventually eats away at your team until everyone gets sucked down into the same bottomless pit.

That might also apply to Brodeur, who was a Vezina finalist this year and has AHL-quality numbers this year. Some, but not all of his decline can be traced to the defense in front of him. After all, Marty propped up an average defense just last year to win a division title with a 2.24 GAA and .916 save percentage in 76 starts. This year, Brodeur has an unghastly 3.15 GAA and .882 save percentage. Maybe in his case age really is catching up, after all he missed a month with what was described as an elbow bruise. For someone that has been extremely durable in his career perhaps that was the biggest sign that we can't count on Brodeur to be a high-quality performer from here on in.

In what seemed like a mutual decision, Brodeur even acquiesed to going to the bench last week in favor of Johan Hedberg. Predictably the results were no better as Hedberg's lost all three of his starts and was pulled this afternoon against the Flyers in the first period after giving up odd deflection goals in back-to-back games. At least it was a good sign that Brodeur came in and shut out the Flyers the rest of the way, so maybe extended practice time has enabled him to find some of his old form. Tomorrow's game against the high-powered Lightning should tell a lot about what to expect from the legend going forward.

Having an inexperienced coach like MacLean didn't help either, he sure didn't have the answers once things started getting rocky (which was basically the latter part of Opening Night when we blew a two-goal lead against Dallas). Nor did he seem inclined to do anything to put his foot down, other than his well-publicized scratching of Kovy for missing team meetings in October. While it's almost unprecedented to fire a coach thirty-three games into his tenure - Barry Melrose is the only quicker one I can think of in the NHL and he was a known quantity - things had gotten so bad that despite the hopeless predicament the team found itself in by early December, Mac just had to go. When you lose three games in a row by 7-1, 5-1, 5-1, that's a pretty good indicator that the team isn't trying.

Even with all that, you have to say in hindsight a bad feeling existed in the room from the outset both because of the Kovy fiasco this summer and the resulting cap elephant in the room, which was never solved by Lou until it got 'solved' for him with early-season hernia surgery for Rolston and the more serious injuries to Parise and Salvador. I was never in favor of leaving our homework till the last minute, so to speak but maybe we would have done something earlier if the Kovy contract had been resolved in July. Still, you have to blame Lou for giving everyone an out to stink by the resulting distraction of trade rumors and speculation swirling nonstop.

For a team which had such a bad finish to last season, I was dissapointed more people weren't moved out of the locker room regardless although one of the byproducts of the recent Langenbrunner trade was the revelation that in fact, Lou did attempt to trade Jamie in the offseason but the captain used his NTC to nix the deal. While on the one hand that makes me feel better that Lou did recognize Langs needed to be moved, on the other when you have a captain of the team knowing the GM wants to trade him before the season and it never happens that's a definite black cloud in the room. Especially considering Jamie's insubordination towards coach Jacques Lemaire created a black cloud over the locker room last year.

Not that I resolve Lou or Lemaire from any blame, on the contrary. Bringing Lemaire back to coach much the same team that tuned him out last year was unconscionable. And Lemaire's own treatment of some players (specifically Jay Pandolfo and Nicklas Bergfors) last year was ridiculous, while he too often let Kovy have free rein to do what he wanted. Maybe the Kovy fiasco this offseason wasn't Lou's fault, if that's the case owner Jeff Vanderbeek definitely deserves his share of the blame as well.

Now for the $64,000 question, how do we get out of this hole we've dug for ourselves? Well if you mean getting out of the hole to get to the playoffs that isn't happening. Based on current projections, we would literally have to go 37-4 just to have a chance at a playoff berth. About the only team who could put that kind of a stretch together was the '76-77 Canadiens. What the rest of the season should be about is putting the team in the best possible position to win next year and beyond. Here's my checklist of 'to-do' things to ensure that happens (in no particular order of importance after #1):

