SB Nation New York: All Posts by AJ Manderichiohttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48977/ny-fave.png2012-07-03T00:41:59-04:00https://newyork.sbnation.com/authors/aj-manderichio/rss2012-07-03T00:41:59-04:002012-07-03T00:41:59-04:00Devils Free Agency Day 2 Recap: Brodeur and Hedberg Return, Parise Decision Still Looms
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<p><span>Martin Brodeur's</span> trip into free agency lasted just one day.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">New Jersey Devils</a> re-signed their legendary goaltender, inking Brodeur to a two-year, $9 million contract. It includes a no-trade clause, and probably ensures Brodeur will finish his career with the same team it started. His average cap hit will be $4.5 million.</p>
<p>The Devils were initially unwilling to offer Brodeur more than a one-year contract. But Lou Lamoriello relented, offering the 40-year old goalie a two-year deal. That helped seal the deal.</p>
<p>"The money was there," <a href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/comments/brodeur_happy_to_remain_a_devil_still_optimistic_parise_will_re-sign/" target="_blank">Brodeur told Tom Gulitti of <i>The Bergen Record</i></a>. "It was more for one year. It was the two years that was important to me with the lockout (possibly coming). At my age, I went through a lockout before and you lose a lot of money if it happens for a whole year and at my age who knows if in this situation I would have been without a contract without playing a whole year? I just didn't want to have to go through that."</p>
<p>New Jersey also kept <span>Johan Hedberg</span>, signing the 39-year old backup to a two-year, $2.8 million contract. Like Brodeur, Hedberg received a full no-trade clause. He's been better than expected in two seasons with New Jersey, posting a 17-7-2 record with a 2.23 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage.</p>
<p>Hedberg kept his family in Atlanta while playing for the Devils, and said the security of a two-year contract helped him stay with the team.</p>
<p>"If it would have been one year, we would have been in the same boat and I probably wouldn't have been able to do that and I don't know what would have happened," Hedberg told Gulitti. "So, I'm very happy that Lou made a commitment and gave me the two years. I'm going to do everything that I can to be as prepared as possible to make sure I can be as good as I can be."</p>
<p>It wasn't all good news. New Jersey is still waiting for <span>Zach Parise</span> to make his decision on where to sign. The unrestricted free agent and Devils captain is considering several teams, and New Jersey remains a strong possibility. After calling a press conference today, Parise announced he wasn't making a decision, instead opting to take time to consider the decision with his family.</p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/new-jersey-devils/2012/7/3/3134131/devils-free-agency-day-2-recap-brodeur-and-hedberg-return-pariseAJ Manderichio2012-07-01T23:16:20-04:002012-07-01T23:16:20-04:00If Big Money Is The Goal, Parise Won't Be Back In New Jersey
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<p>Tomorrow may be one of the biggest in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">New Jersey Devils</a> history.</p>
<p>According to Tom Gulitti of <i>The Bergen Record</i>, <span>Zach Parise</span> will <a href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/comments/parises_decision_to_wait_until_monday/" target="_blank">announce tomorrow</a> what team's contract offer he'll sign. Reports put some offers at 13 years, others say he'll make over $100 million. Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos <a href="https://twitter.com/RealKyper/status/219430330292109312" target="_blank">reported Parise's camp</a> is requiring a $12 million signing bonus upon agreeing to the contract, and another $12 million bonus due before next July 1.</p>
<p>With the Devil's reported financial troubles, those numbers are frightening for fans. If money is the only thing driving Parise's free agency, then fans should be ready for him to leave.</p>
<p>New Jersey tried to show good faith during the season. Coming into the camp, the team decided against negotiating a contract, opting to give Parise a chance to test the free agent market at the end of the season. They gave him the captaincy, and he led them to the Stanley Cup Finals. The organization made that move as a gesture, showing their commitment to him for that season and beyond.</p>
