2012 NHL Playoffs: Will New Jersey's New Lines Save the Series against New York?

Source: Bleacher Report

After being shut out for the second time in three games against the New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils head coach Pete DeBoer significantly shifted his lines in preparation for Game 4.

Petr Sykora will likely be a healthy scratch for Monday night's game as rookie center Jacob Josefson returns from injury. Josefson missed 41 games this season with two significant injuries, but posted a plus-10 rating when he was actually on the ice.

Here is a look at the projected lines, courtesy of The Star Ledger's Rich Chere:

Zach Parise - Travis Zajac - Dainius Zubrus
Patrik Elias - Adam Henrique - Ilya Kovalchuk
Alexei Ponikarovsky- Jacob Josefson - David Clarkson
Ryan Carter - Stephen Gionta - Steve Bernier

Elias will play left wing for the first time this season after serving as the Devils' second-line center for most of the year. The veteran has played a majority of his career at the forward position, but changed to center due to the injury to Travis Zajac.

"I was asking guys, 'What am I doing?' in certain situations," Elias told Tom Gulitti. "I'm psyched. I'm excited."

While some people consider these changes as a panic move, DeBoer's strategy also leaves a lot of room for excitement. For one, Elias being paired with Henrique and Kovalchuk may open up his ability to make big plays and get out of his playoff slump.

Despite scoring three goals and two assists during the 2012 playoffs, Elias has not recorded a point since Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Philadelphia Flyers. He has posted a minus-3 rating in the first three games against the Rangers and has more penalty minutes then goals scored.

The Devils need their most consistent player to get back on track. In New Jersey's nine wins this postseason, Elias has scored two goals and a plus-6 rating. In the team's six losses, Elias has just one goal and a minus-3 rating.

Speed will also play an important role in how successful these lines are, a skill that the Devils have lacked for most of the postseason. The combination of aging veterans Elias, Zubrus and Sykora looked painfully slow in the first two rounds, and splitting them up to pair with fresh and younger legs may help open up their game.

The removal of Sykora from the lineup may seem sudden and rushed, but the longtime Devil has simply not performed at a high level since the playoffs began. He may have been a nice surprise during the regular season, but he has managed just four points since the opening round and has seen his ice time diminish over the last four games.

The only concerning question about this move is whether or not Jacob Josefson will be able to rebound from his injury so quickly. The young center turned it on toward the end of the season before he fractured his wrist, but he has missed a significant amount of time in what was considered to be his first "full" season.

"My body feels great, my hand feels great, " Josefson told NHL.com ."I'm really pumped to play."

"Fresh legs at this time of the year, you're 15 games into a playoff run, it can't hurt," DeBoer said.

DeBoer changed the lines at significant moments during the season, and the Devils were able to respond and win big games. There is no bigger of a game than Monday night against the Rangers, and the team can only hope that these new lines will pay off.

Read more New Jersey Devils news on BleacherReport.com

Rangers coach accuses Devs of flopping; Prust banned for Game 4

Source: New York Post by By MARK EVERSON

Now it’s boiling, as matters turn crucial. A one-game suspension for Brandon Prust, chirping and sniping from coaches and players, one team belittling the other as divers — the gloves are coming off in this Battle of the Hudson. Rangers coach John Tortorella’s admitted “gamesmanship,” ridiculed as “comical” by...

2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals, Game 4 Preview: New York Rangers at New Jersey Devils

Source: In Lou We Trust

2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals, Game 4 Preview: New York Rangers at New Jersey Devils

After a tepid start, now we get bad blood on ice

Source: New York Post by By LARRY BROOKS

Look, 1994 was once in a lifetime for the Rangers and the epochal Eastern Conference final was once in a generation for our teams, our fans and our towns. There could be only one 54-year drought, only one “We’ll Win Tonight,” only one Game 7-tying goal with 7.7...

Parise back to old self

Source: New York Post by By TIM BONTEMPS

Zach Parise’s disappearing act following Saturday’s 3-0 loss to the Rangers was a rare occurrence for the Devils captain.But Parise was back on speaking terms with the media yesterday and addressed his decision not to talk following Game 3, a loss that saw the Devils fall behind...