1. Re-sign Parise to a long-term deal this offseason, if that isn't accomplished nothing else really matters cause this team'll be screwed big-time if he walks after next year.
2. By hook or by crook get at least one more quality NHL defenseman in here who can skate and move the puck, probably two if I'm being honest. Volchenkov and Colin White fill our quota of stay-at-home guys and you can add Salvador to that mix if he returns, what we really need is mobility back there.
3. Do what you should have done this offseason and bring in an outsider to coach the team, let him pick his own assistants and run a progressive system that accentuates the talents of Parise, Kovy, Zajac and Elias.
4. Play the younger forwards and see just how much NHL-ready talent we have in the organization. Sorry Jacques, your 'tough love' with Matthais Tedenby doesn't fly with me when vets don't get punished for their screwups.
5. Get another NHL-caliber center in here, for too long we've been trying to make do with converted wingers centering a top two line, this year's acquisition of Arnott was supposed to alleviate the problem at least temporarily but it hasn't.
6. Clear out Arnott and other expendable players before the trade deadline to continue recouping some of the draft pick value we lost this offseason - both in the initial trade for Arnott and the Kovy contract penalty. Not having our 2nd and 3rd this season proved to be more disasterous than anyone could have predicted considering we're likely to have a top three pick at worst.
7. Clear out Rolston this offseason as an expiring contract.
8. Play to compete and win the second half of the season. Yeah you have the weenie Devil fans who want the team to lose to secure the best chance for the #1 draft pick (not even the pick itself, just the best chance to win the lottery) and we're gonna have to trade a couple impending UFA's in all likelihood but really a lot of these guys are going to be here next year as well, either because of talent or contract. You can't expect to be successful next year if we never get out of this constant state of misery the franchise is now in. Especially since any improvement the second half of the season will likely be tied into both hungry kids and vets who prove they want to stay and be part of the solution.
9. Make the vets accountable as well as the rookies. Including the $100 million man. We might not be able to change all the players but we can certainly change the atitude around here and that starts with accountability.
10. If we're not going to find a future goalie next year at least we have to find one capable of starting 20-30 games minimum to protect a declining Brodeur as much as possible, while still giving him the respect he deseves and allowing him to finish out his contract.

At least part of one step has already been done in the trade of Langenbrunner. How much of the rest of my list the Devils can accomplish is anyone's guess but if they don't accomplish most of those steps, you can count on an extended rebuild in the very near future. Since Lou detests the word rebuilding, odds are it would happen without him.

Langenbrunner returns to the Stars

It's Back To The Future for Jamie Langenbrunner. The two-time Cup winner who was scratched last night in anticipation of a trade finally got word earlier today that he'd be returning to the Stars. So, the original Star who was drafted in the second round back in '93, comes back to the franchise he helped win its only Stanley Cup with in 1999 on a loaded team that featured Mike Modano, Ed Belfour, Jere Lehtinen, Joe Nieuwendyk, Brett Hull, Sergei Zubov, Derian Hatcher and Richard Matvichuk.

Sometimes, life comes full circle. In Langenbrunner's case, that holds true for the gritty American who's had an outstanding career highlighted by a more prominent role in the Devils '03 championship- scoring 11 goals and seven assists for 18 points on a shutdown line with former Selke winner John Madden and PK fixture Jay Pandolfo. Not only did he achieve ultimate success in New Jersey but also was recognized as one of the best players in our country, captaining Team USA to Olympic silver last year in Vancouver. It's the classic case of an overachiever who got the most of his talent. Just ask former ZZ Popps linemates Zach Parise and Travis Zajac how much No.15 meant to their careers.

And so a solid nine-year career in Jersey comes to an end with them getting a conditional third round pick that might become a second rounder.

Langenbrunner scratched, trade in works???

Word has come down over Twitter that Jamie Langenbrunner is a scratch tonight against the Flyers. The Devil captain who came over from the Stars along with Joe Nieuwendyk in a trade for former Cup hero Jason Arnott and Randy McKay helped lead the franchise to its third Stanley Cup in 2003- stunning the hockey world by upsetting Ottawa in a great Conference Final before taking the Mighty Ducks in seven games.

Langenbrunner teamed with John Madden and Jay Pandolfo to form the top checking line in the game, stifling opponents' best while also contributing offensively. Though none of the trio won the Conn Smythe which was rewarded to losing netminder Jean-Sebastien Giguere, any of the three easily could've won it for their outstanding play. Perhaps a boat load of candidates that included Martin Brodeur, Scott Niedermayer and Scott Stevens worked against the best T-E-A-M, which better explains why Giguere won it. However, it doesn't take away from what made that Devil team so special- only further illustrating why they overcame the odds to lift Lord Stanley for great coach Pat Burns.

It's already been almost a decade since Lou Lamoriello pulled the trigger on the deal which turned his team into one of the NHL's best during this era. Langenbrunner has been an integral part of a run that's seen the Devils qualify for the playoffs 13 consecutive times. He's filled whatever role needed. Whether as a top checker, penalty killer or a scorer teaming alongside Travis Zajac and Zach Parise to form ZZ Popps, the 35 year-old two-time Cup winner has been a good Devil. Even if controversy has surrounded him since last year baffling our chief New Jersey resident Hasan, he'll arguably go down as a better No.15 than recently fired coach John MacLean.

If this is indeed it for Langenbrunner's time in Jersey, he should be remembered for all the good things he did to help make the Devils one of the best teams on the ice.