<p>In the process, Parise became a leader. He rallied the club behind new coach Pete DeBoer, and made his presence known on the ice. Players backed him publicly, and stated time and time again that his leadership was a key to their success. Even in the offseason, with other players hitting the market, his teammates stressed the need to re-sign Parise.</p>
<p>If money is the driving force, Parise won't be wearing red and black next season. <a href="http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2012/06/29/pittsburgh-stills-has-the-means-to-get-zach-parise/" target="_blank">He could be in Pittsburgh</a>, playing next to <span>Sidney Crosby</span>. He may <a href="http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-0701-kings-ducks-free-agents-20120701,0,6965191.story" target="_blank">join with the Los Angeles Kings</a>, strengthening the team that beat him for the Stanley Cup. He could <a href="http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120701/SPORTS0103/207010320/" target="_blank">play for the Winged Whee</a>l in Detroit, a perennial winner and close to the Minnesota native's home. All those teams have the financial power to overwhelm Parise with money. If that's what he wants, they'll give it - and then some.</p>
<p>Devils' fans have watched some of their best players come and go. <span>Scott Niedermayer</span> bolted for Anaheim, and <span>Brian Rafalski</span> left for Detroit. <span>Scott Gomez</span> crossed the river, providing a proverbial stab in the back to Devils fans by signing with the rival <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/">Rangers</a>.</p>
<p>A possible departure by Parise would be even harder to swallow. He's one of the best products of the Devils system since <span>Martin Brodeur</span>, and is the new face of the franchise. It could all be gone tomorrow, and Devils fans will be left wondering what could have been.</p>
<p>In the end, New Jersey has done what it can. All fans can do is sit and wait, and hope another heartbreak isn't coming down the pipeline.</p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/new-jersey-devils/2012/7/1/3131114/zach-parise-nhl-free-agency-reaction-analysis-new-jersey-devilsAJ Manderichio2012-06-21T17:10:52-04:002012-06-21T17:10:52-04:00Devil of A Season: Zidlicky A Diamond In The Rough
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<p><i>Over the next month, SB Nation New York will take an in-depth look at the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://newyork.sbnation.com/new-jersey-devils/2012/nhl/teams/new-jersey-devils">New Jersey Devils</a> 2011-12 season, one that saw them defy expectations and end up on the losing end of a Stanley Cup championship run. We kicked things off with <a href="http://newyork.sbnation.com/new-jersey-devils/2012/6/12/3080370/new-jersey-devils-2012-season-review-martin-brodeur-zach-parise-ilya-kovalchuk-pete-deboer" target="_blank">our season review</a></i><i>, and we looked at the <a href="http://newyork.sbnation.com/new-jersey-devils/2012/6/13/3082823/devil-of-a-season-the-moose-stands-tall/in/2844411" target="_blank">performance of Johan Hedberg</a></i><i>. We continue that today with a review of <span>Marek Zidlicky</span>.</i></p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Jersey Devils</a> began the season with a solid defense, but lacked the puck-moving defenseman needed to execute head coach Pete DeBoer's system.</p>
<p>Enter Marek Zidlicky.</p>
<p>The trade deadline acquisition proved to be one of the missing pieces for New Jersey. General manager Lou Lamoriello gave up a <a href="http://www.nj.com/devils/index.ssf/2012/02/devils_get_marek_zidlicky_from.html" target="_blank">significant amount to acquire him</a>, sending three players and a third-round pick to Minnesota. Zidlicky fell out of favor with <a href="https://www.hockeywilderness.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Wild</a> coach Mike Yeo, and often found himself a healthy scratch.</p>
<p>The trade liberated Zidlicky, and his play reflected it. He only recorded eight points (2g, 6a) in 22 regular season games with New Jersey. What he lacked on the scoresheet he made up for in his on-ice performance. Zidlicky made quick breakout passes and pinched in the offensive zone, helping create an aggressive mentality among the team's defensive corps.</p>
<p>A full season of Zidlicky should be a welcomed sight for Devils fans. The first true puck-moving defenseman on the blue line, Zidlicky became a <a href="http://newyork.sbnation.com/new-jersey-devils/2012/5/10/3012154/marek-zidlicky-a-deadline-diamond-for-lou-lamoriello-new-jersey-devils" target="_blank">deadline diamond</a>, a piece that helped New Jersey get into the Stanley Cup Finals.</p>