Kreider’s instincts take over

Source: New York Post by By TIM BONTEMPS

Chris Kreider keeps finding ways to put the puck in the net, like he did Saturday when he deflected the puck past Martin Brodeur in the third period to help the Rangers to a 3-0 win.But Kreider is still a rookie — a rookie who has never played in a...

Blueshirts’ goal: Seize opportunity, keep Devils down

Source: New York Post by By TIM BONTEMPS

Three times in these playoffs, the Rangers have taken a 1-0 lead in their series. Each time, the Senators, Capitals and Devils came back to win Game 2 and tie the series. That same pattern played out in Game 3 and 4 in each of the first two rounds of...

Kreider’s instincts take over

Source: New York Post by By TIM BONTEMPS

Chris Kreider keeps finding ways to put the puck in the net, like he did Saturday when he deflected the puck past Martin Brodeur in the third period to help the Rangers to a 3-0 win.But Kreider is still a rookie — a rookie who has never played in a...

Sunday’s Three Stars: Coyotes survive Game 4 vs. Kings (Puck Daddy)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

No. 1 Star: Shane Doan, Phoenix Coyotes The Coyotes captain beat Jonathan Quick twice in Game 4, leading Phoenix to a 2-0 victory to cut the Los Angeles Kings' series lead to 3-1. Doan's power-play goal in the first period and shot off the goal-cam in the second provided the Coyotes with all the offense they needed. No. 2 Star: Mike Smith, Phoenix Coyotes With a 36-save performance, Smith notched his third shutout of the postseason and backstopped the Coyotes to a fifth game of the conference final. No. 3 Star: Trevor Lewis, Los Angeles Kings The Kings forward tied Drew Doughty for the team lead with five shots on goal and led the team with five hits in the Game 4 loss, playing 13:32. Honorable mention: Ray Whitney and Antoine Vermette had assists for the Coyotes. … Oliver Ekman-Larsson was a plus-1 in 24:53. ... Quick made 19 saves. Conn Smythe Watch: 1. Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings; 2. Dustin Brown, Los Angeles Kings; 3. Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers; 4. Ilya Kovalchuk, New Jersey Devils; 5. Brad Richards, New York Rangers; 6. Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings; 7. Mike Smith, Phoenix Coyotes; 8. Mike Richards, Los Angeles Kings; 9. David Clarkson, New Jersey Devils; 10. Dan Girardi, New York Rangers Dishonorable mention: The Kings were 0-for-6 on the power play and gave up a power-play goal. … The Coyotes took eight minor penalties.

Coyotes live to fight another day in NHL series (AFP)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The Phoenix Coyotes weren't about to go quietly into the night as long as captain Shane Doan had a say in the matter.

Rangers coach John Tortorella defends hit resulting in Brandon Prust's suspension

Source: NJ.com by Mike Vorkunov/The Star-Ledger

Tortorella then proceeded to indict the Devils for milking the hits they took

New York's Prust suspended for one game (Reuters)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York Rangers forward Brandon Prust was suspended for one game by the NHL on Sunday for elbowing New Jersey Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov. The incident occurred in Saturday's Game Three of the Eastern Conference final between the bitter rivals, won 3-0 by the Rangers. Volchenkov fell heavily to the ice but was not injured and continued playing. Prust was not penalized at the time but was ordered to a hearing with the NHL's department of player safety, which took a dim view of the hit. ...

Rangers' Prust suspended for 1 game (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

New York Rangers winger Brandon Prust has been suspended for one game by the NHL for his elbow to New Jersey Dgvils defenseman Anton Volchenkov on Saturday, the league announced Sunday.