Give MZA an A

Okay, we're kidding with that fancy title. In all seriousness, we like Mats Zuccarello Aasen. Not just because the gifted 23 year-old Norwegian who looks strikingly similar to Marty St. Louis notched an overtime winner in a thrilling Ranger 2-1 home win over the Hurricanes. Sure. It was mighty impressive for the diminutive winger to pull off a tough wrap around finding twine from a small angle over Cam Ward, giving the Rangers a huge victory over a team chasing them.

It's just that there's so much to like about MZA, who also set up Matt Gilroy's third midway through the third in a scoreless tie. The kid who surprised many with a breakout '10 Olympics in Vancouver has plenty of tools. Something our No.1 Star Brandon Dubinsky was quick to point out after being involved directly in both goals, including a yeoman effort that created enough havoc for Zuccarello to score his first career NHL goal in style, touching off a St. Louis-esque celebration on the ice.

“He has so much talent. He is going to be really special for us from his talent alone.”

With emotional leader Ryan Callahan out for at least another three weeks, John Tortorella who knows a thing or two about coaching talented undrafted smallish forwards, wants to find out about Zuccarello. Already we've seen the skills he possesses. The 5-7, 174 pound Nord isn't afraid to go into high traffic areas and will battle anyone as evidenced by his staredown with former Swedish Elite League teammate Victor Hedman. There's a reason he was named League MVP last year. These days, MZA seems more willing to do what it takes than ghost Marian Gaborik. Perhaps that's because of where he's come from. It doesn't excuse the Rangers' most talented player for why he remains stuck on 11 goals, unable to finish plays like the pass Artem Anisimov made in the third.

It's way too early to proclaim Zuccarello a Broadway hero. He's only played six games and is 1-2-3 with 13 shots thus far. As he continues to adjust to the best league along with whatever wrinkles Tortorella throws him, the mature Norway talent should be able to handle it. Especially how modest he was after scoring such a big goal.

“I got lucky,” he chimed before noting the obvious about his size:

“I have been like this for 23 years. I have had a long time to practice being small. I have to use being small to my advantage.”

“I don’t think he lacks confidence,” Tortorella assessed. “Creative people need that.”

In any sport, mental toughness is essential for performing at the highest level. It won't get any easier for MZA or his teammates who now must go to Dallas and St. Louis Friday and Saturday before returning for two big games against Montreal sandwiched around the hottest team in the league Vancouver paying a visit to the Big Apple.

“It’s huge. We wanted to come out and play the way we’re capable of,” leading point getter Dubinsky pointed out after snapping a two-game skid. “We found a way.”

Exactly what epitomizes this scrappy bunch who continue to bounce back from tough defeats and overcome adversity. A huge part of that is their goalie Henrik Lundqvist, who matched save for save with Ward in a highly entertaining affair that wasn't lacking quality scoring chances until Gilroy and Eric Staal exchanged goals, forcing extras. Both were outstanding with King Henrik making 31 stops while the former Conn Smythe winner countered with 33, including a highlight reel glove save on Dubinsky that him and Sean Avery looking skyward. In an important game against one of the league's best, Lundqvist was there for his team until their latest hero won it.

“We’re not the most talented group in the world, but the thing that is going to carry us through is to play as a team,” Tortorella remarked after his team improved to 23-15-3 at the halfway point, which is good for the East's seventh seed one behind Atlanta and just four off fourth Philly despite playing two more games. “That’s what has given us our first-half start.”

“We are halfway through now, and you can see the standings,” Lundqvist added. “It’s getting tighter and tighter. Coming off two losses, it was important to come back with a win.”

Exactly what the doctor ordered with an assist from MZA.

Sign of the apocalypse

Through all of the turmoil that has befallen the Devils this season, from the summerlong saga that was the Ilya Kovalchuk contract to the nightmare start from him and the rest of the offense not to mention the clueless AHL defense, one thing seemed to be a given. Well, besides GM Lou Lamoriello firing yet another coach.

When healthy, Martin Brodeur would be in net and Johan Hedberg would get the occasional game every two months just like every other Marty backup. Despite Brodeur's elbow injury in November, when he returned to the lineup in December he went right back to starting every game - until his ill-fated start in Carolina on Saturday where he gave up three goals in eight minutes and got the earliest hook from a game that anyone could ever remember.

Now, for the first time since 1994 the starting goaltender for the Devils is in doubt, as Hedberg will be making his second straight start at home against the Flyers Thursday, a game which is usually a must-play on the Brodeur schedule. More telling, after he was asked last Friday on whether it was time to get Hedberg more games, coach Jacques Lemaire said 'not yet'. It took only eight minutes of hockey for him to reverse course after Saturday's loss in Carolina, stating that Brodeur and Hedberg would be co-number ones.