<h3>Zidlicky's Corsi: 5-on-5</h3>
<p>Corsi is an advanced statistic that looks to measure a player's impact on the ice. It takes into account several factors, including quality of competition, goals for and against, and shots for and against to reach a positive or negative rating. A deeper explanation <a href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2011/8/7/2302188/an-introduction-to-hockey-analytics-part-4-1-an-introduction-to" target="_blank">is here</a>.</p>
<p>During even-strength, Zidlicky led all Devils defenseman with a plus-7.9 Corsi rating. According to the numbers, Zidlicky faced the toughest competition among Devils blueliners, constantly facing the opponents best players. While on the ice, Zidlicky recorded a plus-0.51 Corsi rating. Off the ice, that number plummeted to a minus-7.40. It's impressive for an offensive defensman to put up those types of numbers. The positive ratings showed he not only helped generate offense, but he stepped up in his own zone as well, helping block shots and stop scoring attempts.</p>
<h3>Zidlicky's Corsi: 5-on-4</h3>
<p>Zidlicky's powerplay numbers are even more impressive. When New Jersey acquired the defenseman, he slotted in perfectly with <span>Ilya Kovalchuk</span> on the blueline. It helped the flow of the powerplay, and helped build success during the early rounds of the playoffs.</p>
<p>The Corsi numbers prove that impact. Facing the opponent's best penalty killers, Zidlicky posted a plus-70.30 rating, second on the team behind <span>Andy Greene</span>. Goals-for sat at 6.03 with the defenseman on the ice, but dropped over half to 3.01.</p>
<h3>A Diamond Indeed</h3>
<p>According to Capgeek.com, Zidlicky has one year remaining on his three-year, $12 million contract. While that $4 million is a bit high, Zidlicky's impact is undeniable. On the ice, he helps execute a puck possession system, aggressively moving the puck out of his own end. He's willing to pinch along the boards offensively, and never afraid to let the puck fly toward the net.</p>
<p>Zidlicky was a diamond in the rough, one that should continue to produce next season.</p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/new-jersey-devils/2012/6/21/3105927/new-jersey-devils-season-review-marek-zidlicky-analysisAJ Manderichio2012-06-21T11:23:17-04:002012-06-21T11:23:17-04:00Devils Draft Preview: Building Depth At Right Wing
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<p>Heading into this year's NHL Draft, the <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Jersey Devils</a> are in desperate need of forward depth.</p>
<p>The NHL roster is loaded with talented skaters, and young players like <span>Adam Henrique</span>, <span>Jacob Josefson</span> and <span>Mattias Tedenby</span> help build that strength. Past that, however, the Devils are dangerously thin.</p>
<p>The Albany Devils didn't see much production from their right wing this season. Joe Whitney, a 5'-6" forward, led the team with 44 points (15g, 29a) in 72 games played. After that, the decline was steep. <span>Matt Anderson</span> collected with 31 points (10g, 21a). <span>Mike Sislo</span> scored just nine goals, and finished with 27 points in 59 games. <span>Nathan Perkovich</span>, entering his fourth season, recorded just 19 points (10g, 9a) in 53 games.</p>
<p>Throughout the organization, there isn't much offense to be excited about. New Jersey re-invested in the blueline in recent drafts, and the bubble of prospects in the pipeline should eliminate the possibility of drafting a defenseman with the 29th overall pick. They also spent three picks on goalies, and signed <span>Keith Kinkaid</span>, improving a shallow goalie pool.</p>
<p>While the team lacks depth at center, the position is a strength at the NHL level. <span>Ilya Kovalchuk</span> and <span>Patrik Elias</span> provide quality scoring at left wing, and it's also a position the team can concentrate on later in the draft.</p>
<p>Right wing, however, continues to be an issue. The top line didn't have a true right win this past season, and only <span>David Clarkson</span> provided consistent scoring from the position. Players like <span>Dainius Zubrus</span> can bring the body, but have reached their ceiling in terms of scoring.</p>
<p>New Jersey won't have a chance at Neil Yakupov, the consensus top pick in the draft. Most experts are picking Swedish right wing Sebastian Collberg, the third-ranked European skater, to make his way off the board in the middle of the opening round.</p>
