All About The Jersey - New Jersey Devils at New York Islanders: Game 1 CoverageA world class blog for Jersey's team: the New Jersey Devilshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47083/lou-fave.png2013-01-19T23:18:30-05:00http://www.allaboutthejersey.com/rss/stream/36565652013-01-19T23:18:30-05:002013-01-19T23:18:30-05:00Devils Beat Islanders 2-1 for First Win of 2013
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<img alt="Foreground: An unhappy Matt Moulson. Background: A celebrating David Clarkson, who just scored." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/l6daSR6C2Xfyrav0QyJDD5sHR5U=/0x117:2556x1821/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/6829851/159738000.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Foreground: An unhappy Matt Moulson. Background: A celebrating David Clarkson, who just scored. | Andy Marlin</figcaption>
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<p>The New Jersey Devils won their first game of the 2013 season over the New York Islanders by a 2-1 score. This post recaps the game from how the Devils won to individual performances and events that stood out. </p> <p>Sometimes the first hockey game of a season, whether it's 82 or 48 games long, can get very sloppy. While the teams did go through some sort of training camp and players try to stay in shape in the offseason, that first game can be filled with mistimed passes, miscommunications, and all kinds of mistakes that are left unpunished because the opposition doesn't take full advantage. In short, teams can have rust and it shows on the ice. This was on display in tonight's 2-1 win between the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">New Jersey Devils</a> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">New York Islanders</a>. The big difference was that the Islanders displayed more of it than the Devils.</p>
<p>While the Devils had plenty of moments of taking loose pucks and flinging them to no one or the other team, leaving opposing players open in dangerous areas, and not taking full advantage of what was going on, the Islanders out-did them in each. Their turnovers in the neutral zone and their own end helped the Devils obtain a 28-19 shot differential in the game. <span>Evgeni Nabokov</span> had to be sharp tonight; and he was given that there were plenty of dangerous opportunities for the Devils to open this game. Even when the Islanders pressed and got some offensive pressure, the Devils responded with the same or more not long after. The Devils were clearly sharper than the Islanders and the game wasn't as close as the score indicated.</p>
<p>This isn't to say that everything the Devils did was great. Their power play wasn't effective. They took some dumb penalties. The Devils lost a lot of faceoffs. They left a few too many Isles open in the slot. The one goal they allowed, a power play strike by <span>Travis Hamonic</span>, could have been prevented if all four Devils weren't in the corner, leaving the slot uncovered. There were a few instances where <span>Martin Brodeur</span> bailed out the team. Since it's the first game, I wouldn't say that these are all going to be big problems for the Devils this season. Just areas for improvement for the next game.</p>
<p>That said, the Devils did a lot more right than wrong in my eyes. The Devils as a team out-attempted the Isles 50-40. Their forecheck, with one or two skaters, gave the Isles plenty of trouble. They kept the Isles' top line of <span>Matt Moulson</span>, <span>John Tavares</span>, and <span>Kyle Okposo</span> quiet with only two shots on net between the trio. The Devils' own top line of <span>Dainius Zubrus</span>, Travis Zajac, and <span>Ilya Kovalchuk</span> looked great with seven shots and generated the game's first (and beautiful) goal. David Clarkson had his shooting skates on with five shots on net and a wrister that became the game winning goal. In general, the Devils had more "hustle" in their play and yet looked fairly calm in the first two periods. That's a big deal given that the team, like everyone else, only had a week of camp to prepare. They didn't panic in the third when the Isles pressed further; they just held them off as best they could. And of course, Martin Brodeur played great.</p>
<p>As far as a first game of the season goes, it was a good effort and I'd say they deserved the win. The rust will come off and we'll get a better idea of what this team can really do in the next few games. Still, it's worth appreciating getting that first victory out the way. Onto the next one. </p>
