| Forwards |
Wasn't it just two seasons ago the Devils boasted the best line in the league and the rookie of the year? They've gone from big and powerful to small and it-remains-to-be-seen. Subtract Jason Arnott, Petr Sykora, Bobby Holik and their 66 goals, and replace them with Joe Nieuwendyk (36 years old), Brian Gionta (5-foot-7, 160 pounds) and Jeff Freisen (17 goals) and you gotta wonder where the goals will come from. Patrik Elias is the only player of superstar caliber. But what they lack in quality, they make up for in quantity. John Madden, Sergei Brylin and Jamie Langenbrunner are quality role players and provide decent offensive support should the top lines falter.
Eastern Conference Position Ranking: 8th
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| Defensemen |
What the Devils lost offensively up front, they've made up for on the blue line. Scott Neidermayer and Brian Rafalski, already two of the top puck-moving, offensive defensemen in the league, will be joined by newly acquired Oleg Tverdovsky, making the Devils' transition game even quicker. Behind them lurks punishment at the hands of Scott Stevens, Ken Daneyko and Colin White.
Eastern Conference Position Ranking: 1st |
| Goalie |
Martin Brodeur didn't have a career year last year (blame it on the new contract), but he's still one of the best in the game. With John Vanbiesbrouck back among the retirement ranks, J.F. Damphousse in Anaheim and Scott Clemmensen fermenting in the minors, the Devils rehired Corey Schwab. Fortunately, Brodeur doesn't miss that many games.
Eastern Conference Position Ranking: 2nd |
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Q: Where, oh where will the goals come from?
Good: Coming off a down offensive season in Anaheim, Oleg Tverdovsky could return to his solid goal scoring numbers with proper ice time on the power play, which is likely. Don't forget this guy scored a combined 29 goals the previous two seasons prior to 2001-02.
Bad: Joe Nieuwendyk's role in Jersey is likely to be a bit more defensive-oriented than what he saw in Dallas, so be careful if you're hoping for a 30-goal season. Also, at 36 we're not talking about a young player here.