Brandon Prust of Rangers suspended for Game 4 after elbow on Devils’ Anton Volchenkov (Puck Daddy)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

New Jersey Devils Coach Pete DeBoer called Rangers forward Brandon Prust's Game 3 elbow against defenseman Anton Volchenkov "headhunting … plain and simple." New York Rangers Coach John Tortorella called Prust an "honest player" and inferred that Volchenkov sold the incident. Prust himself said "it wasn't vicious at all," while Volchenkov said it was "pretty dirty." The NHL Department of Player Safety? They determined it was worth a one-game suspension for Prust, who will miss Monday's Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final in Newark: The incident occurred at 2:31 of the second period. There was no penalty called on the play. As the video shows, Prust flailed out his arm to clip Volchenkov in the head after the Devils defenseman spun away from a check. That fact that there was no injury on the play and that Prust has no prior interaction with Brendan Shanahan and the Department of Player Safety might make a one-game suspension in the Eastern Conference Final seem severe. But Shanahan and the NHL have sent a message twice about this kind of hit, with this type of result.

Parise not frustrated by series deficit

Source: NHL.com

NEWARK, N.J. -- Zach Parise has been accommodating to the media after wins and losses since long before being named captain of the New Jersey Devils prior to this season. So, when Parise doesn't come out to address the press, as was the case follo...

Prust suspended one game for elbow

Source: NHL.com

NEW YORK -- New York Rangers forward Brandon Prust has been suspended for one game for elbowing New Jersey Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov during the teams' Eastern Conference Final game in New Jersey on Saturday, May 19, the National Hockey Le...

Rangers' Brandon Prust suspended one game for hit on Anton Volchenkov

Source: NJ.com by The Associated Press

Prust had a telephone hearing, his first in five NHL seasons, with NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan on Sunday

Report: Rangers' Prust suspended for 1 game (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

New York Rangers defenseman Brandon Prust has been suspended for one game by the NHL for his elbow to New Jersey Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov on Saturday, ESPN.com reported Sunday based on a source.

Rangers' Prust gets 1-game ban for elbowing (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

NEW YORK (AP) Rangers forward Brandon Prust has been suspended for one game by the NHL for his elbow to the head of New Jersey Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov during New York's win in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Brandon Prust Suspended for Game 4 for Elbowing Anton Volchenkov in the Head

Source: In Lou We Trust

Brandon Prust has been suspended for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals by the NHL for elbowing Anton Volchenkov in the head. In this post, I give my thoughts about the suspension as well as the new lines the Devils had in Sunday's practice.

NHL Coyotes avoid elimination by beating Kings (AFP)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Shane Doan scored twice and Mike Smith posted this third shutout of the post-season as the Phoenix Coyotes staved off elimination from the Stanley Cup playoffs by beating Los Angeles 2-0 on Sunday.

Rangers’ Prust receives one-game supsension for elbowing Devils’ Volchenkov in the head

Source: Fire & Ice by gulitti@northjersey.com

The NHL has suspended Rangers forward Brandon Prust for one game for elbowing Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov in the back of the head in the second period of Saturday’s Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Prust will have to sit out Game 4 of the series Monday night at Prudential Center. The incident took place 2:38 into the second period Saturday. Prust appeared to raise his right elbow as he went to hit Volchenkov near the left wing boards in the Devils’ zone and made contact with the back of his head. Volchenkov remained down for a minute or two before skating slowly to the bench. He never left the bench, but missed a shift or two. The NHL has yet to release the official announcement and video explanation of the suspension. Volchenkov said earlier today that it would be “right” if Prust received some kind of suspension. “It’s right. I got hit in the head,” he said. “But it’s not my decision. It’s a decision for Brendan Shanahan. My decision is just to play hockey.”