<p><b>The Stats: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/GS020006.HTM">NHL.com Game Summary</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/ES020006.HTM">NHL.com Event Summary</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/PL020006.HTM">NHL.com Official Play By Play</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/SS020006.HTM">NHL.com Shot Summary</a></p>
<p><b>The Game Highlights: </b> As usual, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com">NHL.com</a> has a highlight video of tonight's game right here. You can see <span>Travis Zajac's</span> beautiful goal, <span>David Clarkson's</span> shot, the breakdown that led to the Islanders' only goal, and plenty of saves:</p>
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<p><b>Stats Note: </b> I know it's missing the TimeOnIce reports. As of now, it's not clear whether there are or will be scripts for this season. It took a few days last season before they were up and running. It would be great to point out which Devil(s) were good or bad in possession as well as pointing out who got matched against the Tavares line. Alas, I can't in this recap. We will all just have to make do in the meantime. </p>
<p><b>The Shooters: </b>Ilya Kovalchuk and David Clarkson both led the Devils with five shots on net tonight. Kovalchuk did it out of eight attempts, while Clarkson did it out of nine. Yes, about 35% of all of the Devils' shots and 34% of all attempts came from just two players. Interestingly, their best moments couldn't have looked more different. Clarkson's most memorable shot was his fifth: a shot that slid all the way through traffic and Nabokov's five hole. The other four weren't, not so much. Kovalchuk's shots were what you would expect from him, but it was his passing that stood out to me. He deferred on odd-man rushes for better or worse; and he set up Travis Zajac on both of his shots. The first was for a good one-timer in the slot in the first period that forced a good save by Nabokov. The second was an absolutely beautiful saucer pass that Zajac scored on. I am pleased that they put up a good amount of shots and I hope it continues given this team's forward depth. I just hope more will stick out in the future.</p>
<p><b>Martin Is Old, But You Can't Tell While He's In Net: </b>Both Brodeur and Nabokov were great for their respective teams. While the Islanders got outshot, they weren't lacking in opportunities. Brodeur was excellent in denying all but one of them. He robbed <span>Michael Grabner</span> twice, one on a breakaway in the first period and one early in the third period when he went hard to the slot. His glove was nearly as unwavering as his demeanor; the Isles weren't going to beat him on that side a second time. The first and only time can hardly be pinned on the goalie. All four Devils in a 4-on-5 situation end up in the left corner and the puck squirts out to a wide-open Hamonic. Talk about hanging out a goalie to dry. Other than that, Brodeur was sensational. Given that he's 40 and much of the team's success will hinge on whether he and <span>Johan Hedberg</span> can perform at a NHL-average-or-better level. Tonight was a good first sign.</p>
<p><b>Evgeni Is Also Pretty Old, But You Couldn't Tell Either: </b>The Devils made the 37-year old Nabokov work early and often tonight. The Isles only out-shot the Devils in the third period, and much of those nine shots came on the power play. At even strength, the Devils put up more rubber and forced Nabokov into action quite a bit. His reactions were good, he didn't leave too many dangerous rebounds, and he tracked the puck well. Thankfully, he wasn't like <span>Anders Nilsson</span> and seem impenetrable. He had no chance on Zajac's goal and I don't know if he even saw Clarkson's shot completely. He was the Islander's best player tonight for sure. As an aside, I felt Michael Grabner was the Islanders' best skater; he used his speed quite well and he was more dangerous on the attack than any of the others - even <span>Marty Reasoner</span>.</p>
<p><b>The Too Many Defensemen Saga: </b>The Devils decided to keep eight defensemen on their roster. Since Peter DeBoer decided to use a fourth line, this meant two defensemen had to sit. Tonight, it was <span>Peter Harrold</span> and <span>Adam Larsson</span>. While Harrold sitting isn't a surprise since he's a #6/#7 defender, Larsson certainly was since he's young, developing, and has been playing well in Albany. Unfortunately, if he's going to play, then someone has to sit. </p>