<p>The most likely choice for New Jersey, barring any trades, will be Tom Wilson, a right wing from Plymouth of the Ontario Hockey League. A 6-foot-4, 203-pound right wing, Wilson is a physical player, earning the "Best Body Checker" award this season. He's not afraid of physical play, and will go to the front of the net. Some project him to become a second-line winger.</p>
<p>Wilson, though, comes with his fair share of negatives. The biggest may be his injury history. This season, he missed time with a sprained MCL and a broken knuckle, limiting him to just 49 games. Last season, he appeared in just 28 games after severing a tendon in his wrist.</p>
<p>New Jersey needs to start building depth in front, and Wilson may be the first piece in that process.</p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/2012/6/21/3105589/new-jersey-devils-draft-preview-building-depth-at-right-wingAJ Manderichio2012-06-14T10:26:23-04:002012-06-14T10:26:23-04:00New Jersey Can't Let Parise Walk Away
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<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">New Jersey Devils</a> fans have become accustomed to seeing some of their biggest stars walk away.</p>
<p>It happened first with <span>Scott Niedermayer</span>. A staple of the vaunted Devils blueline, Niedermayer was named captain during the 2004 season, and won the Norris Trophy. After the lockout, he walked away from New Jersey, choosing instead to play for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.anaheimcalling.com/">Anaheim Ducks</a> with his brother, Rob.</p>
<p>That move wouldn't compare to the summer of 2007.</p>
<p>On July 1st, the first day of free agency, both <span>Brian Rafalski</span> and <span>Scott Gomez</span> bolted from New Jersey. Rafalski, a Michigan native and one of the few players remaining from the Devils dynasty defense, signed a five-year, $30 million dollar contract with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.wingingitinmotown.com/">Detroit Red Wings</a>.</p>
<p>Gomez broke a cardinal rule for Devils fans, signing a seven-year, $51.5 million dollar contract with the rival <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/">New York Rangers</a>.</p>
<p>Those past experiences make the <span>Zach Parise</span> signing even more important for the Devils organization. It's watched many of it's stars walk away, and some of them have become integral pieces to a championship run.</p>
<p>Parise is the biggest Devils free agent since Niedermayer, and the priority to re-sign him isn't lost on his teammates.</p>
<p>"It’s tough for an organization when you get to groom players like him, make him who he is," <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/comments/lamorielo_says_re-signing_parise_a_priority_teams_financial_problems_havent_impacted_his_job/">Martin Brodeur told Tom Gulitti of <i>The Bergen Record</i></a><i></i>. "A lot of it has to do with the way he plays. He’s a pretty good athlete. You invest a lot of money over the years and there’s a decision to be made. I hope the Devils will be able to keep him because I think he’s the face of the Devils, a kid that people, they see him, they see a Devil, they see the work ethic that he has. First year as a captain, not too shabby to bring the team to the cusp of the Stanley Cup finals. It’s a big priority for the Devils to get him signed."</p>
<p>"I said all year long that’s our first priority of the off-season to sign him," <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/comments/lamorielo_says_re-signing_parise_a_priority_teams_financial_problems_havent_impacted_his_job/">right wing Ilya Kovalchuk told Gulitti</a>. "He’s our captain He’s our leader."</p>
<p>Parise became one of the most successful captains in recent memory, leading the Devils to their second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2007. His play through the first three rounds helped push his team to wins over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.broadstreethockey.com/">Philadelphia Flyers</a> and Rangers, and into the organization's first Stanley Cup Finals in nine years.</p>
<p>He's a product of the Devils system, and one of the best two-way forwards in the game. Parise said he's hopeful the teams can work out a contract.</p>
<p>"I’ve always liked playing here," <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/comments/parise_wants_to_remain_a_devil_no_way_hell_sign_with_rangers/">he told Gulitti</a>. "That’s never changed. We’ll see where this takes us right now, but this is a great place to play and I love playing here. I love being here."</p>
