All About The Jersey - New Jersey Devils vs. Dallas Stars: Game Stream #7A world class blog for Jersey's team: the New Jersey Devilshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47083/lou-fave.png2014-10-25T00:58:41-04:00http://www.allaboutthejersey.com/rss/stream/68200642014-10-25T00:58:41-04:002014-10-25T00:58:41-04:00Devils Steal Point, Drop Shootout to Dallas, 2-3
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<img alt="A sadly familiar sight finished this game with another winless night for the Devils. The play before the shootout made this fortunate, though." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VK5b5l8rOsFPmn1ISsTH_d32Now=/0x130:4000x2797/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/42674874/457807326.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>A sadly familiar sight finished this game with another winless night for the Devils. The play before the shootout made this fortunate, though. | Bruce Bennett</figcaption>
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<p>The New Jersey Devils dropped their first shootout of the season to the Dallas Stars, but they were truthfully lucky to get to a shootout at all. This recap details how the Stars took control of the game and the Devils stole a point on Chico Resch Night.</p> <p>Tonight's ending was a sadly familiar one for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">New Jersey Devils</a> fans: they lost a shootout. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.defendingbigd.com/">Dallas Stars</a> scored on both attempts, the Devils did not, and that was that. A 3-2 loss. However, I do not think it is best to focus on the team's eighteenth shootout loss in regular season play. Shootouts are shootouts. Either the shooter scores or he doesn't. There's not really anything one else can do about it. There is plenty that can be done about the 65 minutes played prior to the shootout. The Devils were largely second-rate in that portion of the game. So, as the headline states, the Devils stole a point tonight.</p>
<p>I highly recommend you click on <a target="_blank" href="http://naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20142015&game=20101">the Natural Stat Trick Corsi Charts</a> in the Game Stats section of this recap (or in the preceding sentence). Click on "EV" for the graph and you'll get the summation of how tonight went. The Devils had a good start. They were making their passes, they were creating offense, and <span>Eric Gelinas</span> hit Kari Lehtonen's net with The Truth. When Dallas got stops, they struggled to attack. Sometimes it would be an offsides. Sometimes it would be a missed pass easily picked up by a defender or goes for icing. Sometimes it would be a lost puck to a Devil. They were in the area but making bad decisions. This lasted for about ten minutes. Then the Stars settled down, showed a little more patience on the puck, and started to make better decisions with it. That led to the Stars getting legitimate offensive pressure more often, causing problems for the Devils on defense, and racking up the shots and attempts to hold a lead that the Devils would not overcome for the rest of the night.</p>
<p>The nadir was the second period. The Devils went an incredibly long stretch without a shot on net - <span>Michael Ryder</span> hitting the post notwithstanding - while the Stars did whatever they wanted. They beat them to open space. They found seams on a constant basis. Yes, the Stars are a faster team than the Devils but speed in hockey is dangerous when there's puck control. The Devils only helped them out by playing more like Dallas did for those first ten minutes. Dumping pucks in or failing to connect on a pass when gaining the zone. Throwing pucks off boards for attempts at clearances only to go to a Star in the neutral zone. Struggling to get the puck out of the Devils' end at all. The result of all of that: Dallas had the puck more often. And they used that. That's what pinned the Devils back so much in that period and for stretches of the first, third, and overtime periods.</p>
<p>The goals against ran counter to the play, though. The first was a second before a successful Devils penalty kill. The Devils won a neutral zone faceoff, <span>Andy Greene</span> takes the puck to the endboards, and decides to hold onto it. He gets double-teamed by <span>Jason Spezza</span> and <span>Tyler Seguin</span>; Seguin takes the puck away and makes a short pass to a cutting <span>Jamie Benn</span>, who roofed the one-timer. All Greene had to do was throw the puck up the boards - nearside if he wanted support; farside to kill clock. With one second left, it was another PPGA. As for the second, let me preface it by stating that <span>Cory Schneider</span> faced a lot of shots and bailed out his skaters plenty of times tonight. Yet, he gave up a hideous goal to <span>Patrick Eaves</span>. Eaves and his line were amazing tonight, but his sharp angle shot beat Schneider shortside wasn't so amazing. It should have been stopped. Despite all of the pressure and repeated attacks by the Stars, the goals largely came as a result of two Devils having brainfarts, for lack of a better term. At the same time, the score being 1-2 felt like a mountain after the period because the Stars were clearly in control because of what I described earlier.</p>
