Let's Not Panic, Devils Fans...Yet

(Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

 The Devils have started the season 0-2, and listening to some fans talk, you would think this is already a lost season. A deep breath is needed to put things in perspective.

 Two-game losing streaks are pretty common. They are going to happen. Of course, when they happen at the start of the season to two of the teams biggest rivals, after an off-season that saw the team go through tons of changes, it does make things seem a little worse. But they aren't that bad.

 First, let's take a look at the things that have gone wrong. The most obvious problem has been the shaky start to the season by Martin Brodeur. Allowing eight goals in two games is not something you will see often from Brodeur.

He has let in some easy goals. Not exactly a good sign given his age, but again, it's two games. With the winningest goalie in NHL history, you have to give him a few more games before the concern really sets in.

 Another thing that hasn't looked too good is the power-play unit. With the Devils, you can pretty much expect to hear that every season. All ready this season however, the Devils have had three 5-on-3's in two games, and have come away with nothing. The Devils special teams do have two PP goals and a SH goal, but 5-on-3's are something you want to see taken advantage of as often as possible.

 After an off-season that saw Brian Gionta, John Madden, Mike Rupp, Bobby Holik and most recently Brendan Shanahan leave the team, you had to hope for a strong start to stop any fears you might have had. We haven't seen that.

 Now, let's look at why we can't panic. First of all, like I've said, it's two games. If two game losing streaks happen in the middle of the season, you almost don't notice them. Devils fans have to keep that in perspective.

 Another thing that has to be encouraging is the overall team play. Aside from the actual losing part, Brian Rolston scored a power-play goal the way he's supposed to do it...with a booming shot that goes THROUGH the goalie.

Dainius Zubrus came out and played much better than he has in previous seasons. David Clarkson stepped up his game too. He showed that he can not only be the guy to step in and drop the gloves with any opposing player, but someone who can be counted on in big situations to put the puck in the net (or set up another guy).

We've seen a short-handed goal. We've seen Rob Niedermayer step right in and be the best player on the ice, at times.

 All of these things should let Devils fans know that the team just isn't as bad as it has looked to start the season. It just seems bad because of the timing.

 Ultimately, it will once again come down to how Marty looks in net. Once he finds his game again, and he will, everything will fall into place.

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