<p>The organization needs to re-sign their star left wing. If he walks away, it'll once again spell heartbreak for a franchise still smiting from its Stanley Cup Finals loss.</p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/new-jersey-devils/2012/6/14/3084952/new-jersey-devils-zach-parise-free-agency-2012AJ Manderichio2012-06-13T11:31:50-04:002012-06-13T11:31:50-04:00Devil of A Season: The Moose Stands Tall
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<p><i>Over the next month, SB Nation New York will take an in-depth look at the <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Jersey Devils</a> 2011-12 season, one that saw them defy expectations and end up on the losing end of a Stanley Cup championship run. We kicked things off yesterday with our season review, and today we'll dive into our individual player reviews, starting with <span>Johan Hedberg</span>.</i></p>
<p>Johan Hedberg carved out his place with the <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Jersey Devils</a> during the 2010-11 season, when the backup goalie became the stopgap for an injured <span>Martin Brodeur</span>. His performance inspired the "Moose" chants during games, and fans began wearing antlers to the games he started.</p>
<p>This season, he continued earning that praise, serving perfectly as the backup to Brodeur during the 2011-12 season. Hedberg ended the regular season with a stellar 17-7-2 in 27 games, with a 2.22 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage. He also led the team with four shutouts, finishing one ahead of Brodeur. The 39-year old is no spring chicken, but he gave New Jersey exactly what it needed - a solid second option in net that could help the team win games.</p>
<h3>Hedberg's Goals Versus Threshold (GVT)</h3>
<p>Goals Versus Threshold, also known as GVT, is a statistic used to determine the value of one player over a replacement player. For stat heads, it's an attempt to truly define the contributions of a player on the ice at any time. This stat works especially well for goalies, and helps define their impact on the ice. For an in-depth explanation of the stat, <a href="http://puckprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=233" target="_blank">check out Hockey Prospectus</a>.</p>
<p>Hedberg turned in a plus-6.2 GVT, which ranked among the top 30 goalies in the entire league. Hedberg needs to credit his defense for that stellar rating. While a goalie has the ultimate responsibility to stop the puck, the defense can dictate the quality of chances. Hedberg made some absolutely beautiful saves this season, but also turned in solid performances when needed.</p>
<h3>Will He Be Re-signed?</h3>
<p>Hedberg is once again an unrestricted free agent, and may be a desired target for several teams interested in a quality backup. He's shown the ability to post solid performances, and can even excel when forced into starting duty. The Devils have solid goaltender depth in the minors, but most don't have NHL experience. With Brodeur already 40 years old, and <a href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/comments/lamoriello_marty_will_be_a_devil_as_long_as_he_wants_to_be/" target="_blank">planning on coming back next season</a>, the Devils may feel more comfortable having an experienced backup on the bench. He made $1.25 million last season, a hefty price tag for a backup goalie.</p>
<p>The Moose already proved himself, and his worth, the past two seasons. He's a great option at backup, and should get some serious consideration in the offseason if he wants to return.</p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/new-jersey-devils/2012/6/13/3082823/devil-of-a-season-the-moose-stands-tallAJ Manderichio2012-06-12T09:48:29-04:002012-06-12T09:48:29-04:00New Jersey Devils 2012 Season In Review: New Jersey Exceeds Expectations
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https://newyork.sbnation.com/new-jersey-devils/2012/6/12/3080370/new-jersey-devils-2012-season-review-martin-brodeur-zach-parise-ilya-kovalchuk-pete-deboerAJ Manderichio2012-06-12T09:47:20-04:002012-06-12T09:47:20-04:00Devils of A Season: New Jersey Exceeds Expectations
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<p><i>Over the next month, SB Nation New York will take an in-depth look at the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">New Jersey Devils</a> 2011-12 season, one that saw them defy expectations and end up on the losing end of a Stanley Cup championship run.</i></p>
<p>Even with the bitter taste of a Stanley Cup Finals loss in their mouths, the New Jersey Devils admitted this season an incredible ride.</p>