It's been six years since a healthy Brodeur has sat two games in a row, and when that happened in 2004 it took two different goalies to replace #30 - Corey Schwab got a rare start, then was hurt and Scott Clemmensen took the next game between the pipes on the front end of a back-to-back. How long this stunning change of fortune lasts, who knows - a day, a week, a month or longer? For his part, Brodeur admitted that he didn't deserve to play since the team wasn't winning.

“I think in a season like (this) probably,” Brodeur said of spliting starts with Hedberg. “In a different season maybe not. We’ll see how it goes. I want to play a lot like always. That will never change. But it’s got to be fun for me to play hockey and not winning is not fun. So, we’ll get back winning and I’ll play more.

“But I don’t deserve to be in there when you don’t win. That’s the bottom line. I’ve been winning all of my career and now it’s been a little tougher, so it’s normal that somebody (else starts). If it works, good. It’s all about the team.”

Hedberg's tenure as the starter got off to an inauspicious beginning Tuesday, as he lost a tough 2-1 game to Minnesota where a simple dump-in by Wild defenseman Clayton Stoner took a ridiculous carom and deflected past Hedberg (who had gone to play the puck behind the net) and in for the winning goal. Of course there was blame to go all over the place, as usual. Kovalchuk, though he scored the only goal also gave up one by falling down (as did defenseman Anssi Salmela later on the same play) and letting Cal Clutterbuck streak in on Hedberg for a breakaway goal.

In other Devils news, Danius Zubrus now has an undisclosed injury and will miss his second straight game tomorrow. Brian Rolston after being put through 'conditioning' was back in the lineup Monday as crickets could be heard chirping all over New Jersey. And after admitting benching rookie Matthais Tedenby was a mistake Saturday he scratched the flashy Swede on Tuesday and benched fellow youngsters Vladimir Zharkov and Salmela for long stretches of the game...typical. We can't even let young players develop when the team's thirty points out.

Our All-Stars

Today, the All-Star teams are named. Figure there to be a few surprises with a new way of selecting the squads for the game in Raleigh. Be that as it may, here's how my Eastern Conference team would look:

EAST

G Tim Thomas, Bruins
G Carey Price, Canadiens
G Ondrej Pavelec, Thrashers

D Dustin Byfuglien, Thrashers
D Tobias Enstrom, Thrashers
D Kris Letang, Penguins
D Zdeno Chara, Bruins
D Erik Karlsson, Senators
D Dan Girardi, Rangers

F Sidney Crosby, Penguins
F Steven Stamkos, Lightning
F Martin St. Louis, Lightning
F Alex Ovechkin, Capitals
F Mike Richards, Flyers
F Eric Staal, Hurricanes
F Claude Giroux, Flyers
F Andrew Ladd, Thrashers
F Alexander Semin, Capitals
F Nicklas Backstrom, Capitals
F Evgeni Malkin, Penguins
F Brandon Dubinsky, Rangers

WEST

G Jonathan Quick, Kings
G Jonas Hiller, Ducks
G Jaroslav Halak, Blues

D Nick Lidstrom, Red Wings
D Brent Burns, Wild
D Niklas Kronwall, Red Wings
D John-Michael Liles, Avalanche
D-Ryan Whitney, Oilers
D-Keith Yandle, Coyotes

F Daniel Sedin, Canucks
F Henrik Sedin, Canucks
F Henrik Zetterberg, Red Wings
F Brad Richards, Stars
F Corey Perry, Ducks
F Anze Kopitar, Kings
F Patrick Sharp, Blackhawks
F Matt Duchene, Avalanche
F Loui Eriksson, Stars
F Jarome Iginla, Flames
F Ryan Getzlaf, Ducks
F Ryane Clowe, Sharks

Tavares, Moulson lift Isles over Flames, DP hurt again

The encouraging news is the Islanders continued their impressive play last night, posting a 5-2 win over the Flames at The Saddledome. John Tavares tallied twice and set up another matching a career high three points and Matt Moulson added two goals as the Isles won for the seventh time in nine games (7-1-1). But while Tavares followed up his second three-point effort with No.3 this season, the club again lost Rick DiPietro to an injury.

Leading 4-1 thanks to a nifty Moulson deflection of rookie defenseman Travis Hamonic's right point shot off a Zenon Konopka faceoff win, the battered club saw their franchise goalie bent over in pain after stretching out to make a save during a Calgary power play. The trainer immediately came out and after a few minutes to see if he could stick it out, the ultracompetitive DiPietro finally was helped to the locker room to treat a groin strain.

“I don’t know if a man’s body is supposed to be contorted in those kind of positions,” the former 2000 No.1 overall selection said. ” I felt a twinge and hopefully it’s nothing serious.”

