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New Jersey Devils ready to impress in the Eastern Conference

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New Jersey Devils ready to impress in the Eastern Conference
In the 2009-10 regular season the New Jersey Devils were outstanding, finishing second in the Eastern Conference, and winning the tough Atlantic Division. Next season fans should not expect any different, as general manager Lou Lamoriello managed to hold onto his core, while acquiring the necessary depth to make a play-off run.
The Devils are still enveloped in the Ilya Kovalchuk saga, after the 17-year contract they signed with the sniper was rejected by the league. Sources say that the two sides are close to signing a new contract. Nevertheless, right now the Russian remains a free agent.
Roster changes
Lamoriello started the off-season by trading for former Devil Jason Arnott, and then addressed his defence by signing former Buffalo Sabre Henrik Tallinder, and Anton Volchenkov. The GM also picked up Johan Hedberg to act as the team’s back-up goalie.
The Devils meanwhile waved goodbye to long-time Devil Paul Martin, and defensive forward Rob Niedermayer.
Forward
Up front the generally unassuming New Jersey group manages to put pucks in the net. Over time Lamoriello has quietly developed a young group of depth forwards capable of producing enough offence to win hockey games.
The first line will feature Travis Zajac at centre, flanked by sniper Zach Parise, and Jamie Langenbrunner. The second line will have Arnott at centre, with wingers Patrik Elias, and Brian Rolston. The third line will house centre Dainius Zubrus, surrounded by wingers Vladimir Zharkov, and David Clarkson. Meanwhile, the fourth line will feature Rod Pelley, Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond, and a Devils prospect from the American Hockey League.
Defence
The Devils have improved a great deal on the back end since the end of last season.
The first unit should feature the newly acquired Volchenkov, and Tallinder, while the second pairing will be filled by Andy Greene, and Bryce Salvador. The third pairing meanwhile, will have Colin White, while the final spot will go to one of Anssi Salmela, and Mark Fraser.
Goalie
Martin Brodeur will continue to man the goal-mouth in 2010-11 as he has for so long. However, many have expressed concerns about his age, saying that the net-minder is no longer capable of playing such a taxing schedule. Brodeur is still capable of regular season excellence, however in the last two post-seasons the tender has looked tired. You can bet that the Hedberg signing is an indication that the 38-year-old Brodeur will not longer be playing 77 game seasons. Expect Hedberg to make at least 15 starts next year.
Can the Devils win the cup?
Even without Kovalchuk the Devils are still able to put the puck in the net. Nevertheless, if Kovalchuk were to sign it would take the pressure off of Parise, and give the Devils a legitimate second line threat. As it stands the Devils still do not have enough talent in the forward position to get it done over four rounds in the post-season.
On defence there is not question that the Devils are an improved club. Volchenkov is the definition of a ‘gamer’ and will give you 110 per cent every night. In addition, the Russian defender is one of the leagues best shot blockers. Tallinder can also be looked upon as an upgrade, as he is proficient at moving the puck, and is reliable at the backend.
In net the Devils will be helped in the play-offs by a more well-rested Brodeur. The coaching staff needs to stick to their guns, and ensure that Brodeur is not playing 70-plus games, and getting enough rest down the stretch.
The Devils are no longer concerned with regular season accolades, but instead worried about lifting the Stanley Cup. They will have another strong season settling in the fourth of fifth spot in the conference, but will struggle to get through the second round, unless they can get more depth up front.      

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