<p>Given that the Devils only allowed 19 shots against tonight, it's hard to point out who that should be. <span>Anton Volchenkov</span> had the most notorious torching when <span>Brad Boyes</span> just blew by him on a shift in the second period. As bad as it looked, it didn't lead to anything and Volchenkov seemed OK in his 17:34 of icetime. <span>Mark Fayne</span> made arguably the most costly mistake when he pushed a puck out of the corner on the penalty kill. That went right to Grabner, who fed it to a wide-open Hamonic. However, it's hard to be mad since the real error was that none of his teammates covered the slot. Besides, his spot is safe as safe can be given how he played against the Isles' top players. <span>Henrik Tallinder</span> played the least among all defensemen with 15:01 of ice time and even took a penalty that led to the Isles' lone goal. Yet, he didn't make too many other mistakes and in fact hit Kovalchuk with a great breakout pass that sprung him into space and caught the Islanders in a change. That long pass eventually became the Devils' first goal. After this game, it remains to be seen who, if anyone, will sit for Larsson as the Devils continue to carry more defenders than they need in their lineup.</p>
<p><b>Suggestion for the Defense: </b>The Devils did a lot right in their own end tonight, as evidenced by allowing only 19 shots on net tonight. However, they were pretty soft in the slot at times. Either Isles were able to get open in the slot or just drive to the net. It wasn't an epidemic all night long, but there were enough moments that it stuck out to me. Hamonic's goal was an obvious example. I'm also talking about Matt Moulson crashing the net which led to <span>Bryce Salvador</span> hitting him without the puck, leading to an Islanders power play just 29 seconds into the game. I'm talking about Grabner just powering his way through early in the third period that forced a big stop by Brodeur moving laterally. I'm talking about <span>David Ullstrom</span> just standing there, waiting for a pass </p>
<p><b>A Shooting Power Play, You Say? But For Who?: </b>During training camp, Peter DeBoer stated that the Devils' power play would show significant differences and be more of a shooting power play, <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/comments/brodeur_still_gets_excited_for_openng_night_josefson_expected_to_play_significant_differences_on_PP/">as reported here by Tom Gulitti on Friday.</a> That didn't happen tonight. The Devils only got two shots on net, one in each of their two power plays, and the Islanders penalty killers had no problem preventing the Devils from setting up on offense. The Devils didn't do much with the man advantage tonight. At least they didn't allow anything shorthanded. Needless to say, it still needs time, practice, and adjustments.</p>
<p>The Islanders' power play, on the other hand, was more effective. While the Devils easily snuffed their first of the evening, the Isles got six shots on net and a conversion on the two full power plays they got in the third period. The conversion was Hamonic scoring on Tallinder's minor, their second of the night. Even before the goal, the Isles were able to set up and get clear shots on Brodeur. Their third power play of the night didn't start off well, but they did quite well in getting the Devils to chase them in the second half. They even built off of it with pressure on the shift just after it ended. The Isles were awarded a fourth power play tonight, but it came with two seconds left. Given the score at the time of each power play, it's easy to see why the Isles were more aggressive on each. It worked out for them for the most part. Perhaps the Devils can do the same on their own in the future?</p>
<p><b>Unnecessary Penalties: </b>The Devils took four penalties tonight and three of them were avoidable. I'm not mad about <span>Patrik Elias</span> tripping Tavares at the end of the game. Only two seconds were left on the clock so the Isles wouldn't have had the time to do much damage short of a perfect play. The others were annoying in how they weren't necessary. Salvador's first act as captain was to hit Moulson from behind away from the play 29 seconds into the game because Moulson beat him to the crease. Tallinder got his stick up on the hands of Brad Boyes because he was beat. While Boyes sold a hook shortly afterwards, the refs usually make the call when the hands are hit. <b> </b>Kovalchuk hit <span>Keith Aucoin</span> near the stanchion well behind the play along the boards; that was just plain unnecessary. There's no reason to think that discipline is or will be an issue; but I have to point it out when the Devils go shorthanded because someone did something they didn't have to do.</p>