With DP again sidelined, 27 year-old rookie Nathan Lawson fulfilled a childhood dream coming in relief to play the hero in front of the hometown crowd. The undrafted free agent from Alberta had previously debuted against Phoenix on Dec.18 making 32 saves in an overtime defeat. Here he was two weeks later forced into action under anxious circumstances. Not surprisingly, the Flames crept within 4-2 when David Moss converted at the doorstep for his second of the game. Pressing for more late in the second, Moss nearly had the hat trick if not for a clutch leg stop from Lawson, keeping his team comfortably ahead.

“I know what a competitor he is and he came in on a power play, too. Pretty rough go for it there but he accepted the challenge,” pleased coach Jack Capuano pointed out. “I thought he was square to the puck, played the rebounds pretty well, and he battled for us tonight.”

“It feels good to get a win and get a few games under my belt now,” the excited netminder expressed after turning aside 28 of 29 shots after the Flames came at him from every direction. “It’s a dream come true. I just want to keep rolling with it and prove myself now.”

The power play was a big factor early on with the Islanders connecting twice in a three-goal first. Both times, Tavares struck. He opened the contest by beating Jay Bouwmeester in front for a gimme rebound off a P.A. Parenteau shot. After Moulson and Moss traded goals, the emerging sophomore pivot took a Andrew MacDonald cross ice feed at the left circle and wired one upstairs past Calgary backup Henrik Karlsson, restoring order less than two minutes after Moss tallied.

“A good all-around game for us,” Tavares noted after staying hot with 13 points (5-8-13) over his last nine. “Great for Lawson to get in there and do his thing, coming in cold. Everyone did their role and we handled the lead well and the pressure when we needed to.”

Despite outshooting the Islanders 15-3 in the final stanza, Calgary couldn't draw closer thanks to Lawson who brought tears to his family. With Karlsson pulled, rookie Michal Grabner sealed it with an empty netter from Mark Eaton with 66 seconds left. It was his ninth goal. MacDonald and Parenteau each had two assists.

The Islanders (12-19-6, 30 Pts)have today and tomorrow off before visiting Edmonton Thursday night (9 ET) and Colorado Saturday afternoon (3 ET). The five-game Western trip concludes in the Windy City on Sunday.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Nathan Lawson, NYI (28 saves in relief for 1st career NHL win)
2nd Star-Matt Moulson, NYI (2 goals-13, 14)
1st Star-John Tavares, NYI (2 PPG-12, 13/ assist)

Pens-Caps nightime Winter Classic and 24/7 series show the best of the NHL

Taking a moment to reflect on something other than a Devils' season from hell, I've actually wanted to write about the Winter Classic ever since seeing the first episode of HBO's 24/7 reality series spotlighting both Pittsburgh and Washington in the run up to the outdoor special at Heinz Field Saturday and its immediate aftermath. HBO usually does a good job with its sports programming and reality shows like Hard Knocks, the recent Lombardi movie and the like. This show has also been very enlightening. Narrated by Liev Schrieber, it shows a side of both hockey teams that you don't get to see very often - certainly not from my team lol.

Thankfully, while the documentary certainly features Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin it doesn't overdo their presence and also gives a lot of time to role players such as Pascal Dupuis and recent Caps arrival Scott Hannan as he adjusts to life with a new team. Not to mention Mike Knuble's dental work after he recently lost several teeth, as is a hockey player's wont to do. Plus I haven't seen the Caps much this season (just one game where we didn't show up and another where they didn't) so I was surprised to learn they were tweaking their system after a 60-win season to attempt to be more playoff-ready this year. If anything, the stars of this feature so far have been coaches Bruce Boudreau and Dan Bylsma.

Admittedly I knew little about either going into this series, and the documentary certainly shows contrasting styles between the two coaches. Former NHL grinder Bylsma brings a positive yet businesslike approach to the Penguins and has certainly come off like he's got an idea of what he's doing, while Boudreau brings fire and intensity that would make some people blush. After being pillored for his own cursing during Hard Knocks, Rex Ryan joked he was offended by Boudreau's language. And who didn't get a laugh over Boudreau's Christmas shopping excursion with his kids, complete with the morning ice cream, or the Penguins' monthly shootout competition where the loser has to grow facial hair (and of all people it was ex-Devil Paul Martin who lost this month and had to grow a stache)?

Of course Boudreau had a lot to be worried about at the start of this series, as the Caps were in the midst of a losing streak that reached eight games and Boudreau was searching for answers, whether it was castigating his team such as after the 7-0 loss to the Rangers or finding the positives such as the fact that last year's Cup champs the Blackhawks actually had a nine-game losing streak at one point last year. Towards the end of the second episode, the Caps finally broke that skid in dramatic fashion, coming from 2-0 down against Ottawa on the road in a game you almost thought was scripted.