<p>The Devils would mount a better third period and caught a break on the equalizer. <span>Patrik Elias</span> totally hand-passed a puck while falling down towards the middle. The puck bounced onto Damien Brunner's stick for him to slam it into the net before it came off the moorings. The play was reviewed, hand-passes aren't reviewable (watch that change next season), the net didn't come off before the shot, and so the goal counted after a lengthy video review. The Devils did have some moments where they were looking to break through. They even killed a penalty and looked good doing so. Yet, the Stars did more than enough to keep the Devils honest to maintain a deadlock. While they got the equalizer, the run of play largely remained tilted towards Dallas. Hence, the Devils were fortunate to take a point. And even to get to a shootout, as control continued into overtime, particularly in the final two minutes no thanks to a sudden inability to clear the zone and/or breakout.</p>
<p>After reading the preceding 800 words or so, the conclusion is clear: the Devils were fortunate to get a point. Hence, I'm not mad about a shootout loss. I'm more annoyed that the Devils displayed what they needed to do against a Dallas team that was bleeding shots so far this season for ten minutes and then were unable to do that for much of the following fifty. All the while, conceding 37 shots compared to generating 27. Tonight's game was a clear cut example as any of how important it is to exit the zone with the puck on your stick and make good decisions when going forward. The Stars showed how strong a team can look by accomplishing that, and the Devils showed how much a team can struggle when they are not.</p>
<p><b>The Game Stats: </b>The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20142015/GS020101.HTM">NHL.com Game Summary</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20142015/ES020101.HTM">NHL.com Event Summary</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20142015/PL020101.HTM">NHL.com Play by Play Log</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20142015/SS020101.HTM">NHL.com Shot Summary</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20142015/TH020101.HTM">NHL.com Devils Time on Ice Report</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20142015&game=20101">Natural Stat Trick Corsi Charts</a></p>
<p><b>The Opposition Opinion: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.defendingbigd.com/2014/10/24/7068405/dallas-stars-win-first-shootout-of-season-vs-new-jersey-devils-jason-spezza-jamie-benn">Taylor Baird has this recap up at Defending Big D.</a> Note the parts where Taylor noted how <span>Trevor Daley</span> should've finished better and how the Stars did not score on three breakaways. Again: Schneider really went to work tonight, heinous goal against aside.</p>
<p><b>The Game Highlights: </b> From <a href="http://www.nhl.com" target="_blank">NHL.com</a>, you can see these highlights of the game:</p>
<p align="center"><iframe height="395" width="640" frameborder="0" src="http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/embed?playlist=2014020101-X-h"></iframe></p>
<p><b>The Superstar Line Was...Who Again?: </b>Lindy Ruff did keep Spezza, Seguin, and Benn together for most of the night. They weren't bad but they weren't the killers I was afraid of. Yes, they created the first goal and they did put a combined seven shots on net. However, they played more defense than offense at evens tonight - especially Benn. That's what one should hope for when the opposition puts the three best forwards together on one unit.</p>
<p>But it was another unit that just gashed the Devils in terms of possession, and as far as I know, a new combination. Patrick Eaves, <span>Vernon Fiddler</span>, and <span>Ales Hemsky</span>. They didn't play a lot of minutes, but they were incredibly efficient. Hemsky in particular looked like an all-star tonight. He drew one of the two penalties called tonight when he torched Eric Gelinas. He put <i>eight</i> shots on net. It's impressive he didn't register a point as the Devils were just struggling with #83 throughout the evening. His Corsi at even strength was an astounding +15, with a shot differential of +14. His linemates were the only ones on his level: Eaves at +15 and Fiddler at +13. As a line, they conceded one shot against while putting up 14. Eaves' goal was the one Schneider should've stopped, but they were close to figuring out a more legitimate play for a score. While the Devils were able to quell the Spezza line, they somehow had no answer for this unlikely trio.</p>
<p><b>Drowning: </b> The "they" in particular was the Newfoundline. <span>Adam Henrique</span>, Michael Ryder, and <span>Ryane Clowe</span> just got hammered in terms of possession. While they did OK against the other lines; Hemsky, Eaves, and Fiddler just ruined them over and over. The result of that is a combined two shots and one post from all three throughout the evening and a lot of cringing while they scramble to get the puck out. This necessitated a change in the third period among forward lines. For some reason, this generates criticism of the coach; but I only wish Peter DeBoer made those changes sooner. And that he'll keep them separated because this unit hasn't really been good unless they're scoring.</p>
<p>For what it's worth, no one on defense looked good against the Fiddler line. There were those who got picked on more than others: <span>Jon Merrill</span>, <span>Marek Zidlicky</span>, and Gelinas in the former category, the rest in the other.</p>
<p><b>The Truth, The Call, and The Defense: </b>Eric Gelinas slamming in a goal from distance was great to see. His shot is his biggest asset to the team and that was on display tonight. Unfortunately, that was only one of two shots he had tonight. The rest of the time, he was mostly defending.</p>