<p><b>The Return of Tedenby: </b>Since Bobby Butler cleared waivers, the Devils brought <span>Mattias Tedenby</span> back to New Jersey and put him on the left wing of Patrik Elias and Clarkson. Tedenby had the game's first dangerous chance when Elias sprung him into space and Tedenby streaked towards the net. He skied the shot but it was a moment showing off what he can do. Unlike most of last season, that moment wasn't his sole contribution. Tedenby was actually pretty good tonight. He was usually first in on the forecheck on his line, he tried to make plays, he attempted four shots on net and got one shot on net, he drew a penalty, and he got the secondary assist on Clarkson's goal. I think the biggest sign of how well he played was the fact that he actually got shifts into the third period. He didn't see the ice after there was six minutes left in the game and one could argue that DeBoer didn't have the luxury to bench him outright in the third period. Still, it's a good first game for a guy who really needs to prove he truly belongs in the NHL really soon.</p>
<p><b>The Debut of Matteau: </b><span>Stefan Matteau</span> was doing OK in junior, didn't make the USA WJC team, but he had a good enough camp to stay with the team and play his first NHL game. Matteau wasn't too bad considering his age and development. He initially started at left wing on a line with <span>Jacob Josefson</span> and Janssen, but he got a few shifts with a double-shifting Kovalchuk as the game went on. Matteau was very sheltered tonight as he only played 7:26, the second lowest ice time on the Devils. Still, he got three shots on net and didn't look too out of place physically. That alone is pretty good. He didn't really do much of anything in his own end or outside of those three shots. While that's to be expected for an 18 year old winger getting his first taste of the pro game, I didn't get the sense that he's already decent NHL player. I still think he's better served being sent back to the QMJHL to finish out the year. I think he will, but it may not be for a few more games.</p>
<p><b>Get Well Soon: </b>Islanders head coach Jack Capuano was not behind the bench for tonight's game. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/jack-capuano-misses-islanders-opener-with-kidney-stones-1.4477441">He's been dealing with kidney stones in recent days.</a> We hope he feels better soon.</p>
<p><b>Zajac's Goal Was So Beautiful...: </b> ...so much so that I'm going to break it down on Monday. Thanks to users Cygnus21 and MattiasTedenbyFlyingCircus for encouraging me to do so. </p>
<p><b>Onwards and Upwards: </b>The Devils will get two days off to prepare for their home opener. They got the first win in the books. Let's hope they build on this performance at the Rock on Tuesday.</p>
<p>That's my take on tonight's win. For the opposition's point of view, please check out <a href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/1/19/3895554/recap-new-jersey-devils-new-york-islanders-opener" target="_blank">Dominik's recap at Lighthouse Hockey.</a> What did you make of the Devils' performance tonight? Do you think they were the better team on the ice? Who on the Devils impressed you the most? Who on the Devils did you think should have done better? Were you surprised to see Brodeur do so well right away? How badly did you facepalm when you saw four Devils skaters in the corner on a penalty kill? How did you react when Clarkson scored? What do you think the Devils need to take out of this game for the next one? Please leave your answers and other thoughts about tonight's win in the comments.</p>
<p>I'd like to thank all of those who followed along on Twitter with <a href="http://www.twitter.com/inlouwetrust" target="_blank">@InLouWeTrust</a>, those who kept up in our Gamethread (and if you weren't there, then please join us next time), and those of you who've read this recap. Welcome back to the NHL, the New Jersey Devils, and winning. </p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2013/1/19/3895590/new-jersey-devils-win-first-game-2013-over-new-york-islandersJohn Fischer2013-01-19T18:00:08-05:002013-01-19T18:00:08-05:00Devils at Islanders: Gamethread #1
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<p>This is the first gamethread of the New Jersey Devils' 2013 season, in which they will visit the New York Islanders. Users are free to discuss the game as it happens here.</p> <p><strong>The Time:</strong> 7:00 PM EST</p>
<p><strong> The Broadcast:</strong> TV - MSG+2; Radio - 660 AM WFAN</p>
<p><strong>The Matchup:</strong> The <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Jersey Devils</a> at the <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Islanders</a></p>
