End Of An Era? [Archive] - Hockey Station Forums

MadDevil

4-14-05, 1:53 AM

With the whole lockout situation, I've been thinking that it's probably the end of an era in New Jersey. On the blueline, Stevens could possibly retire, and Niedermayer may want to play elsewhere. White and Rafalski may end up being the top defense pair whenever hockey resumes, which would leave Matvichuk, Martin, and Hale as the other three, with somebody filling in the final spot.

Up front, the only consistent offensive players they have are Elias, Gomez, and Gionta. Friesen and Kozlov are big question marks, as is Hrdina. Madden, Brylin, Pandolfo, Rasmussen, and Marshall will probably all return, with the additions of Oliwa and Langdon. Suglubov, Parise, Voros, and other young players will probably be given a realistic chance at starting.

In goal, Brodeur will obviously return, with Ahonen probably being given a shot at being his backup. Hopefully, Ahonen will be able to take some of the pressure off of Brodeur, and they can let him rest more often.

It could be very interesting to see what this Devils team looks like during the 2005-2006 season.

Iced Tea

4-14-05, 2:02 AM

The team may not look anything like last season's but Lou Lamoriello, like that evil Pierre Lacroix, is capable of making magic out of any trade or deal he pulls out of the blue.

Lou will ice a top team once the season starts, I have faith in the Devils just like I hate to admit the rotten Avs will be a top team as well.

MadDevil

4-14-05, 2:06 AM

Lou Lamoriello, like that evil Pierre Lacroix, is capable of making magic out of any trade or deal he pulls out of the blue.

True, I think the Devils are going to be one of the better teams in the league up the middle in 5-7 years, hopefully with Gomez, Parise, and Zajac at center. They should also have a pretty good grinding unit, with guys like Tallackson, Massen, and others on the wings.

I do think it might be a rough couple of years though, whenever Stevens decides to retire. It's going to be strange not seeing #4 back there on the blueline. :(

Iced Tea

4-14-05, 2:20 AM

True, I think the Devils are going to be one of the better teams in the league up the middle in 5-7 years, hopefully with Gomez, Parise, and Zajac at center. They should also have a pretty good grinding unit, with guys like Tallackson, Massen, and others on the wings.

I do think it might be a rough couple of years though, whenever Stevens decides to retire. It's going to be strange not seeing #4 back there on the blueline. :(
I like to mention this as often as I can because it's really cool.

Travis Zajac played for the Salmon Arm Silverbacks (my hometown junior team) for the 2002/03 and 2003/04 seasons. He's really good and it was great watching him develop. It would be totally cool to see him play in the NHL and get to say that I saw him play as a junior.

Proof (http://www.sasilverbacks.com/history.php?season=0304rs)

a4l

4-14-05, 9:38 AM