<p>Gelinas finished near the bottom in possession among Devils tonight and he was only on the ice for four shots at even strength. The Devils did not get a power play all night long, so that also factored into Gelinas playing fewer than 16 minutes. However, he had some issues with the puck in his own end, whether it was making a pass to a teammate to get it out or clearing it himself. I can understand why he fouled Hemsky, but he was beaten too easily. He was hemmed in his own end the most in overtime - two shifts averaging 1:20 - and while it wasn't entirely his own fault, he wasn't helping the cause going forward. For all of the grief Zidlicky gets, he's able to make passes, start breakouts, and distribute the puck (somewhat) effectively. Gelinas would do well to learn that dimension of his position because it'll help him turn the play around as opposed to just trying and hoping to get into a spot to deliver The Truth. Because it wasn't pretty at times to see him in his own end.</p>
<p><b>Speaking of Not Pretty: </b> Patrik Elias, what in the world is up with you? Those pivots and dangles in overtime when you should be breaking out? It's almost a miracle Dallas didn't take the puck back and fire it past Schneider then. Elias wasn't bad at all night long and he's a smart player. So it was shocking to see him make such poor and potentially costly decisions.</p>
<p><b>Here's a Shock, the Captain Wasn't Bad: </b><span>Bryce Salvador</span> was amazingly not awful tonight. I'm not saying he's suddenly a good player. Or that he didn't have any errors. But he was one of two defensemen who wasn't out-attempted at evens - the other was <span>Damon Severson</span>. That's something to note given how tonight went overall. He was actually decent on the penalty kill. He stood up <span>Ryan Garbutt</span> in a one-on-one. (I'm reaching here.) Salvador fought and the Devils weren't any better in those five-plus minutes, which should ease some of the scapegoating. Or at least further highlight how poor the Devils were in the second period. (OK, I'm done reaching.) The only unit that made him suffer was the same line who made every Devil defenseman suffer in someway: the Fiddler line. Again, I'm not saying that Salvador is turning some corner and will magically be a decent player. I'm just saying he wasn't as bad as he has been.</p>
<p><b>Another Shock, the Fourth Line Wasn't Bad Either: </b>I'm hesitant to state whether this was the first game the fourth line was positive in possession, but I'm not hesitating to state that this was their best game. <span>Stephen Gionta</span>, <span>Jacob Josefson</span>, and <span>Tuomo Ruutu</span> only got about seven minutes, but they made it count. They out-shot their competition and created the game's first goal. I would have liked to have seen them get more ice time, which is definitely the first time I thought that all season.</p>
<p>Josefson was pretty good in his limited minutes. He set up Gelinas for the goal and skated with the requisite energy one expects from an energy line. I think he should get another game if Marty Havlat isn't able to perform again. <span>Adam Larsson</span> should be taking notes from Josefson and Brunner (he had a fine game: a goal and <i>six</i> shots) about how to perform when given an opportunity to do so.</p>
<p><b>Last Point on the Game: </b>I don't think the Devils get this far tonight if Schneider didn't play like he did. Yes, his second goal allowed was feather-pillow-soft. But he also denied a bunch of breakaways, robbed some Stars on rebounds, and faced a heavy workload.</p>
<p><b>Chico Rules: </b>He had a wonderful speech, which was so, well, him. Doc was a fine emcee. He ran over his time, but that's OK. His unique thing was to bring out people he's met over the years that aren't at all tied to the organization to sit on the ice by the podium along with his wife. The video clips of his former days as a goalie - highlights of his 200th career win, which was a Devils win over the Isles way back in the day - and as announcer and host of Chico Eats were very good. I only wished the team provided him a better performance to go with the boat he got on Thursday night.</p>
<p><b>No Time to Dwell, So Here's Your Take: </b>The Devils will play on Saturday night in Ottawa. I would expect <span>Scott Clemmensen</span> to start since Schneider faced 37 shots, 50 attempts, Hemsky falling into him, and played over 65 minutes. That's a heavy workload. I'll leave the rest of the previewing to Mike. What did you think of tonight? What would you want to change for tomorrow? Please leave your answers and other thoughts about this game in the comments.</p>
<p>Thanks to everyone who followed along in the Gamethread and on Twitter with <a href="http://www.twitter.com/inlouwetrust" target="_blank">@InLouWeTrust</a>. Thank you for your patience and for reading ILWT.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2014/10/25/7068885/winless-four-new-jersey-devils-steal-point-shootout-loss-dallas-starsJohn Fischer2014-10-24T18:50:02-04:002014-10-24T18:50:02-04:00Devils vs. Stars: Gamethread #7
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<p>This is the gamethread for today's game between the New Jersey Devils and the Dallas Stars. This is a post where users can discuss what happens before, during, and after the game until the recap is up.</p> <p><strong>The Time:</strong> 7:00 PM EST</p>
<p><strong>The Broadcast:</strong> TV: MSG+, Radio: 660 AM & 101.9 FM WFAN</p>
<p><strong>The Matchup:</strong> The <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">New Jersey Devils</a> (3-2-1) vs. The <a href="https://www.defendingbigd.com/">Dallas Stars</a> (3-1-2 SBN Blog: <a href="http://www.defendingbigd.com/">Defending Big D.</a>)</p>