<p><strong>The Game Previews: </strong>My preview from earlier <a href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2013/1/19/3892196/new-jersey-devils-at-new-york-islanders-game-1-preview">this morning is right here.</a> For the opposition's point of view, please check out <a href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/">Lighthouse Hockey.</a></p>
<p><strong>The Song for Tonight: </strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSEnKcnUtlc">Taking Respect by Fury of Five.</a> Remember that it's not where you're from, it's where you're at. That's right here supporting the right team.</p>
<p><strong>Gameday Info: </strong><a href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/comments/butler_clears_waivers_assigned_to_albany_tedenby_recalled_to_play_tonight_larsson_to_sit/" target="_blank">As Tom Gulitti reported earlier today</a>, <span>Bobby Butler</span> cleared waivers, <span>Mattias Tedenby</span> was recalled, and the Devils' scratches are likely to be Krys Barch, <span>Peter Harrold</span>, and <span>Adam Larsson</span>. With eight defensemen on the roster, two are going to be sitting out. I'm surprised that it's Larsson, to be honest. I thought he was doing well in Albany and he certainly played quite a bit last season. As Butler would say, being good in the A isn't good enough. Gulitti also reports that <span>Stefan Matteau</span> and <span>Jacob Josefson</span> will be on the fourth line with <span>Cam Janssen</span>; so expect to see Matteau and Josefson get a few minutes with <span>Ilya Kovalchuk</span> tonight by way of Janssen being an awful hockey player who will likely get benched tonight at some point.</p>
<p>In other awful hockey player news,<a href="https://twitter.com/StapeNewsday/status/292684978721013760" target="_blank"> Arthur Staples thinks</a> that <span>Eric Boulton</span> is likely going to be in the lineup for the Islanders since Cam Janssen is playing. If true, then we can expect a completely not-fixed-at-all-no-really fight tonight. <a href="http://espn.go.com/new-york/nhl/story/_/id/8859735/evgeni-nabokov-not-rick-dipietro-gets-start-new-york-islanders?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">Over at ESPNNewYork</a>, Matt Ehalt confirms that <span>Evgeni Nabokov</span> will start tonight and that <span>Keith Aucoin</span> will active as well. Other decisions with the Isles lineup will be made at gametime, so keep an eye on the comments for more changes.</p>
<p><strong>The Reminder of Rules: </strong>Yes, a reminder's in order given it's been so long since the Gamethread. This is a place where you can comment about this game before, during, and after it's played before the recap is up. This is a place where we <em>primarily</em> discuss the Devils game. An odd mention of other NHL games is OK, but it shouldn't dominate discussion. All comments will be clean, respectful of each other, relevant to the game, and legal (read: no streams). Please refrain from super-big pictures and/or .GIFs to keep the gamethread moving for everyone.</p>
<p>I will provide commentary here and through <a href="http://www.twitter.com/inlouwetrust">@InLouWeTrust</a> throughout the game. Go Devils! And welcome back.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2013/1/19/3894384/new-jersey-devils-at-new-york-islanders-gamethread-1John Fischer2013-01-19T07:00:04-05:002013-01-19T07:00:04-05:00Devils at Islanders: Game 1 Preview
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<figcaption>A picture of tonight's starting goaltender, making a save in the Red-White scrimmage | Mike Stobe</figcaption>
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<p>The New Jersey Devils will open the 2013 NHL season at the New York Islanders. This post previews the game with a summary of how both teams look, point out key players on the opposition, and other thoughts on the contest.</p> <p>Welcome to the very first game of the 2013 regular season. It's good to be back.</p>
<p><b>The Time: </b> 7:00 PM EST</p>
<p><b>The Broadcast: </b>TV - MSG+2 (MSG+ for the Isles feed); Radio - 660 AM WFAN</p>
<p><b>The Matchup: </b>The <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Jersey Devils</a> at the <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Islanders</a> (SBN blog: <a href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/">Lighthouse Hockey</a>)</p>
