AUTHOR: The Maven
TITLE: I told you so
DATE: 11/03/2006 12:33:00 PM
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BODY:
Did I tell you so; or did I not tell you so?
Answer: Affirmative; twice.
I TOLD YOU SO, I:
Following the Rangers win over Anaheim on Wednesday night, I instantly turned to my colleague, John Giannone, and insisted – DEMANDED – that coach Tom Renney return Kevin Weekes to the Rangers net on Thursday against San Jose.
There were dissenters in our ranks but my logic was impeccable. If Weekes played well against the Ducks, he had every right to get another shot vs. the Sharks.
I don’t buy the argument that Henrik Lundqvist automatically is crowned King Goalie I in New York because he played so well last season.
That’s ancient history.
The Rangers have two top goalies and the sooner fans realize that, the better it will be for everyone; especially the Blueshirts.
Weekes came back again in San Jose and pitched another terrific game. Ergo: HE HAD BETTER BE IN THE NETS SUNDAY AGAINST BUFFALO or I will be very disappointed in Renney.
CONCLUSION: THAT WAS THE WEEKES THAT WAS!
I TOLD YOU SO, II:
Prior to the Devils’ Thursday night match against the Islanders, I did my usual “Coaches Corner” with New Jersey’s mentor, Claude Julien.
My pitch was this: “I’m impressed with the fact your club had two straight shutouts (2-0 and 1-0) but still I’m concerned that your guys are not scoring the way they should.”
Julien indicated that as long as the defense held up, the goals would come.
Well, the defense didn’t hold up; it usually does not against the Isles.
More to the point, there’s a goal-scoring drought in Devils Country that must be addressed sooner rather than later.
The Islanders contest showed me that New Jersey’s offense is hurting.
As it was so often last year, the power play is impotent and – despite the defensive shortcomings – could have won the game with the Islanders had it been working right.
Once again, the Devs lack a hard-shooting point man in the Alexei Zhitnik-Tom Poti mold; not that Poti uses his shot often enough.
Patrik Elias and Brian Gionta are slumping. Period. Hopefully, they’ll emerge from their drought by Saturday night’s encounter with the Canadiens in Montreal.
The kids – Travis Zajac and Zach Parise – combine well with Jamie Langenbrunner but that’s not nearly enough offense if the John Madden-Jay Pandolfo-Sergei Brylin unit doesn’t deliver. And that unit has not lately.
More to the point, Julien should give his fourth liners more ice time. Much more. Don’t underestimate their potential on offense. There’s scoring to be had from Jim Dowd and Erik Rasmussen. Plus, provided with more ice, Cam Janssen CAN score; but it’ll never happen if he’s not given the opportunity.
Cause for concern?
A season ago, after a dozen games, the Devils totaled 13 points (6-5-1 OT loss). This term they’re at 13 points (6-5-1 Shootout loss); which tells you everything you need to know about the team.
Injured defensemen Brad Lukowich, Richard Matvichuk and David Hale should aid the backline whenever they return but that is less of an issue than scoring. And with Scott Gomez’s groin condition a big IF, the remedy must be provided by the scorers.
ROAD TO THE ISLES:
Ted Nolan.
Don’t go beyond that name if you’re wondering why the Islanders are hot.
Alexei Yashin is playing his best hockey in years thanks to his faith in the new coach and Nolan’s system.
The defense is solid and there’s good balance on the attack.
I’d like to see Nolan use more of Mike Dunham in goal but as long as the club wins with Rick DiPietro, I’ll keep my mouth shut; at least for a minute!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR:
DATE:11/05/2006 03:34:00 AM
I have a suggestion about Elias's low scoring.. make him start changing his hair-color again every so often. Seemed to work real well last time he kept on doing it..(2003-2004, I think)
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