<p><strong>The Game Previews: </strong>John's preview from earlier <a href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2014/10/24/7043843/new-jersey-devils-vs-dallas-stars-game-preview-7">is right here.</a> For the opposition's point of view, feel free to drop by <a href="http://www.defendingbigd.com/">Defending Big D.</a></p>
<p><strong>The Song for Tonight: </strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahR3JYqkJCk">"Chico and the Man" (theme from the show) by Jose Feliciano .</a> I think Chico would appreciate this selection and if by chance you are 40+ years old you may as well.</p>
<p><strong>Gameday Info:</strong> <span>Cory Schneider</span> is starting in net for the Devils and <span>Jordin Tootoo</span> will be out of the lineup. <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/">Check in</a> with Tom Gulitti for this and all the latest NJ Devils news.</p>
<p><strong>The Reminder of Rules: </strong>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 .GIFs to keep the gamethread moving for everyone. If you do post pictures make sure to post a title in the comment. Go Devils.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2014/10/24/7067955/new-jersey-devils-vs-dallas-stars-gamethread-7JT Sroka2014-10-24T15:00:02-04:002014-10-24T15:00:02-04:00Chico: The Beloved Devils Color Commentator
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<img alt="I changed the picture to one from Chico himself at Chico Resch Night. " src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/IajhPE6E1FZ0uB-VWmdlbvahYdg=/0x130:4000x2797/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/42675072/457803982.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>I changed the picture to one from Chico himself at Chico Resch Night. | Bruce Bennett</figcaption>
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<p>Chico Resch, also known as Glenn Resch, will be honored tonight before tonight's New Jersey Devils game against the Dallas Stars. Before that game, I have a few words about the former goalie and beloved color commentator for so many years.</p> <p>The sign of a good nickname is that it replaces the actual name of the person it references. Just look at Glenn Resch. You can call him Glenn Resch. That is indeed the name he was given at birth. It is the name listed in profiles, records, and contracts. It's his legal name. But very few people call him Glenn Resch. You, I, the thousands of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">Devils</a> fans, and the larger hockey community know him better as Chico. Yes, Chico. The spry man from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan was given a nickname based on the Mexican-American main character played by Freddie Prinze in the 1970s TV show, <i>Chico and The Man</i>. Because of the resemblance, namely <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freddie_Prinze" target="_blank">the mustache</a>. Seriously, <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chico_Resch" target="_blank">the mustache.</a> And, yes, even his Wikipedia page lists him as <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chico_Resch" target="_blank">Chico Resch</a>, not Glenn. That's the hallmark of a quality nickname.</p>
<p>But Chico was more than just a guy who played for a bit and found his way into broadcasting for seemingly forever. Let's consider Chico as a player.</p>
<p>A scan through his player page <a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/r/reschgl01.html" target="_blank">at Hockey-Reference is quite educational.</a> He was one of the first good Islander goaltenders before a man named Billy Smith came on the scene. Chico would earn one of those four Stanley Cups - the first one. He was traded to Colorado, though, as he was secondary to Smith. He played for the Colorado Rockies and, later, the New Jersey Devils. He's a tie back to those bad old days when the Devils were known more for losing games and not being difficult competitors. He can speak to how much better things are now because he played behind some really crummy teams. He experienced the move, which I'm sure wasn't totally felt like a safe bet in New Jersey at the time given the franchise was in its second relocation. He had to be an important player - to the fans and the organization - in spite of how poorly the team usually played. It's a pool of experience that is only getting smaller. Chico played until he was 37, which is a good long career for a goaltender in general - nevermind in the 1970s and 1980s.</p>
<p>What shocked me was how much credit he got back then. He made three appearances in the NHL All-Star Game and was named twice to the NHL's All Star second team. <a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/awards/nhl_all_star.html#1979" target="_blank">The first team in both 1976 and 1979 was Ken Dryden</a>, which is a pretty good player . Hockey Reference has full votes for trophies even in those days and it's mind boggling to me that Chico got votes for the Vezina - <i>the Vezina</i> - with the Devils - <i>the really bad Devils</i>. And, one season, votes for the Hart! It was the early 1980s and so a save percentage in the high 80s was actually common. So his numbers were considered, at least by some GMs, to be not pitiful. Especially on some really bad teams. Chico would win one individual trophy. He received the 1982 Bill Masterson Trophy. <a href="http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SilverwareTrophyWinner.jsp?tro=BMT&year=1981-82" target="_blank">Based on the brief description at Legends of Hockey as to why he won it</a>, he got it for trying his best on a really, really bad hockey team.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, this all tells me that Chico was a pretty well regarded goaltender in that era. That's rather impressive for a 5'9" goalie playing at a time where goalies closer to soccer goalkeepers than the goalies of today, someone who wasn't drafted, and made noise in hockey first by playing at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. He was not just some guy, all signs point to him being, well, good. He was even featured on Hockey Night in Canada in a segment where he was mic'd up. And, yes, the voice over is who you think it is:</p>
