Yzerman191 37 Report post Posted February 27, 2009 I think New Jersey has really surprised a lot of people this year. During Brodeur's return tonight, they shutout Colorado 4-0. Does anybody consider New Jersey a top contender this year? They've fared pretty well against the best (lost to us, but won 2/3 against the Bruins, and their lone game against the Sharks) while having Clemmensen in net. They've got a lot of offensively-capable, but very defensively responsible forwards up front. While lacking the big names they've had on their blueline in the past, they've been pretty solid on the back end this season. And if Marty Brodeur is back to his usual shape (that man is gold in the playoffs), they're among the best in the league in net. I think they're legit contenders. They've got the experience that many players on the Bruins lack, and they're much more defensively responsible than the entire Washington Capitals. Aside from those three teams, I wouldn't call any other team from the Eastern Conference a contender. They've got about 2.5M in cap space (they could take a fairly large prorated salary on), and could really bolster their blueline next Wednesday. If the Ducks are out of the race, perhaps they'd consider trading Neidermayer back to the Devils for his last run at the Cup? What do you guys think? Who do you see coming out of the East? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dat's sick 1,002 Report post Posted February 27, 2009 Most of the season I've seen the East as a Bruins vs. Caps battle for the SCF.. now I'm beginning to think that the NJD will be one of the teams in the ECF. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SDavis35 140 Report post Posted February 27, 2009 Didn't watch Brodeur tonight, but a shutout tells me he's back and as strong as when he left. The Devils are a very dangerous team, and may even have what it takes to win the cup. Hot goaltender(s) + lots of playoff experience + consistent scoring = great recipe. Reminds me of last year's Wings in a way. We know Brodeur can do it, and to have a fresh Brodeur, instead of his usual 70+ games a season, who knows what will happen. I've been thinking they'd be a threat once Marty was back, had no reason to believe they could make it to the playoffs without him (they barely scored before). And so, my pick will be the Devils from the east. And a toss-up between the Wings and Sharks from the West, based on our performance against SJ, even without "homerism" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hockeytown0001 7,652 Report post Posted February 27, 2009 I have to say, I thought they were completely screwed when Brodeur went down, but it was really Clemmenson moreso than Weekes that kept them in the race. I'm kinda suprised that they're sending him down. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tr!PoD#19 524 Report post Posted February 27, 2009 (edited) Brent Sutter should win the Jack Adams. No question. Unbelievable how good this team was 50 games without Brodeur. I think their season series against Boston is 3-1, and 2-2 against the Caps. I'm picking them to come out of the East. Edited February 27, 2009 by Tr!PoD#19 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jersey Wing 1,521 Report post Posted February 27, 2009 I think you could toss Boston, Washington, and New Jersey into a hat and pull any one of them out. The only issue New Jersey has is now that he was sent down, Clemmensen told Lou he wanted to be traded since he's more than proven he can be a #1 guy somewhere. Do the Devils trade him for some big depth at the trade deadline thinking they can win with Brodeur and Weekes or hang onto him in case Marty goes down again? The Devils DO need a puck moving defenseman who can help beat some intense forechecking. The last few weeks I've been watching them and when they look bad it's because the other team is sending a couple guys in on the forecheck. The defense corps they have now sometime panic and start icing the puck or giving it away. Parise is great but sems to need somebody helping him get the puck moving with speed. If Parise or Langenbrunner gets hurt for any length of time, that could be an issue. Losing either could relegate them to being a one line team. Maybe that X factor is Niedermayer, I think they could get Leopold from the Avs and do OK and spend less and Lou loves a bargain.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Konnan511 1,736 Report post Posted February 27, 2009 Kind of shows that Marty is a tad overrated and that their system defines their goaltender. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
miller76 463 Report post Posted February 27, 2009 Boston, Washington, Philly, and New Jersey seem to be the best in the east this year. I think it's going to be interesting to see how these four fair out. I still think Washington beats Boston in the ECF series. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GMRwings1983 8,794 Report post Posted February 27, 2009 I actually expect them to be in the Finals. Boston hasn't had enough playoff experience to go there just yet. Also, Tim Thomas reminds me too much of Turco with his style. It's not a style of goaltending that is great for a long playoff run. He's just too wild. Wings vs. Devils in a rematch of the 95 Finals. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
j.hoop 64 Report post Posted March 1, 2009 marty brodeur gets his 100th shutout, a 3-0 rout of the flyers Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
digitaljohn88 4 Report post Posted March 1, 2009 Martin Brodeur does not allow goals. That is all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Shoreline Report post Posted March 1, 2009 Wings vs. Devils in a rematch of the 95 Finals. That would be the only case I'd want to see the Devils in the finals. Get revenge. Otherwise, let Washington or Philly have a chance. I'm sure they'd want a crack at the Wings again for almost the same reason. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Doggy 130 Report post Posted March 1, 2009 Kind of shows that Marty is a tad overrated and that their system defines their goaltender. Brodeur has 4 shutouts in 13 games compared to Clemmensen's 2 in 40. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest EZBAKETHAGANGSTA Report post Posted March 1, 2009 Brodeur has 4 shutouts in 13 games compared to Clemmensen's 2 in 40. lulz epic fail Share this post Link to post Share on other sites