Devils Problems Are Correctable
Sending out an S.O.S. to the injured
by: Steve Cangialosi
Three wins, seven losses, and one shootout loss in the last 11 games for the Devils. Their season has taken a direct turn south with 27 games left to play, and just six more to be contested in a span of nine days before the Olympic break. They're sending out an S.O.S. to the injured Patrik Elias, David Clarkson, and Paul Martin (remember him?), who can't return soon enough.
The problems right now are all correctable, and it's hard not to agree with Jacques Lemaire when he says he'd be content with his team just keeping its head above .500 for the remaining games prior to the Olympic break that commences February 14.
The thing is that might not be good enough to keep first place in the Atlantic Division, as the surging Penguins continue to mount a charge, having moved within one point of New Jersey for the division lead.
The Devils' 3-0 loss at Toronto Tuesday means they also wasted a game at hand. Pittsburgh had played just two more games than New Jersey at night's end, and Sidney Crosby is now playing some of the best hockey of his young career (three hat tricks this season), which is saying a lot.
So without further adieu, here are the three things the Devils need to do while waiting for the injured to return.
1) GET SHOTS TO THE NET, PLEASE
I can't take it anymore. Brian Rolston has one of the NHL's hardest slap shots, and Andy Greene one of the league's most effective wrist shots. Yet every time the Devils are on a power play, it seems that shots from the point hit a shin guard, skate, or worse yet, a teammate.
Lemaire seemed exasperated that just one or two shots from defensemen seemed to find the net the entire game in Toronto.
The end result is that the team now endlessly works the puck around the perimeter when enjoying a man advantage, creating far less opportunities for quality scoring chances.
2) PLAY MARTIN BRODEUR
He's had his rest for the year. He should play every game for the remainder of the season.
I've come around to agree with Marty on this one, and I didn't need to see Yann Danis surrender a rebound goal in the first period versus the Maple Leafs to arrive at this conclusion. Brodeur is still the best at what he does.
The team around him needs a boost of confidence. I believe it's important for New Jersey to win the division, and not find itself in a playoff of 4-versus-5 seed to start the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Brodeur is their best bet to hold off the Pens down the stretch.
3) GIVE ZHARKOV A CHANCE
The rookie Russian right wing was a healthy scratch again Tuesday, which is fine. He's struggling, and it's evident. Yet it's time to see what he can do with some of the most offensive skilled players that New Jersey has in its arsenal.
Of course he's not a top-six NHL forward yet, but I'd love to see him on the right side of Travis Zajac and Zach Parise for a game or two.
He's got too much skill to be a fourth-line player. If six minutes a night is his NHL destiny this season, he's almost better off at Lowell (AHL).
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