<p align="center"><iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/40vDzzffBNw" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>It would be a while before Chico would come back to New Jersey via the Fox Sports Network and join the man behind that voiceover. He dabbled in TV for a bit, did some managing and coaching, but it was in 1996 that Chico would begin cement himself. He was hired as the color commentator alongside play-by-play announcer, Dr. Mike Emrick. It would begin a beautiful relationship that sweetened the ears of those watching games on FSNY and later MSG until 2011. Chico would stay on as the color commentator for another three years.</p>
<p>Chico didn't work as a color commentator because he was necessarily prepared, even though he was, and because he provided some real insight to the game, which he did sometimes. What made Chico work was his enthusiasm. He may come across as a homer but he would never shy from that. He even admitted it at times, be it for the team or goaltenders in general. I mean, he was a former goaltender, so it wasn't a total shock that he seemingly defended goaltenders first and asked questions later. Usually from a replay that not-uncommonly began with "Ooooh, Doc, I got to take another look at that" or "Oh, I see. That's how it went in." But Chico was genuinely into the game and into the Devils. He was legitimately a positive person. The sort of fellow who, if he was on Twitter, would use the hashtag blessed and actually mean it (it is normally mocked online). What matters most from a color commentator may vary from viewer to viewer. But among all critiques, few fault his enthusiasm because it was authentic.</p>
<p>Because of that, it's hard to really dislike the guy. From anecdotal examples I've read and heard over the years, Chico will not just talk but have conversations with fans and others. His calls would be quirky, but he would play off of Doc perfectly. Though it helped that he was the GAOAT (Greatest Announcer of All Time). But when Chico said something glorious, it would stick in your head. Let me recall a few examples. For starters, he once went on about visiting a small town in the praries of Canada and when Doc said, "It must have been lovely, right;" Chico dropped the ice-burn of "Well...it's got a lake." He had a tale about Petr Sykora's chinchilla that is sadly not available online but those who recall it know it was just all over the place. There was the time he listed how he liked chicken wraps and turkey wraps, but then there's Clarkson wraps. (I know, <span>David Clarkson</span> going for a wraparound, always a surprise.) His praising of the pulled pork sandwich at the Habana Grill during a Devils-<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.broadstreethockey.com/">Flyers</a> game (Devils were gloriously thrashing the Flyers) led to the fantastic segment Chico Eats. And I pretty much have to embed a video from that series.</p>
<p align="Center"><iframe frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/1HmIyaBq3Bk" height="315" width="420"></iframe></p>
<p>At the end of the segment, Chico said he would do every concession stand. And they did - even going out to Newark Penn Station for the popcorn with Doc, who loves the stuff. I even have a t-shirt - <i>the original</i> t-shirt - for Chico Eats. And, he was aware of what others thought of the team and had a rare moment of sarcasm. Of course, given Chico's nature, he couldn't be that critical for long.</p>
<p align="center"><iframe frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/p74ltfnN-A4" height="315" width="420"></iframe></p>
<p>Yes, Chico would get names wrong. Sometimes, blurt out a wrong word or miss something he's seeing. His phrasing at times, especially in the later years, was a mix between comical and sigh-inducing. It was hard to get mad about any of that. At least, I never could be mad at Chico. The common description of Chico as a color commentator was that he was like a friendly uncle. He's got good stories, he's sometimes a bit confused, but he's generally someone you want to be around. I think that's an accurate description. Given his real charisma, it's hard to really dislike him. I can agree that he was right to retire - and I'm glad he did it on his own terms. (And on the day of his final broadcast, <a href="http://youtu.be/cOl9RU5YYhM" target="_blank">he still tells a funny, self-deprecating tale.</a>) I can sort of understand if you haven't been watching many games with him or have done so in recent years.</p>
<p>But for those fans like me who really grew up with the team, my ideal duo is Doc & Chico. Sure, there could be more analytical color commentators but that pairing just feels so right. They add to the experience of watching a game; they're not just calling and reacting to what they see. I don't know how else to describe it. If you don't know and you're watching at home, you'll get a taste of that.</p>