While HBO certainly can't reveal anything strategically that can put a team at a competitive disadvantage, you do get nuggets like Bylsma rating his players on their performances after a recent game with GM Ray Shero or Boudreau remarking about Pittsburgh's talented Russian Evgeni Malkin that you could goad him into a retaliation penalty, and that wound up happening during the teams' first meeting - a dramatic shootout win for the Penguins minutes after a no-goal call in overtime frustrated the Caps fans (and provided a rare look into the NHL's 'war room' in Toronto).

That game proved a worthy lead-in to the Winter Classic, scheduled to begin in the afternoon on New Year's Day but wound up being pushed back to the evening, and the nighttime scenery (and occasional rain) provided a unique backdrop for the most hyped-up Caps-Pens regular season showdown yet. Despite the fact the game was in Pittsburgh the crowd was surprisngly split with broadcaster Doc Emrick estimating that about 40,000 Pens fans and 30,000 Caps fans made up the announced crowd of 68,111. Guess that's what happens when you have a once-in-a lifetime Winter Classic with two teams that are in such close proximity to each other.

Maybe it wasn't the best of the Winter Classic games, but the Caps' 3-1 win was certainly a gutty performance. While stars Crosby and Ovechkin were held off the scoresheet - though Ovechkin did have a goal disallowed late due to incidental contact with the goaltender - the Caps came back after giving up an early second-period goal to Malkin with goals from Knuble and two from grinder Eric Fehr. Washington's Semyon Varlamov made 31 saves in getting the win, no doubt pleasing his goaltending coach, ex-Shark and Cane Arturs Irbe (now on the Caps' coaching staff, another fact I learned during the 24-7 series).

Even though I know how the game turned out, I'll be looking forward to the fourth and final episode of the HBO special in two days, especially with what had to be a lot of behind-the-scenes discussion about having to delay the start time of the game and a result that satisfied those of us who still aren't big Penguins fans - though admittedly you do get a more human side of them and the Caps in this series.

Changes on the Island

"What are they doing here? They're selling. Well, that's not right."

That was a classic scene from Trading Places which ironically was just on Comedy Central the other night. If you grew up in the 80's, then you know it well as both Coleman and Winthorpe proceed to put the crooked Duke brothers out of business, avenging a bet for one dollar. Imagine if that happened today. Ah. But isn't that what makes movies cool or in this case cruel, turning into quite the plot for actors Eddie Murphy and Dan Akroyd to showcase their talent in this sinister comedy about the New York Stock Exchange and cornering the market on frozen orange juice.

Why do we bring such an epic scene up in the first place? Well, when it comes to the Islanders it most certainly applies. Finally playing better hockey that produced a riveting 4-3 overtime win over the mighty Red Wings thanks to a great set up from John Tavares to P.A. Parenteau for the club's third consecutive triumph over Detroit (no joke), the franchise isn't keeping everyone. Despite winning six of eight (6-1-1) entering tonight's visit to Calgary, the Islanders have already traded away James Wisniewski and Dwayne Roloson. The Wiz went to Montreal where he already has four points helping boost the Habs' back end.

Meanwhile, as the Bolts were celebrating an OT win over the Rangers in St. Pete, they'd just acquired 41 year-old vet Roloson in exchange for D prospect Ty Wishart. This trade made no sense for either side. Especially with Tampa now having four goalies on the roster if you include injured Mike Smith along with Dan Ellis and rookie Cedric Desjardins. For the Islanders, they just traded their most reliable goalie sending panic on Twitter and the blogosphere. Sure. Rollie is not getting any younger. But are they really going to trust Rick DiPietro, who returned to end Sidney Crosby's 25-game point streak by jumping up and down like a kid in a candy store? You gotta admit it was funny for a guy who's had every injury known to an athlete or so it seems. Considering that he just missed five games, yikes. It was Roloson who backstopped the Isles to a big win over Detroit, making 38 saves with many high quality.

On a club that's won just 11 games, the affable former Cup Finalist on Edmonton ('06) has accounted for half their wins (6) along with a respectable 2.64 GAA and .916 save percentage. This despite a 6-13-1 record on one of the lowest scoring teams. It just seems unfair. Though we'll bet Roloson would say otherwise now that he's been bumped up in the standings to the contending Bolts. A team which can score goals in bunches needs a steady vet presence who can hold the forte. Especially if management has decided that Desjardins is legit.

While the Lightning figure out who their top dog is in net, the Islanders have decided that rookie Nathan Lawson will back up DiPietro. The undrafted 27 year-old from Alberta made one start making 32 saves in a 4-3 overtime home loss to the Coyotes a couple of weeks prior. Is this really the way the franchise wants to go? No disrespect to Lawson. But what if DP goes down again? Then what? Are they going to field two minor league goalies for potentially the rest of the season? In the bizarro world of Charles Wang and blog credential destroyer Garth Snow, do you even have to ask?

