BT's 2008/09 NHL Season Preview: New Jersey Devils

Preface: So after finishing up the New York Islanders, I didn't have to go to far for the New Jersey Devils. In fact, if it wasn't for Ottawa, the entire Atlantic division would be together in the alphabet.

You're the odd one out, Ottawa. Either join the Atlantic division or get a new letter.

We all know the story about the New Jersey Devils—defense first with a few offensive stars, and one of the best goalies of all-time standing between the pipes.

They've also qualified for the playoffs in every season since 1989-90 except once, one of the greatest examples of consistency.

As the St Louis Blues proved, at some point consistency fades—but it's just a matter of when.

So we have to ask ourselves, is this the year the New Jersey Devils miss the playoffs?

I'd hate to say no, but they've got a pretty big challenge ahead of them.

Roster Additions: Bobby Holik-F (F.A.), Brian Rolston-F (F.A.), Scott Clemmmensen-G (F.A.)

Roster Subtractions: Karel Rachunek-D (Europe), Sergei Brylin-F (F.A), Grant Marshall-D (F.A.), Richard Matvichuk-D (F.A.), Aaron Asham-F (F.A.)

How did 2007-08 go? 46-29-7, 99 points, fourth in conference, second in Atlantic division, lost in first round of 2008 playoffs (Eastern Conference).

2008-09 Goal: Second in division (try to overtake Pittsburgh for first), reach second round of playoffs.

Let's break'er down...

A few years ago, the New Jersey Devils were the most boring, yet most consistent team in the NHL.

You can almost single-handedly blame the Devils and the Minnesota Wild, with their defense-first style, for some of the rule changes the NHL made to open up the game.

Once they tried to open up the game though, we basically found that Martin Brodeur can adapt to any situation—and well.

Eliminate offsides entirely and Brodeur would probably average about a 2.25 goals-against average.

Essentially, he IS the Hall of Fame when it comes to goalies now, and every other team that had the opportunity to take him in 1990 is kicking themselves.

Now introducing the Martin Brodeur trophy. Its goal? Award it to Brodeur every year and let someone else win a Vezina.

We’re going to start this segment with a “duh” moment. If Martin Brodeur gets injured, the Devils are screwed.

Not just set back, not just facing a little adversity, but flatout screwed. If sexual visualization wasn’t so prominent in today’s society, I’d say they’d be boned...but that’s dirty.

If Brodeur were to get hurt, you can choose either Scott Clemmensen and his 28 total NHL games, or Kevin Weekes, who looked less-than-stellar in his nine games with a 2.97 GAA and an .894 save percentage.

The best thing about Martin Brodeur, though, is that he plays in 77 games a season.

First things first: Martin Brodeur has NOT seen action in just nine games the past two seasons. There are players on the Leafs (more than a handful) that have fewer games of NHL experience than he's missed.

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