Before I posted again, I wanted to calm down from the embarrassment of not winning a game on the Pru Center ice. I didn't want to overreact.
Offense: The Devils need to pick up a big body whose not afraid to get in the front of the net and pick up garbage goals. Too many times during the year, there were times when this team settled for taking a shot and not going after the loose rebounds. Having that big body would allow for more rebound chances to turn into goals and give the Devils an extra kick on the powerplay. When Rupp was in the Cup finals against Anaheim, I thought he would be that big body guy. But clearly he hasn't panned out that way, and unless he changes his thinking then the Devils need to look for this player via free agency or draft.
Also, the Devils need a player who can just flat out put the puck in the net. I think there were too many players this year who couldn't finish on a one-timer or just rip one by a goalie. That being said, I think a lot of guys, like Elias and Langs had an off year and should improve next year. However, the Devils need a guy who can be a consistent threat other than Parise. I think the Devils have a good center in Zubrus, and he flashed his potential during the playoffs. I think this team needs another center, but we can't look for too much in the offseason. I'd take a scorer and a big body for the front of the net. I think this team says goodbye to Sarge, but keeps Pando.
Defensemen: This was one of the biggest problems all year, and it starts with guys just not making smart plays. There were too many times that our defense let us down, and as a team I think our defensive play was down all year. I like Mottau and Martin, but beyond that I'm a little skeptical. White took some bad penalties this year and looked lost at times. I respect the hell out of the guy for what he did to just come back and play hockey, but we'll see what happens with him. Also, I want to see more of Oduya. This kid had some brilliant flashes, especially in the second half, but still makes a lot of mistakes on the ice. Vish is a big hitter, and I like his physical play. It makes people think twice before coming into the defensive zone. However, he leaves himself out of position by going for the big hit, and that's a huge problem. Salvador was a nothing pickup and should be gone in the offseason. I also think this team should keep Rachunek. He's quick, and he has a nice shot. I think he can help the team on the PP and he plays solid defensively.
Overall, I think the team needs a D-Man who can quaterback the PP. Martin did not do well all year, and I think he needs another few years to fully develop. If Vish can learn how to put himself in position and dish out the hits when appropriate (something Scott Stevens would be great at teaching), then he'd be ok. Overall, I think the defense just needs to play better and smarter.
Goalie: I know Brodeur is great, but the Devils need to start planning for the future. I think they need to look toward the draft for a good, young prospect who could take over when Brodeur is gone. Granted, this guy could probably play 10 more years in the league and be great, but the team needs to plan for the future.
That being said, next year Brodeur cannot play 78 games. Sutter needs to tell him to take a break and let Weekes (or whomever the backup is) get some games in. I'm not saying Brodeur should only play 50 games, but I think he should be capped at 65. That way he can get the rest he needs and be good for the playoffs. I know he wants to put this team on his back, and I admire that. But there comes a time when that can hurt, and I think we've seen it the past few years.
Sutter: I like what he did this year. He really changed the philosophy of this team and made them more offensive minded and willing to attack. We didn't see the fruits of it, but I think that's because Sutter didn't have the right personnel and because too many guys had off years. I think he needs to go back and drill defense and breakout, because these are the two areas that struggled the most during the playoffs. I think if Lou can give Sutter a few pieces to fit his system, the Devils can do better on the offensive end and actually make noise in the playoffs next year. I also think he needs to be able to gauge his players and fit them on lines where they can play the entire year and learn one another's tendencies.
Overall, it was a good year for the Devils team, but it left a lot to be desired. I think we've been spoiled as fans by good teams throughout the years, but now we see what a "depleted" defensive corps and limited scoring can do. I can only hope that Lou will look at this team and add the right pieces in order to give the team any chance of going deep into the playoffs next year.