Devils insist line combination changes aren’t panic moves

Source: Fire & Ice by gulitti@northjersey.com

On one hand, the Devils say they need to keep doing the same things and just execute better and they will start scoring more on Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. On the other, head coach Pete DeBoer changed up his line combinations today for the second time in the second time in this series, hoping that will lead to more goals in Monday’s Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. With his team having been shut out twice in the three games so far, including a 3-0 loss in Game 3 on Saturday, and trailing 2-1 in the series, DeBoer felt the need to change something. “We got shut out,” DeBoer said. “We were trying to generate some offense. It’s been fairly common practice for us to move people around when we haven’t had success scoring goals. A little different situation in that I thought we generated a lot of quality chances. I think the easy thing would be to stick with it and just hope you can come out the next game do the same thing and score, but we’ve decided to shuffle some things around and I think we’ll get some results from that.” Today’s moves weren’t just minor tinkering, though. DeBoer shifted Patrik Elias from center (the position he’s played for the last season and a half) to left wing (the position he’s played most of his career) on a line with rookie Adam Henrique at center and Ilya Kovalchuk on the right side. Dainius Zubrus replaced Kovalchuk at playing right wing on the line with Zach Parise and Travis Zajac and second-year center Jacob Josefson, who has been out since April 3 with a fractured left wrist and has never played in the NHL playoff game, took Henrique’s spot on the third line with Alexei Ponikarovsky and David Clarkson. The fourth line of Ryan Carter, Stephen Gionta and Steve Bernier remained together and veteran forward Petr Sykora, who has not missed a game this season, was pushed out of the top four and is unlikely to play Monday. “We had plenty of chances to score maybe a couple of changes will get us going,” Elias said. “We’ll put the puck in a little more.”

Phoenix Coyotes avoid elimination, defeat Kings 2-0

Source: NJ.com by The Associated Press

Shane Doan scored two goals, Mike Smith made 36 saves

Devils insist line combination changes aren’t out of panic

Source: Fire & Ice by gulitti@northjersey.com

On one hand, the Devils say they need to keep doing the same things and just execute better and they will start scoring more on Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. On the other, head coach Pete DeBoer changed up his line combinations today for the second time in the second time in this series, hoping that will lead to more goals in Monday’s Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. With his team having been shut out twice in the three games so far, including a 3-0 loss in Game 3 on Saturday, and trailing 2-1 in the series, DeBoer felt the need to change something. “We got shut out,” DeBoer said. “We were trying to generate some offense. It’s been fairly common practice for us to move people around when we haven’t had success scoring goals. A little different situation in that I thought we generated a lot of quality chances. I think the easy thing would be to stick with it and just hope you can come out the next game do the same thing and score, but we’ve decided to shuffle some things around and I think we’ll get some results from that.” Today’s moves weren’t just minor tinkering, though. DeBoer shifted Patrik Elias from center (the position he’s played for the last season and a half) to left wing (the position he’s played most of his career) on a line with rookie Adam Henrique at center and Ilya Kovalchuk on the right side. Dainius Zubrus replaced Kovalchuk at playing right wing on the line with Zach Parise and Travis Zajac and second-year center Jacob Josefson, who has been out since April 3 with a fractured left wrist and has never played in the NHL playoff game, took Henrique’s spot on the third line with Alexei Ponikarovsky and David Clarkson. The fourth line of Ryan Carter, Stephen Gionta and Steve Bernier remained together and veteran forward Petr Sykora, who has not missed a game this season, was pushed out of the top four and is unlikely to play Monday. “We had plenty of chances to score maybe a couple of changes will get us going,” Elias said. “We’ll put the puck in a little more.”

Stanley Cup Playoffs 2012: Devils Will Blast Back After Rangers' Dirty Play

Source: Bleacher Report

Fire ignites faster with fuel.

In the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the New Jersey Devils find themselves down 2-1 to the New York Rangers. While the Devils have been outscored in the series, 8-3, they’ll use their new-found motivation to knock out the Rangers.

In the second period of Game 3, New York’s Brandon Prust landed an elbow to the back of Anton Volchenkov’s head. Unsurprisingly, New Jersey wasn’t fond of Prust substituting throwing bows for checking.

Now, a chunk of fans believe Volchenkov took a dive. Decide for yourself—here’s the video:

Dirty hit or dive, either way, New Jersey believes the hit was dirty, and that’s all that matters. They’ll use the shot as fuel.

According to ESPN’s Mike Mazzeo, New Jersey head coach Peter DeBoer said of the move: “It’s head-hunting, plain and simple.”