<p><b>The Goal: </b>For new to new-ish readers, the goal is always to try and win the game. This is where I point out something a bit more specific I think the Devils need to do to win tonight's game. In my opinion, they need establish a group to win against the Islanders' projected top line of <span>Matt Moulson</span>, <span>John Tavares</span>, and <span>Kyle Okposo</span>. For tonight's game, it's important since that's who will likely leading the charge for the home team. Tavares is an absolute stud on offense; he is their most dangerous players. Moulson is coming off two straight 30+ goal seasons, his shot is exceptional. Okposo is a tough forward to play against when he's in form and he's got every point to prove this season. If the Devils can keep them relatively quiet, then their chances tonight should be pretty good. It'll also help in the long term to establish which forwards Peter DeBoer can use against tough competition. Last season, he leaned on <span>Petr Sykora</span>, <span>Patrik Elias</span>, and <span>Dainius Zubrus</span> to handle those responsibilities regularly. It remains to be seen what he'll do about that this season. While it's only one game tonight, it's the first opportunity for the team to figure things out.</p>
<p>Going back to tonight's opposition, I really need to emphasize the quality of John Tavares. Tavares was a top-ten scorer in the league in 2011-12 with 81 points, the ninth most in the league. His 50 assists placed him seventh in the league in that stat; but he was not shy at all to take shots. In fact, he also had 286 shots on net, the tenth most in the league as well. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.behindthenet.ca/nhl_statistics.php?ds=30&f1=2011_s&f2=5v5&f5=NYI&c=0+1+3+5+4+6+7+8+13+14+29+30+32+33+34+45+46+63+67">He even finished with the highest Corsi on the team</a> among players who played more than one game, which got pounded in possession while facing a strong level of competition. Tavares is only 22 and it's frightening to think he could get better. The Islanders have a real star - and a very good winger in Moulson to complement his skills - but he doesn't get the attention he deserves because the Isles just haven't been very good.</p>
<p>The answer as to why they have continued to languish is seen in their depth. Take their forwards. After Tavares and Moulson, there's a lot of questios. Can Okposo make the leap in a larger role? Can Brad Boyes - an interesting acquisition by the Isles - make a comeback? <span>Frans Nielsen</span> does a lot of nice things as a secondary scorer; can he contribute anymore? Will Michael Grabner and his crazy speed bounce back after a disappointing 2011-12 season? What can Casey Cizikias become? What is their bottom six going to be and how many them will be actual NHL-caliber players? The Islanders have plenty of potential but not a lot of results. Even if the Tavares line does well, the fact the rest of the forwards aren't so strong and could be beaten. Too much to overcome on most nights. As for tonight, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/1/18/3890992/brian-strait-waivers-new-york-islanders-pittsburgh-penguins">as noted by Dominik in this post at Lighthouse Hockey</a>, the Isles will be without <span>Josh Bailey</span> and <span>Jesse Joensuu</span>.</p>
<p>Their defense isn't too different. They have one absolute stud in <span>Mark Streit</span>, a defenseman who can play a ton, rack up points, and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.behindthenet.ca/nhl_statistics.php?ds=30&f1=2011_s&f2=5v5&f5=NYI&c=0+1+3+5+4+6+7+8+13+14+29+30+32+33+34+45+46+63+67">actually come out ahead in possession.</a> After him, it gets questionable. <span>Radek Martinek</span> returns to the organization after being kept out for a majority of last season with a concussion. In prior seasons, he was a 20-minute defensive defenseman. Maybe he can get back into form this year. He might be alongside Streit as their top pairing. <span>Travis Hamonic</span> and <span>Andrew MacDonald</span> were mainstays of the Isles' top four last season. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.behindthenet.ca/nhl_statistics.php?ds=30&f1=2011_s&f2=5v5&f4=D&f5=NYI&c=0+1+3+5+4+6+7+8+13+14+29+30+32+33+34+45+46+63+67">They were also regularly beaten in possession</a> while chipping in some offense. While the Isles jettisoned the likes of <span>Milan Jurcina</span>, <span>Steve Staios</span>, and <span>Mark Eaton</span>, they've been active in picking up third-pairing and borderline defensemen like Joe Finlay, <span>Brian Strait</span>, and <span>Thomas Hickey</span>. I don't know how that will work, but at least they are trying some new faces. Again, expect teams - like the Devils - try to beat on the other two pairings and hope for the best against Mark Streit. The Isles might be stronger on defense if <span>Lubomir Visnovsky</span> was present, but I'm not sure how much a 36-year old defender who wasn't in camp can help. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/1/7/3849352/lubomir-visnovsky-trade-report-khl-slovan-islanders-ducks">He's in the midst of his own saga.</a> He won't play tonight, that's for sure.</p>