How can any team operate this way? It's absurd. They better pray DiPietro is finally totally healthy and able to carry the workload because if he can't, this could be another jarring decision which drives their fanbase even more nuts. If only John Tavares had more help. It's not all bad. At least a few of their prospects are performing admirably in Buffalo at the 2011 WJC with Calvin de Haan and Casey Cizikas trying to lead Canada over defending champ USA later tonight against Brock Nelson. The action can be seen on NHL Network at 7:30 ET. Don't ya dare miss it.

The future remains bright for the Islanders but there still are some dark clouds hovering over Uniondale. When that changes we'll never know.

Rangers blanked by Cats, send down Del Zotto

The weekend in South Florida wasn't too kind to the Rangers, who fell to the Lightning for the third straight time this time 2-1 in overtime on a Nate Thompson goal 19 seconds in from David Tyrell. Seriously. Thanks to outstanding netminding from Henrik Lundqvist, they shutout Steven Stamkos, Martin St. Louis and Vinny Lecvalier. However, it took a Marian Gaborik goal with the King pulled to finally solve rookie Cedric Desjardins, who was superb in his second career start. The same Gabby then failed to take Thompson for the winner with Matt Gilroy sliding out of position.

A day later, the Blueshirts were blanked by of all teams Florida 3-zip, making it one goal in their last six-plus periods. Something that must change when the red hot Hurricanes come to town Wednesday for a pivotal match. Carolina is making some headway, having reeled off three in a row to climb to 40 points- trailing eighth Montreal by five and us by seven. Boasting a star goalie Cam Ward in net and Eric Staal and hot shot rook Jeff Skinner up front, the Canes are the one team to fear in this playoff race. With Carolina also hosting the Panthers tonight, they could be within five 48 hours from now.

In other words, the Rangers need to buckle down this week with a challenging back-to-back on the road that starts at Dallas and ends in St. Louis, who manhandled them earlier this season. And with the Cats ending the perfect 9-0 mark in the second of back-to-backs, it's time for John Tortorella's group to reestablish the success that's made them road warriors. Perhaps for the first time since he went down, they miss key ingredient Ryan Callahan. Losing Erik Christensen doesn't help either even if he's not steady. Ruslan Fedotenko left nicked up after blocking a shot yesterday. However, a healthy 1-12 up front is a team strength that's now being challenged with Dale Weise getting his second look.

There's no shame in losing to Tomas Vokoun, who plays in obscurity. However, sloppy play has crept up into the club's play and that trend can't continue this week. This is a very tough month ahead with next week proving to be no easier with two games versus the Habs sandwiched around the sizzling Canucks at MSG. In Week 3, they'll see the Canes again with the Flyers, Leafs and Thrashers on the horizon before concluding January with a back-to-back against rejuvenated Washington and Florida. Essentially, these next three weeks could determine what kind of year it will be for a team that's big on heart and low on skill. That means a few more goals off Gabby's stick.

In another piece of news, the Rangers sent down struggling defenseman Mike Del Zotto to Connecticut and recalled Ryan McDonagh. The big part of the Scott Gomez cap relief trade is 1-7-8 with a plus-one rating in 38 contests with the Whale. The 21 year-old defenseman who was originally selected by the Canadiens 12th overall in the '07 Draft gets to reunite with former Badger teammate Derek Stepan. With Gilroy sitting out last night, it looks like McD is set to make his NHL debut against Carolina. Unless Tortorella sits vet Michal Rozsival, Hobey looks to be the odd man out for now. Mike Sauer has gained the trust of the staff, rewarded with more responsibility.

For Del Zotto who a year ago took the city by storm with his electrifying rushes and whirlwind playmaking, it's been a sophomore slump. He's followed a 37-point (9-28-37 in 80 GP) '09-10 with only nine points (2-7-9) over 35 contests often looking timid. On the second Florida tally by one-time Blueshirt Christopher Higgins, he took himself out of the play entirely. Poor reads that have led to odd-man rushes and goals against like a Tyler Seguin crusher earlier have been the trend for a gifted player who must regain his confidence. Down in the 'A,' he'll get the chance to work on breaking the habits that have seen his game slip.

DZ is a big piece of the future. This is an important time in his young career. He's only 20 and we must remember that. Hopefully, the time spent with the Whale will benefit him, making the '08 first round pick a better player. In the mean time, this is a real test for the Rangers. We'll see if a few fresh faces are up to the challenge.