Volchenkov’s opinion didn’t differ from his coach’s:

“It's pretty dirty; it's an elbow to my head. It's emotions maybe. He tried to hit me but missed a little bit and elbowed me in the head. It's hockey."

Using another team’s antics as motivation isn’t exactly a revelation—especially this year. According to CBS Sports, Kevin Garnett thanked the Atlanta Hawks owner for an extra boost after he called Garnett the dirtiest player in the league.

The most recent occurrence of such a claim came from Dwyane Wade. Fox Sports’ Chris Tomasson reported that Wade didn’t approve of the Indiana Pacers Game 2 celebration and said that he’d use their poor sportsmanship to drive him.

Now, the common response to Wade’s whining was: This is the playoffs—he shouldn’t need any more motivation. But it’s different for the Devils.

When a player takes a cheap shot at your teammate, adrenaline kicks in. It isn’t just a game anymore—it’s about protecting and/or getting revenge for a brother.

Again, New Jersey doesn’t believe Volchenkov took a dive. They believe a shot was taken at their brother, and they won’t allow the Rangers to advance because of it.

 

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

Follow @TheRealDDaniels

Read more New Jersey Devils news on BleacherReport.com

Josefson excited to play in his first NHL playoff game; Looks like Sykora will sit out Game 4

Source: Fire & Ice by gulitti@northjersey.com

It’s been a frustrating season (actually, two seasons) for Devils center Jacob Josefson with injuries, but he’s ready to put that behind him and play in his first NHL playoff game Monday in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Rangers at Prudential Center. Josefson, who has been out since April 3 with a fractured left wrist, practiced today on the third line with Alexei Ponikarovsky and David Clarkson and was told he will be in the lineup Monday. “They told me earlier,” Josefson said after today’s practice. “I’m really excited. I’m pumped. I feel very ready. My hand feels great and my body feels great and I’m really excited to go out there and play.” Josefson, 21, missed 37 games earlier this season after fracturing his right clavicle when he crashed into the boards on Oct. 21 against San Jose. It took him some time to shake off the rust after he returned to the lineup on Jan. 17 against Winnipeg, but was just starting to produce (two goals and an assist in five games) before he was injured again when former Devil Jay Pandolfo’s stick struck his wrist during a 3-1 win over the Islanders. “He finished the season very strong,” DeBoer said. “The last three, four weeks of the season he was great.  Fresh legs this time of year - you’re 15 games into a playoff run – can never hurt.  And he’s been an effective guy for us, and we missed him while he was out.” Josefson is looking forward to playing in his first playoff game in the NHL. “I’m not nervous right now, but I’ll probably get some butterflies in my stomach before the game,” he said. “That’s just normal.” Playing in a game after missing nearly seven weeks is never easy. Jumping into the middle of a heated conference final series can be even more difficult. Josefson has had only two full practices with the team, but believes he’s ready. “I feel good in the practices and I’ve been working really hard off the ice and on the ice as well,” Josefson said. “So, I really trust my body and I know that I can go out and play.”

Josefson set to return for Game 4

Source: NHL.com

NEWARK, N.J. -- The mood around the New Jersey Devils was somber when Jacob Josefson was diagnosed with a fractured left wrist on April 3. Josefson was just starting to come on after missing 37 games with a broken clavicle. He was just starting...

Rangers-Devils Preview (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

NEW YORK (AP) John Tortorella stood out again at a playoff news conference. Only this time it was because of his feistiness toward the New Jersey Devils and not for his brevity and contentiousness with the media.