<p>With relatively weak depth at forward and defense, their goaltenders should see a lot of action this season. Hopefully, it'll start tonight. Rejoice, my fellow Devils fans, that starter will definitely not be <span>Anders Nilsson</span>. <a target="_blank" href="http://islanders.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=651111">The two goalies the Isles are going with to start this season</a> are <span>Rick DiPietro</span> and <span>Evgeni Nabokov</span>. Nabokov wasn't too bad last season with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?season=20112012&gameType=2&team=NYI&position=G&country=&status=&viewName=summary#?navid=nav-sts-indiv">an overall save percentage of 91.4%.</a> As <a target="_blank" href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/islanders-learned-from-their-past-two-bad-starts-1.4472902?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter">Arthur Staple of Newsday indicated at the end of this article</a>, he might get the start tonight. It's probably the right decision. While Nabokov definitely isn't getting any younger, he's more of a known quantity than the oft-injured DiPietro. Again, hope for the Devils to get the veteran active early and often.</p>
<p>Ultimately, there's reason to believe why the Isles are projected to finish last in the division. This doesn't mean they should be taken lightly tonight. Again, the Tavares line will be dangerous, Mark Streit and his defensive partner should pose a challenge, and Nabokov isn't a total scrub in net. Add to the fact that it's a home opener and the Isles should be ready to play right from the get go.</p>
<p>The Devils made some curious decisions with their roster as they made their last cuts on Friday. <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/comments/matteau_makes_devils_opening_day_roster_tedenby_assigned_to_albany_darche_willing_to_wait/"> As Tom Gulitti reported at Fire & Ice</a>, they sent <span>Bobby Butler</span>, the top scorer in Albany, down along with <span>Mattias Tedenby</span> while keeping <span>Stefan Matteau</span>. I'm not sure I understand the thought process here. One would think being a top scorer on an AHL team with NHL players on it would be kept by a team that could use all the additional help it can get at forward. Why was he sent down instead of someone useless like, say, <span>Cam Janssen</span>? Perhaps he was really poor in camp. Tedenby being sent down may be temporary; he could be back provided Butler passes through waivers. Matteau making the roster is strange to me. <a target="_blank" href="http://theqmjhl.ca/stats/show/type/skaters/ls_season/171/ls_team/19">Matteau isn't even a top five scorer on his own team in the QMJHL</a> and he failed to make the United States roster for the 2013 WJC. I'm not saying junior-eligible players can't be given a shot and I know he has size; but I prefer them to actually be really good among their peer group before throwing them into the NHL. He must have had a really good camp or something. As long as he doesn't play more than five games - six or more will begin his contract - it isn't a big deal. Should Matteau play tonight, I wouldn't expect too much out of him since it would be his first taste of professional hockey. Please don't take any stupid penalties, Stefan.</p>
<p>Outside of that, it's still up in the air as far as what the Devils will do with their lines. Usually, Gulitti's report from practice the day before a game would provide a good guess as to what they'll be. There will be changes to <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/josefson_misses_practice_again_butler_matteau_darch_still_with_devils_sestito_pesonen_sent_down/">what was reported on Friday.</a> In addition to Tedenby not being with the team; <span>Jacob Josefson</span> was held out of practice but <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/waiting_on_final_roster_moves_devils_express_interest_in_gomez/">he is expected to play tonight</a>; and someone's going to have to replace Butler's spot. That said, I wouldn't be surprised that <span>Travis Zajac</span> will play with <span>Ilya Kovalchuk</span>, Kovalchuk playing at right wing, <span>David Clarkson</span> is a part of the top six, and that <span>Ryan Carter</span>, <span>Stephen Gionta</span>, and <span>Steve Bernier</span> will make up half of the bottom six. Like the Islanders, the Devils' forward depth isn't very strong and the combinations will look even uglier while <span>Adam Henrique</span> is out. Let's hope the top six can carry the bottom six. This means Kovalchuk, Zajac, Patrik Elias, and the rest need to start firing away right away. I know Kovalchuk will, at least. He pretty much has to at a minimum.</p>