<p>The good feelings for Chico aren't just among those who have listened to him a lot. The organization certainly appreciates that he was a broadcaster for close to 18 years with the team. They held a private dinner and, according to the team's Twitter account, <a href="https://twitter.com/NHLDevils/status/525486945536049152" target="_blank">gave him a boat.</a> Yes, a <i>boat</i>. Gifts say a lot by themselves; then there are ones that say much more: like a <i>boat</i>. For someone who didn't know why he was getting a day, I'm sure the evening, the dinner, and the nautical vehicle he now owns spoke volumes of how well regarded he is by the team.</p>
<p>Chico will get his say at the Rock tonight. <a href="http://fireandice.northjersey.com/fire-ice-1.174987/chico-resch-getting-ready-for-his-big-night-to-be-reunited-with-mike-emrick-for-one-last-call-1.1116880" target="_blank">According to Tom Gulitti</a>, he will try his best to cram his five-minute speech into six minutes (OK, a joke) and do something unique. Whatever it is, he will be given the proper ovation. He was just as much part of the team's history, back when he was a player during the "dark ages" and as a broadcaster when the times were much, much better.</p>
<p>Thank you, Chico.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2014/10/24/7056031/chico-resch-beloved-color-commentator-new-jersey-devils-chico-not-glennJohn Fischer2014-10-24T07:00:02-04:002014-10-24T07:00:02-04:00Chico Night - Devils vs. Stars: Game Preview #7
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<img alt="The only photo in our system of Glenn "Chico" Resch. Here he is then - he will return tonight." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tYSflH2ogX-yL_uswsx8NkGJAU4=/0x110:3050x2143/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/42504764/484630723.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>The only photo in our system of Glenn "Chico" Resch. Here he is then - he will return tonight. | Bruce Bennett</figcaption>
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<p>It's Chico Night, where the New Jersey Devils will honor long-time TV color commentator, Glenn "Chico" Resch. They will also host the Dallas Stars, the subject of this game preview.</p> <p>It's Chico Night! And maybe a good time to stop a three-game winless streak, too!</p>
<p><b>The Time: </b>7:00 PM EST</p>
<p><b>The Broadcast: </b>TV - MSG+; Radio - 660 AM & 101.9 FM WFAN</p>
<p><b>The Matchup: </b>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">New Jersey Devils</a> (3-2-1) vs. the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.defendingbigd.com/">Dallas Stars</a> (3-1-2; SBN Blog: <a href="http://www.defendingbigd.com/">Defending Big D</a>)</p>
<p><b>The Last Devils Game: </b>Was an embarrassment from attendance to a blown lead in a 4-3 overtime loss to Our Hated Rivals. <a href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2014/10/22/7035759/new-jersey-devils-embarrass-themselves-4-3-overtime-loss-our-hated-rivals-new-york-rangers" target="_blank">I wrote over 2,500 words about that game in my recap</a>, it doesn't deserve anymore than that.</p>
<p><b>The Last Stars Game: </b>On Tuesday night, the Stars hosted Vancouver. At first glance, it looked like Dallas was going to cruise past the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.nucksmisconduct.com/">Canucks</a>. <span>Ryan Garbutt</span> scored early in the first period. <span>Erik Cole</span> converted a power play late in the first; in the final minute of the period, Tyler Seguin added his fifth goal of the season. Within the first 100 seconds of the second period, <span>Jamie Benn</span> and <span>Cody Eakin</span> each scored goals to chase Ryan Miller from the net. Yet, Vancouver did not just let it all happen. No, they mounted an effort that made the Stars' players and staff worry. Radim Vrbata scored not long after Eakin's goal. While Cole scored his second of the night about a minute later, <span>Kari Lehtonen</span> was hit with a deluge of shots. He did as well as he could, but was beaten by Zach Kassian in the second period and Jannik Hansen in the third. The Canucks would not score more than three, but finished the night with an astounding 46 shots on net. Despite a five-goal lead, the Dallas goaltender was crucial in Dallas' 6-3 win. Here's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.defendingbigd.com/2014/10/21/7035569/dallas-stars-use-second-period-outburst-to-blast-vancouver-canucks-6-3">a quick reaction to the game by Brad Gardner at Defending Big D</a>, and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.defendingbigd.com/2014/10/22/7039109/dallas-stars-canucks-victory-ryan-miller-kari-lehtonen-lindy-ruff">a follow-up report from Brandon Worley at DBD</a> that states that the team was unhappy with the win given their "defensive" effort.</p>