John Tortorella gets ‘comical’ on illegal hits, power-play picks according to Devils coach (Puck Daddy)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

New Jersey Devils Coach Pete DeBoer and New York Rangers Coach John Tortorella have engaged in some ill-mannered discourse this season. Back in March, after the teams had a game-opening brawl, DeBoer called Tortorella a "hypocrite" for criticized the Devils' goonish starting lineup; Torts advised DeBoer to "shut up." After Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final on Saturday, DeBoer was asked about an elbow by Brandon Prust on Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov, for which Prust earned a hearing with the NHL on Sunday. DeBoer said: "Headhunting, plain and simple" On Sunday, Tortorella had his chance to respond. Boy, did he, via the Star Ledger: "Prust has played probably 300-plus games without any hearing, anything going on," Tortorella said. "He's probably one of the most honest players. I looked at (Dainius) Zubrus' elbow to (Anton) Stralman. I look at (Zach) Parise launching himself at (Michael) Del Zotto. Maybe if our players stay down on the ice, we'll get something. We tell our players don't stay down on the ice, get up." Here's the Parise hit, via SNY Rangers blog: Was he leaping into Del Zotto? Leaping to avoid Del Zotto's skate wedged against the boards? Hard to tell from the clip. What else are the Devils doing to break the rules? Picking like a bluegrass band on the power play, according to Torts.

Tortorella takes shots at Devils, defends Prust (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

NEW YORK (AP) John Tortorella stood out again at a playoff news conference. Only this time it was because of his feistiness toward the New Jersey Devils and not for his brevity and contentiousness with the media.

Parise: “I probably would have said some things I regretted”

Source: Fire & Ice by gulitti@northjersey.com

Devils captain Zach Parise would not say he was frustrated after his team’s 3-0 Game 3 loss to the Rangers Saturday night, but was upset about the game and that was why he chose not to speak to the media afterward. “I probably would have said some things I regretted,” Parise said today. “I was just upset about how the game went.” Parise had been available to the media every day during the series, including for extended stretches after Games 1 and 2 at Madison Square Garden. That’s what made it so unusual when he did not speak after Saturday’s game. “I was just upset with the way the game went,” Parise repeated. “That was it. I feel like I’ve done a pretty good job of making myself available for almost 100 games this year. I figured if I took one night off it would be OK.” Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur noted that Parise is not the first player or captain do such a thing and that sometimes it helps to have a break from the media. “I’ve done it,” Brodeur said. “Scott Stevens has done it. Great players have done it. Mario Lemieux has done it. It’s one thing that you can’t judge something or overthink certain things that happen. I think he had his reason. At this time of the year, emotionally and physically it’s a grind. Sometimes, you’re not ready to show it to people and maybe that was his decision to not go out and talk and act not the way he should act as a captain and as Zach Parise. I’m all good for it. If you do what you do when it’s time, you should have a little break once in a while. That’s the bottom line. “As a player, maybe I understand it more than maybe you guys because you guys live on that stuff. We understand more about the feeling and the frustration or whatever that could happen. I’m not saying it’s that. I haven’t talked to him about it, so I don’t know. But there’s a reason why he didn’t want to address it and I think he should have a little pass if that is what he’s looking for.”

DeBoer, Devils find Tortorella’s accusations “comical”

Source: Fire & Ice by gulitti@northjersey.com

Well, the battling on the ice in this Eastern Conference Finals between the Devils and the Rangers has now carried over into some verbal sparring off the ice. Rangers forward Brandon Prust had a disciplinary hearing today for elbowing Anton Volchenkov in the head in the second period of the Blueshirts’ 3-0 Game 3 victory on Saturday. (A ruling on that expected later this afternoon or early this evening.) After Saturday’s game, Devils coach Pete DeBoer was asked what he thought of the play and replied, “Head hunting, plain and simple.” Perhaps, trying to take some of the focus off what Prust did, Rangers coach John Tortorella responded today by first defending Prust and then rattling off a series of accusations against the Devils. “Pruster’s played probably 300-plus games without any hearing, anything going on with him,” Tortorella said. “He’s probably one of the most honest players. I look at (Dainius) Zubrus elbow to (Anton) Stralman, I look at (Zach) Parise launching himself at (Michael) Del Zotto. Maybe if our players stay down on the ice, we’ll get something. We tell our players don’t stay down on the ice, get up. “The picking on the power plays, set plays, picking on the power play, if we want to start discussing officials with the media, I have a long list here,” Tortorella added. “That’s a set play by Jersey, picking so we can’t get to (Ilya) Kovalchuk to block a shot. You want some more?” Tortorella went into more depth later about his the alleged picks the Devils are setting. “Game 2 it happened, then Cally (Ryan Callahan),” Tortorella said. “I brought it up already. It’s a set play. They know we’re trying block shots on a pretty good shooter. It happened to Danny, it happened to Cally. I hope we look for it. So there’s some gamesmanship right there, huh?” DeBoer gave a one-word response to Tortorella’s accusations: “Comical.”