<p>It's also up in the air as far as what the Devils will do on defense since they kept eight guys on their roster. Someone's got to sit. I know Gulitti's report lists <span>Adam Larsson</span> and <span>Henrik Tallinder</span> as the team's fourth pairing. I really doubt Peter DeBoer would bench a top-four caliber defenseman in Tallinder and a developing player in Larsson to give, say, #6/#7 defenseman <span>Peter Harrold</span> and <span>Anton Volchenkov</span> minutes. That would be a dubious decision. I wouldn't be surprised if DeBoer decides to go with seven for tonight, but it remains to be seen. You can count on <span>Mark Fayne</span> and <span>Andy Greene</span> playing a lot of minutes and <span>Marek Zidlicky</span> providing some offensive support. Captain Bryce Salvador - it feels weird typing that - will round out the group. Expect a lot of defensive stops, but only a little bit of offense outside of Zidlicky.</p>
<p>What's definite for New Jersey is who will start tonight: <span>Martin Brodeur</span>. The legendary goaltender has been reported to start and he's "excited," <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/brodeur_still_gets_excited_for_openng_night_josefson_expected_to_play_significant_differences_on_PP/">as per this post by Gulitti on Friday.</a> The question is whether or not he'll be in form. With an offense that gets questionable beyond the top players and a defense that should be solid but could be shuffling around to start, the team would benefit from strong goaltending. Brodeur wasn't all that prolific at stopping shots with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?season=20112012&gameType=2&team=NJD&position=G&country=&status=&viewName=summary#?navid=nav-sts-indiv">an overall save percentage of 90.8% last season.</a> He got better as the season went on and he was great in the playoffs. Given the short season, it's imperative that he's able to perform at a high level right away. The Isles, particularly their top line, will test him. I think he should be fine, but we need to see it.</p>
<p>As a last point regarding the Devils, I'm actually looking forward to what they will do on the power play. With Adam Oates joining the <a href="https://www.japersrink.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Capitals</a>, the Devils acquired former San Jose assistant Matt Shaw. His comments to press,<a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/comments/brodeur_still_gets_excited_for_openng_night_josefson_expected_to_play_significant_differences_on_PP/"> as reported in this article by Gulitti</a>, seem simple enough: just get shots. However, the <a href="https://www.fearthefin.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Sharks</a>' power play under Shaw were regularly leading the league in shots on net. Goals will vary, but shots are repeatable and taking them indicates that the team has control and a good look at the net. It is what makes a power play effective. We should want to see the Devils be more effective on the power play and tonight's game should provide a first look at what it could become. I want to see this team shooting quite a bit in general - it means they're winning in possession - but especially when they have a man advantage.</p>
<p>Since it is the first game of the season, it's not always easy to get a real grasp on what teams will become. I assure you, the previews will be better as the season goes on. I do think the Devils have a real chance at winning their first game. It'll be a challenge given that the Isles aren't out of anything yet and all 30 teams carry the concern of rust. After all, they're playing their first competitive game in six-to-eight months. It's not going to be pretty at times. But if the Devils do get a win, it'll be beautiful in it's own right.</p>
<p>Let me know your take on tonight's game. What do you think will happen tonight? Can the Devils keep the Tavares line at bay? Who will be the first to score for the Devils? What do you think the power play will look like tonight? Who will actually be in the Devils' lineup and where? Please leave your answers, other comments on tonight's game, and other news updates about the game in the comments. Thank you for reading.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2013/1/19/3892196/new-jersey-devils-at-new-york-islanders-game-1-previewJohn Fischer