<p>"It is disappointing, but I think if you look at the big picture, we have to be really proud of what we accomplished not just in this series, but for the whole playoffs," <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/comments/devils_disappointed_in_falling_short_but_proud_of_how_far_they_came_this_season/">goalie Martin Brodeur told Tom Gulitti of <i>The Bergen Record</i></a><i></i>. "We took down two of our biggest rivals – the Flyers and the Rangers – and we made this a series after losing the first three games and winning the next two. It’s definitely disappointing not to go all the way, but it’s a great season for the Devils…We came a long way from not making the playoffs last year to being able to challenge for a Stanley Cup."</p>
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<b>Related:</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://newyork.sbnation.com/new-jersey-devils/2012/5/26/3044780/2012-stanley-cup-finals-new-jersey-devils-los-angeles-kings-tv-schedule-news-scores-previews">Full Coverage Of The 2012 Stanley Cup Finals</a>
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<p>Coming into the 2011-12 season, many experts picked New Jersey to finish outside the playoffs. Some picked to finish <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/41527-The-Hockey-News-201112-NHL-predictions.html">near the bottom of the conference</a>, while others picked them to finish <a target="_blank" href="http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=377515">just outside of the top eight</a>. The organization picked Pete DeBoer for their head coaching vacancy, a guy who never made it to the playoffs, and tried to find a way to continue the late season success from 2010-11.</p>
<p>New Jersey flipped the prediction upside down. With DeBoer at the helm, the Devils never lost more than four straight games. Tied for the eighth and final playoff spot at the All-Star break, they pulled away to finish the season with 102 points.</p>
<p>DeBoer instituted an aggressive offensive system, based largely on a smothering forecheck, that fit the team's style. It liberated players like <span>Zach Parise</span> and <span>Ilya Kovalchuk</span>, who thrived in the puck possession system. Rookies like <span>Adam Henrique</span> stepped up, playing significant minutes to help overcome various injuries. Five players hit the 20-goal mark, and four reached the 50-point plateau.</p>
<p>The team's "no-name defense" grew into a solid, pass-first squad. The addition of <span>Marek Zidlicky</span> gave them some much needed offensive production.</p>
<p><span>Martin Brodeur</span> and <span>Johan Hedberg</span> combined to put together a great regular season, and heading into the playoffs, the Devils looked to exercise some of the postseason demons.</p>
<p>Playing in the toughest division in hockey, where three other rivals made the playoffs, gave them the sixth seed and a shot at the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.litterboxcats.com/">Florida Panthers</a>. While the Devils struggled in the first round - and faced elimination twice - they overcame Florida to advance past the first round for the first time since 2007.</p>
<p>New Jersey, playing the underdog role, took care of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.broadstreethockey.com/">Philadelphia Flyers</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/">New York Rangers</a> in the next two rounds, using a combined 11 of the possible 14 games. Both teams were heavy favorites, expected to make short work of the overachieving Devils.</p>
<p>Facing the juggernaut <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/">Los Angeles Kings</a>, the Devils were behind the eight ball before they knew it. Down 3-0 in the series, New Jersey made it interesting, winning two straight games. But <a target="_blank" href="http://newyork.sbnation.com/new-jersey-devils/2012/6/11/3079471/animated-game-6-devils-kings-steve-bernier-hit-rob-scuderi">Steve Bernier's boarding penalty</a> helped put the nail in the Devils coffin, finishing off a season in which the team defied expectations.</p>
<p>"I’m proud of our group" <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/comments/devils_disappointed_in_falling_short_but_proud_of_how_far_they_came_this_season/">DeBoer told Gulitti</a>. "You know, you put some men together and you play (106) games on the ice every day and I couldn’t be prouder of them as a group."</p>
<p>"No one expected us to be here," <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/comments/devils_disappointed_in_falling_short_but_proud_of_how_far_they_came_this_season/">Parise told Gulitti</a>. "No one expected us to get past the Flyers or the Rangers. We played hard. We all believed in each other and what we were trying to do. We worked hard for each other. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out the way we wanted it to."</p>