<p><b>The Goal: </b>Attack, attack, and attack some more. The Dallas Stars have been about two things this season: scoring lots of goals and giving up lots of goals. <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/teamstats.htm?fetchKey=20152ALLSAAAll&sort=avgShotsAgainstPerGame&viewName=summary" target="_blank">According to the team stats at NHL.com</a>, the Stars are averaging well over three goals scored per game and over three goals against per game. In addition, they're conceding an average of 34.3 shots per game. And if you checked The Last Stars Game section, then you know that they're unhappy about a 6-3 <i>win</i> over Vancouver because Vancouver fought back and the team leaned on Kari Lehtonen to prevent another high-scoring close-game like they had in Washington recently. So the Devils should be able to break Dallas' defense down based on their early season performance. It's additionally important that the power play makes the most of their opportunities. While not as bad as the Devils, <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/teamstats.htm?fetchKey=20152ALLSAAAll&sort=penaltyKillPercentage&viewName=penaltyKill" target="_blank">the Stars' PK success rate isn't so hot.</a> It's something a team coming off a three power play goal performance can look forward to. Nevertheless, if the Devils take the initiative on offense and fire away when in a good position, then they'll be able to hang with a powerful Dallas offense.</p>
<p><b>Assisting the Dallas' D: </b> <a href="http://starsblog.dallasnews.com/2014/10/thursday-practice-update-alex-goligoski-practices-and-is-good-to-go.html/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News reported on Thursday</a> that <span>Alex Goligoski</span> did practice and should be available for tonight. This is actually a boost for a very young defense. <a href="http://www.defendingbigd.com/2014/10/23/7051749/on-dallas-stars-defensive-struggles-patience-is-once-again-needed" target="_blank">Look at this post by Brandon Worley at Defending Big D.</a> Their defense is relatively inexperienced, which is a reason why they have conceded so many shots. So having Goligoski, who wasn't in the Vancouver game, is a benefit if only for his experience. He's also very good on the puck and can add an additional dimension to an already-successful offense. I still think the Devils should challenge them though. Goligoski and <span>Trevor Daley</span> have been on <a href="http://war-on-ice.com/playertable.html?mansit=1&scoresit=1&homeawaysit=1&shotattsit=1&names=&team=DAL&pos=6&xaxis=1&yaxis=14&caxis=6&saxis=4&panel=&usedaterange=0&start0=20142015&end0=20142015&start1=2014-10-01&end1=2014-10-24&splitseasons=0" target="_blank">the wrong side of CF% to start this season per War on Ice.</a> I'm not expecting them to suddenly shut down a top line (maybe the Zajac line?) on the Devils over and over.</p>
<p><b>They Take Meteor Showers: </b>Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin. The realest guys on the team. Certified G and A scorers and bonafide stud forwards. They are among league leaders in scoring early on in this season and they are both the biggest threats up front for Dallas. They <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?fetchKey=20152DALSASALL&sort=shots&viewName=summary" target="_blank">take a lot of shots</a>, their sticks are hot given shooting percentages over 20%, they create plenty of offense, and <a href="http://war-on-ice.com/playertable.html?mansit=1&scoresit=1&homeawaysit=1&shotattsit=1&names=&team=DAL&pos=5&xaxis=1&yaxis=14&caxis=6&saxis=4&panel=&usedaterange=0&start0=20142015&end0=20142015&start1=2014-10-01&end1=2014-10-24&splitseasons=0" target="_blank">they have been good in possession</a> - especially Seguin. The pairing of <span>Andy Greene</span> and <span>Damon Severson</span> have faced plenty of top players so far this season. Expect their challenge continues with the</p>
<p>Lindy Ruff has been using that duo with Jason Spezza as a center recently, which made for a killer line. Curiously, Heika reported a change at Wednesday's practice. he switched it up in practice; moving Spezza down to center Erik Cole and Ales Hemsky while Seguin moved to the middle and <span>Colton Sceviour</span> was moved up to their wing. Normally, I would think <span>Valeri Nichushkin</span> would take that spot but he's been out hurt so it's not as bad as it could be. Yet, that new Spezza line looks dangerous - Cole brings the beef (he's got 3 goals on 8 shots, so also maybe heat), Hemsky brings the skill - and the top line still has Benn-Seguin to making guys look sawfter than they actually are. Good luck against that duo, Devils. And be careful not to concede.</p>
<p>By the by, as far as who for the Devils to try and pick on, <a href="http://war-on-ice.com/playertable.html?mansit=1&scoresit=1&homeawaysit=1&shotattsit=1&names=&team=DAL&pos=5&xaxis=1&yaxis=14&caxis=6&saxis=4&panel=&usedaterange=0&start0=20142015&end0=20142015&start1=2014-10-01&end1=2014-10-24&splitseasons=0" target="_blank">the Corsi percentages at War on Ice suggest</a> it should be <span>Antoine Roussel</span>, Ryan Garbutt, and Cody Eakin. Not a bad idea.</p>
<p><b>You Wanted a Change? Well...: </b><span>Jordin Tootoo</span> will not play tonight. <a href="http://fireandice.northjersey.com/fire-ice-1.174987/tootoo-to-miss-at-least-next-two-games-for-devils-with-sore-foot-havlat-missing-practice-again-1.1116173" target="_blank">Tom Gulitti reported on Thursday at Fire & Ice</a> that he will definitely not play tonight or tomorrow as he's still waiting for the reports for his X-rays on his foot. He blocked a shot in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/">Rangers</a> game and was visibly stunned, hobbling off the ice. He would take another shift or two but he was clearly in pain. Given that it's been over a day and he hasn't been told anything may not bode well. We'll see.</p>