Devils' Petr Sykora will miss first game of season as Jacob Josefson returns

Source: NJ.com by Rich Chere/The Star-Ledger

Played 82 games in regular season and 15 in playoffs

Zach Parise Shuts out the Media After Game 3 Loss, Father's Comments

Source: Bleacher Report

Zach Parise is typically one of the most personable, talkative members of the New Jersey Devils. As the team's captain, one of its superstars and arguably the face of the franchise, he's typically the most sought-after interview in the dressing room. He's been badgered about his plans following this season, when he becomes an unrestricted free agent, as well as every nuance of the Devils team.

For the most part, Parise handles the questioning with the professionalism one would expect from a team captain.

A curious thing happened yesterday, though, as he refused to talk to the media following New Jersey's Game 3 loss to the Rangers.

Speculation why Parise refused to talk spanned from frustration after the Devils loss to him not wanting to answer the myriad of questions concerning his father's recent comments about where his son could fit in next season. Devils head coach Peter DeBoer had his own opinion on the subject:

"I don't know anything about that, if he didn't (talk to the media), he's got a good reason," DeBoer said in the postgame press conference. "I don't have anything to say about that. Do you have a question about the game?"

When DeBoer was asked if he thinks Parise is getting frustrated, he responded, "No."

Turns out, it was probably a bit of both. Parise told Tom Gulitti of the Bergen Record that he didn't speak to the media because he "was just frustrated about how the game went. I probably would have said something I regretted."

Parise's was certainly a smart approach when dealing with the New York, New Jersey and national media, but the question remains as to how much his father's comments factored into his decision not to speak to anyone after Game 3.

J.P. Parise, never one to shy away from a controversial comment, ignited an uproar with New Jersey's fan base last week when he said of the Rangers and their head coach, John Tortorella:

"Zach likes Torts a lot, Zach knows how to work, he doesn't shy away from the discipline part of it. He'd fit right in there."

They were curious comments from the elder Parise, particularly coming while the Devils are in the thick of a tough Eastern Conference Final series with the Rangers. Some saw it as a "shot across the bow" of Lou Lamoriello and the Devils organization.

J.P. Parise went on to praise the New York fans, including the Rangers and Islanders faithful.

"I never wanted to come to New York. I thought it was a dirty, ugly place," he said of his time before coming to play for the Islanders for the 1974-75 NHL season. "I spent three years there and it was terrific, the fans there, Islanders and Rangers, they're so passionate, it's hard to see that in a lot of other places."

Conspicuously absent was praise for the New Jersey fans.

Meanwhile, Zach Parise has continued to deflect any questions regarding his contract situation, which will undoubtedly be complicated by the Devils' troublesome financial situation.

"We've done a good job of concentrating on what we have to do and not allowing these underlying stories to take over what we're trying to accomplish," the younger Parise said last week, undoubtedly referring in part to the drama over his status after this season.

Right now, the Devils are in a 2-1 hole in the Eastern Conference finals to the Rangers. Their attention is obviously focused on the ice, but as soon as the playoff run ends, Parise's status will become the center of the Devils universe.