Devils take one step forward, two back over New Year's weekend

Despite their loss on Wednesday to the Rangers, for the first time in weeks the Devils played a competitive game and Friday they followed that up with a nice 3-1 win over Atlanta where ex-Thrashers Johan Hedberg and Ilya Kovalchuk played key roles, with the latter getting a crucial breakaway goal late in the third period to sew it up, a rare good moment 5-on-5 this season for the one-time goalscoring threat. With those two games under their belt it looked like they were starting to make progress under Jacques Lemaire, who did caution that it would be a long process and pointed out that Atlanta was playing a second game in two nights on the road.

Lo and behold, the next night we would be the team playing a second game on the road, at Carolina of all places which is par for the course considering we always seem to travel there on the back end of two games in two nights. In less than fifteen minutes, the Devils proceeded to throw away whatever good came from the prior two games as they fell behind 4-0 with Martin Brodeur getting pulled in what seemed like record time (for him) after giving up three in the first eight minutes. Brodeur stormed off the ice and didn't talk to the media afterwards, in both respects very unlike the affable legend. Then again his play on the ice has been very un-Brodeur like this year, as his record stands at 5-18-1 with a 3.15 GAA and .882 save percentage and he's been pulled several times already this season.

Sure, a lot of the Devils' problems in allowing goals can be blamed on a green defense which includes players like Anssi Salmela, Matt Corrente and Mark Fayne who are simply not NHL players, to be kind. Overall backup Johan Hedberg's numbers aren't much better than Brodeur's, as he has a 5-7-1 record, 2.93 GAA and .899 save percentage although he's been strong in most of his limited starts, like the previous day against Atlanta. However Hedberg does seem to struggle in relief and actually got saddled with the loss in Carolina when the Devils put on a late spurt to get three goals in an eventual 6-3 loss.

That said, Brodeur's play has been disconcerting as he's allowed seemingly at least one bad goal a game. Not to mention for a player who's played in big games his whole NHL career, it's gotta be hard to get up the motivation at 38 years of age to just play out the string, especially after you have all the individual records and can't even chase that for motivation anymore. Whether Marty's disinterested, playing hurt (since he did miss the better part of a month with an 'elbow bruise') or just plain showing the effects of his age, it's clear time is running out for the eventual Hall of Famer in a figurative sense, though he'll surely finish out his contract and be here going into next year.

Not that he or the defense is alone in poor performances though, even though the offense finally managed to put together back-to-back three goal games, before that they'd scored a grand total of one goal in each of their prior six contests. Kovalchuk continues to be a dissapointment, bloating his plus-minus to a ghastly -28 while still being under double digits in goals. Sulking captain (who decided not to come out for the second star after a rare good game Friday) Jamie Langenbrunner has four goals and fourteen points in 30 games, with a -14 to go along with it.

And our power play, which ironically had been the only aspect of our game that had signs of life under John MacLean, has gone back to dreadful under Lemaire in no small part due to the fact that he's replaced Travis Zajac - one of the few forwards actually playing well - with Kovy as the power play quarterback. Also, despite spending most of the season getting significant time on the power play, David Clarkson has managed to not put up a single point on the man advantage.

If that wasn't enough bad news for Devil fans, more contreversy erupted last week when Brian Rolston was placed on re-entry waivers and still went unclaimed, despite the fact any team could have had him for only half of his $5 million cap hit. I admit being surprised that the Isles didn't put in a claim for him after trading James Wisniewski and just before also dumping Dwayne Roloson. Apparently they're still above the salary floor, but only because of bonuses (and likely not all of them will be hit). Either way, Rolston's been in limbo the last few days and is now starting to bellyache about it, complaining that GM Lou Lamoriello made a mistake by not fixing the cap situation before the season and bemoaned being the 'sacrificial lamb' of the team.

Well gee Brian, I might have a little more sympathy for you if you hadn't you know, sucked as a Devil. In his prior two seasons since returning as a FA signing, Rolston managed 32 points in 64 games and 37 in 80, hardly great numbers for a supposed top six forward making $5 million and this year's been his worst yet with two goals, three assists and a -12 in 21 games. Of course it has to be disconcerting to realize you're so bad teams won't even claim you at half your contract value. Yes I feel for the man's family, they have nothing to do with this and they're getting affected by his limbo status but that's it. He certainly doesn't deserve any personal sympathy.

At least the Devils could finally bring a dreadful 2010 to a close, which saw them go 30-42-8 in the calendar year, including last season's playoff exit. Obviously there'll be no playoffs this year but it would be nice to see a modicum of consistency and actually resembling an NHL team for more than a one or two-game stretch, followed by another seven games of awfulness. Incredibly, my Jets still have more wins than the Devils do (11-10).

Too bad 2011 began much the way 2010 stayed for most of the year, but the team's next chance to start taking steps forward comes Tuesday against the Wild.