<p>Similarly, <span>Martin Havlat</span> also did not practice on Thursday. <a href="http://fireandice.northjersey.com/fire-ice-1.174987/tootoo-to-miss-at-least-next-two-games-for-devils-with-sore-foot-havlat-missing-practice-again-1.1116173" target="_blank">Gulitti's report has a detailed reason</a> as to why: the sweat developed from playing a sport irritates the cuts on his face. So he got some time off to let the cuts heal further. That would at least partially explain why he seemed so off at times on Tuesday. Since those who don't practice tend not to play, it appears that <span>Damien Brunner</span> will be next to <span>Patrik Elias</span>, <span>Tuomo Ruutu</span> will draw back into the lineup, and it is likely that <span>Jacob Josefson</span> will make his season debut tonight. If Havlat does play, then it'll be a toss up between Ruutu not being scratched and Josefson playing that first game.</p>
<p>Cheering for injuries is a terrible thing that won't be tolerated here, but those who wanted some different looks among forwards will appear to get them. As I stated prior to Brunner's and Larsson's debuts, it's on Josefson to make a case for himself assuming he'll get to do so. The coach isn't required to give anyone minutes just because they're young and somehow getting young players minutes will magically make their game's better on its own. Josefson providing the energy and even some good play that hasn't been seen from the fourth line will help his argument in getting those minutes.</p>
<p>As for the top six, Brunner has been doing good so far. Curiously, <span>Mike Cammalleri</span> still lined up with Elias and Brunner instead of with <span>Travis Zajac</span> and <span>Jaromir Jagr</span>. I will say that given Havlat wasn't so good, it's possible that combination would yield better results tonight. If not, Peter DeBoer can make a simple switch between Cammalleri and <span>Dainius Zubrus</span>.</p>
<p><b>On the Back End, No Changes: </b>No, <span>Marek Zidlicky</span> isn't sitting for making an awful error. Again, he's the main distributor from the blueline; sitting him would kneecap the offense and that's not something to do ahead of playing an opponent who's been bleeding shots against all season. He just needs to be less aggressive. No, <span>Bryce Salvador</span> isn't sitting for the same reason he hasn't been a healthy scratch last season. Yes, he's bad, no one is arguing otherwise; but it is what it is. No, Andy Greene isn't sitting because the Devils aren't tanking.</p>
<p>Surprisingly, <span>Adam Larsson</span> was initially paired with <span>Jon Merrill</span> in practice <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://fireandice.northjersey.com/fire-ice-1.174987/tootoo-to-miss-at-least-next-two-games-for-devils-with-sore-foot-havlat-missing-practice-again-1.1116173" target="_blank">per Gulitti's report on Thursday.</a> I didn't think much of Larsson's performance on Tuesday. But it appears he'll get another look. Unless he does rather well, I think we're going to see <span>Eric Gelinas</span> return soon.</p>
<p>In net, <a href="http://fireandice.northjersey.com/fire-ice-1.174987/possible-schneider-will-start-both-ends-of-back-to-back-for-devils-but-clemmensen-told-to-be-ready-1.1116554" target="_blank">Gulitti confirmed on Thursday</a> that <span>Cory Schneider</span> will start tonight but it's not clear whether he'll start tomorrow too. Starting the same goalie back-to-back doesn't usually bode well in the second game. However, the question is whether that is significantly worse than starting <span>Scott Clemmensen</span> in Ottawa. Keep that in mind for tomorrow's preview. <a href="http://starsblog.dallasnews.com/2014/10/thursday-practice-update-alex-goligoski-practices-and-is-good-to-go.html/" target="_blank">Per Heika's Thursday report</a>, Ruff is more secretive by not naming who will play the first of Dallas' back-to-back set either. <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?season=20142015&gameType=2&team=DAL&position=G&country=&status=&viewName=specialTeamSaves" target="_blank">Based on the early stats at NHL.com</a>, Devils fans should be pulling for an <span>Anders Lindback</span> appearance.</p>
<p><b>Promotional Note: </b>I answered some questions for <a href="http://www.defendingbigd.com/">Defending Big D</a> about the Devils. Look for those questions and answers there in this early afternoon.</p>
<p><b>Watch The Rock be More Full Tonight Than a Devils-Rangers Game: </b>Tonight's game wasn't as obscenely priced as Tuesday's. Watch the spin of "it was a Friday night" or "it was a crucial night." I'm hoping for a legitimate sellout if only because of a certain figure getting honored tonight.</p>
<p><b>Chico!: </b>Glenn Resch, long time Devils color commentator will be honored tonight. The game will start closer to 7:30 than 7:00 because of it. <a href="http://fireandice.northjersey.com/fire-ice-1.174987/chico-resch-getting-ready-for-his-big-night-to-be-reunited-with-mike-emrick-for-one-last-call-1.1116880" target="_blank">Gulitti noted that Resch has been allotted five minutes for a speech</a>, which will be a real challenge for him. It should be a great night. Doc is the emcee. For those of you not attending the game, you'll get a real treat: a little bit of Doc & Chico! Savor it! Eat something when it happens too! I'll have a little something else on Chico later today.</p>
<p><b>Your Take: </b> The New Jersey Devils are mired in a three-game winless streak and will be honoring a beloved broadcaster. Will that plus a Dallas team concerned with their 'D' help them break that slide? Or will they fall, earning no wins in this three-game homestand, and heading to Ottawa with another reason to feel bad? Please leave your answers and other thoughts about tonight's game in the comments. Thank you for reading.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2014/10/24/7043843/new-jersey-devils-vs-dallas-stars-game-preview-7John Fischer