<p>Facing a summer with several decisions, including one on their team captain, New Jersey will need to make the necessary adjustments to replicate the success next year. Ilya Kovalchuk said the experience, while disheartening at the end, will make the team better.</p>
<p>"We won the conference. We have a lot of guys that have never been in this situation before. We learned a lot and we’ll do better next year," <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/comments/devils_disappointed_in_falling_short_but_proud_of_how_far_they_came_this_season/">he told Gulitti</a>.</p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/new-jersey-devils/2012/6/12/3080287/new-jersey-devils-season-in-review-2012-martin-brodeur-zach-parise-pete-deboer-ilya-kovalchukAJ Manderichio2012-06-11T14:35:34-04:002012-06-11T14:35:34-04:00No Doubt About It: Devils Put All The Pressure On Kings
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<p>The look on <span>Jonathan Quick's</span> face at the end of Game 5 said it all.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/">Kings</a> goalie, who made it look so easy when his team took a 3-0 lead in Stanley Cup Finals, stared at the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">Devils</a> celebrating with wide eyes. His team, some looking, others with their heads down, took a slow walk down the visitor's hallway.</p>
<p>The Kings need just one win for their first Stanley Cup championship. But there's no doubt - the pressure is <a target="_blank" href="http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2012/06/09/no-pressure-on-the-kings-says-coach-sutter/">squarely on Los Angeles</a> heading into tonight's Game 6 at the Staples Center.</p>
<p>Sure, they won't admit it. Kings coach Daryl Sutter denied his team felt pressure, citing a few bad breaks for allowing New Jersey back into the finals. And he's got a point. Los Angeles hit three posts in Game 5, and several other quality chances went wide.</p>
<p>That isn't the entire story. New Jersey has outplayed Los Angeles, winning more loose pucks and establishing its forecheck. The defense is pumping shots on Quick, and the Devils are sending waves of forwards to the crease. The Devils dump and chase quickly, and they've cut down the space with huge hits and smart defensive play.</p>
<p>The Devils only settled in after digging themselves a huge hole.</p>
<p>"I think the hockey world pretty much wrote us off and I think we feel we’ve played with no pressure because of that and I don’t think that’s changed because all of a sudden it’s 3-2 now," <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/comments/devils_still_in_a_really_tough_spot_heading_into_game_6_henriques_father_goes_with_mustache_too/">Devils coach Pete DeBoer told Tom Gulitti of <i>The Bergen Record</i></a><i></i>.</p>
<p>New Jersey is playing with house money. If they don't win tonight, they'll have made a statement in the series, and achieved something no team has done since the 1940s. Even without a championship, the players could hang their hats on coming back and not giving up.</p>
<p>But if they force a Game 7, New Jersey can put on full display how pressure can crack even the best of teams. Los Angeles hasn't played a Game 6 in these playoffs, and the team watched it's record-tying 10-game road winning streak come to a crashing halt.</p>
<p>New Jersey is a loose team, one that sits just one win away from coming back from the depths of elimination. They've been in this situation before. Down 3-2 to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.litterboxcats.com/">Florida Panthers</a>, the Devils won twice to advance.</p>
<p>With the Stanley Cup in the house once again, the Devils know the pressure is on Los Angeles. It's something <span>Patrik Elias</span> thinks his team can exploit.</p>
<p>"We’re a lot closer to what we want to accomplish than we were a couple games back," <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/comments/devils_still_in_a_really_tough_spot_heading_into_game_6_henriques_father_goes_with_mustache_too/">Elias told Gulitti</a>. "After being down 3-0, you really don’t have anything to lose. You just try to go out there and do your best. Now, when we won a couple of games and we know we can beat these guys and we do want to accomplish that and that can be very dangerous. This is the time when you have to kind of take a step back and just play the same way we played the last two games. We didn’t change too much. To be honest, we didn’t change anything, but we just got a lucky bounce here and there at the right time and that’s what won two hockey games for us. And Marty (Brodeur) has made unbelievable saves."</p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/new-jersey-devils/2012/6/11/3078543/new-jersey-devils-los-angeles-kings-stanley-cup-finals-2012-pressure-analysisAJ Manderichio2012-06-10T23:44:58-04:002012-06-10T23:44:58-04:00Turning Back The Clock - Brodeur and the Conn Smythe Trophy
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<p>Is this the same <span>Martin Brodeur</span> in net for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">New Jersey Devils</a>?</p>
<p>Goalies that turn 40 aren't supposed to do the things he does. All season long, the analysts wrote off the aging goaltender. And with good reason. Brodeur finished the regular season with a 2.41 goals-against average in 59 regular season games. It was the fourth-highest average in his career, and was the second straight season he posted a goals-against average higher than 2.40. His three shutouts tied a career-low as the team's starter, and Devils coach Pete DeBoer seemed comfortable using backup <span>Johan Hedberg</span> to split time.</p>
<p>Rumors swirled all season about his retirement. While he tried to downplay him, most expected him to backstop the Devils to a second-round exit, and a summer where he'd have to think seriously about his future in the NHL.</p>
<p>A funny thing happened on the way to that ending. Brodeur turned back the clock, flashing the coy smile and cool confidence that helped New Jersey win three Stanley Cup championships. Nothing seemed to faze Brodeur. Not the constant net-crashing of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.broadstreethockey.com/">Philadelphia Flyers</a>. Not a punch from former teammate <span>Mike Rupp</span> in the Eastern Conference Finals.</p>
<p>Not even an 0-3 hole could rattle Brodeur.</p>
<p>He's the main reason New Jersey finds itself climbing out of an 0-3 hole in the Stanley Cup Finals against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/">Los Angeles Kings</a>. Brodeur, once again an underdog, is thriving in a matchup with <span>Jonathan Quick</span>. The Kings goalie has put together a postseason for the ages, but that hasn't taken Brodeur off his game. He's matched Quick save for save, providing enough highlight reel plays to create his own <i>Sportscenter </i>Top 10. In this series alone, there's been the classic "double stack" pad save, a diving poke check and several beautiful kick saves.</p>
<p>Now, the Devils goalie is finally getting his due. Overshadowed throughout the playoffs, he's starting to <a href="http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2012/06/10/win-or-lose-is-it-time-to-put-martin-brodeur-in-the-conn-smythe-race/" target="_blank">gain some consideration for the Conn Smythe Trophy</a>. The postseason MVP award, usually given to a member of the Stanley Cup winners, can sometimes find it's way into the hands of a lucky loser. Brodeur saw that happen firsthand in 2003, when J.S. Giguere took home the Conn Smythe Trophy despite losing in seven games.</p>
<p>If Brodeur and the Devils complete the historic comeback, he would definitely take home the one award that's eluded him. But if they lose? The Devils goalie <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/conn-smythe-watch-martin-brodeur-win-mvp-losing-141614423--nhl.html" target="_blank">could still win it</a>.</p>
<p>Brodeur's been money in the playoffs, and he's willed his team back into the Stanley Cup Finals. A nomination for the Conn Smythe Trophy is a no-brainer. Heading home with that, and no championship, is no consolation for Brodeur.</p>
<p>"We don't want to go home," <a href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/comments/devils_ruined_kings_plans_for_one_cup_party_and_would_love_to_do_it_again/" target="_blank">he told Tom Gulitti of <i>The Bergen Record</i></a>. "We just want to play. You can tell the guys are playing with desperation. (Saturday) wasn't our best game and everybody will tell that on our side, but we found a way to win in a tough, tough situation. These guys, for the first 10 minutes they were all over us. Then after that we kind of played a little better. We got composed a little bit, but we find ways to block shots, make a save. We got lucky. They hit a few posts.</p>
<p>"We'll find a way somehow."</p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/new-jersey-devils/2012/6/10/3077372/martin-brodeur-conn-smythe-trophy-new-jersey-devils-stanley-cup-finals-2012AJ Manderichio