Read more New Jersey Devils news on BleacherReport.com

Devils captain Zach Parise: I would have said things I'd regret after Game 3 loss

Source: NJ.com by Rich Chere/The Star-Ledger

Teammates support him for snubbing media

Can NY Rangers win Stanley Cup with Dan Girardi, Ryan McDonagh playing so many minutes? (Puck Daddy)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The Rangers' 3-goalie system of Lundqvist, Girardi and McDonagh watches the play develop at the other end. Winning the Stanley Cup Final is as much about overcoming attrition as it is about overmatching your opponent. Often times, a team's ability to minimize fatigue and damage in rounds 1-3 can determine the outcome of round 4. This in mind, I worry about Dan Girardi and Ryan McDonagh. Tortortella's Fellas block a lot of shots, and Girardi and McDonagh lead the way in this regard. The duo combined to get hit by 387 pucks during the regular season -- 4.7 per game -- and they've picked up the pace since, averaged a combined 6.3 shot blocks this postseason. Girardi's blocked 54; McDonagh's blocked 53. The third-ranked postseason shot-blocker is Willie Mitchell, with 39. This is a lot to put the body through. But Girardi and McDonagh's issue goes beyond simply racking up the contusions. They also play nearly half the game. Both are up over 460 minutes already this postseason: Girardi has played 465:03; McDonagh has played 461:21, a full 30 minutes more than Marc Staal, the third-busiest postseason skater. Let's put this into further perspective.

Devils-Rangers: It's getting desperate on and off the ice

Source: NJ.com by Rich Chere/The Star-Ledger

John Tortorella accuses Devils of ref-baiting tactics

Parise and Kovalchuk split up; Kovalchuk at LW; Josefson on third line; Sykora dropped to fifth line

Source: Fire & Ice by gulitti@northjersey.com

Devils coach Pete DeBoer had decided to split up Zach Parise and Ilya Kovalchuk again and move Kovalchuk back to left wing for today’s practice at Prudential Center. Dainius Zubrus has replaced Kovalchuk at right wing on the line with Parise and Travis Zajac. Kovalchuk is skating on a line with Adam Henrique and Patrik Elias. Kovalchuk has moved back to left wing on a line with rookie Adam Henrique at center and Patrik Elias at right wing. Kovalchuk has played right wing since Nov. 2 against Toronto, but played left wing for most of his career before that. Elias has played a little bit of right wing previously in his career, but has been at center for the last season and a half and most of his experience is at left wing. Center Jacob Josefson is skating on the Devils’ third line with Alexei Ponikarovsky and David Clarkson Josefson has not played since April 3 because of a fractured left wrist. Petr Sykora, who has struggled so far in the this Eastern Conference Final series, has been dropped to the fifth line with Eric Boulton and Cam Janssen. The fourth line of Ryan Carter, Stephen Gionta and Steve Bernier remains intact. The breakdown of the players on the ice today: Forwards: Zach Parise-Travis Zajac-Dainius Zubrus; Ilya Kovalchuk-Adam Henrique-Patrik Elias; Alexei Ponikarovsky-Jacob Josefson-David Clarkson; Ryan Carter-Stephen Gionta-Steve Bernier; Eric Boulton-Petr Sykora-Cam Janssen. Defensemen: Andy Greene-Mark Fayne; Bryce Salvador-Marek Zidlicky; Anton Volchenkov-Peter Harrold; Henrik Tallinder-Adam Larsson. Goaltenders; Martin Brodeur, Johan Hedberg. *** There was an 11:30 a.m. hearing scheduled this morning for Rangers forward Brandon Prust’s elbow to the head of Volchenkov in the second period of Saturday’s Game 3. I wouldn’t expect a ruling from the NHL’s Department of Player Safety until later this afternoon. Rangers coach John Tortorella said this morning that the league should also look at a Zubrus elbow on Anton Stralman and a Parise hit on Michael Del Zotto in Saturday’s game. He also suggested that that the Devils’ players are staying down after being hit to sell penalties and are setting picks on the power play to get Kovalchuk open for shots. At the end of all of that, Tortorella said, “There is some gamesmanship there.”

Rangers coach John Tortorella defends Brandon Prust, suggests Devils stay down on ice too long

Source: NJ.com by Mike Vorkunov/The Star-Ledger

Also says Devils run pick plays

Your comments: Devils fans tell their stories of how they came to love the team

Source: NJ.com by NJ.com Staff

Highlighting some of the best comments from the NJ.com Devils community

Rangers fans invade Devils home ice, taunt Brodeur

Source: New York Post by By DAVID SATRIANO

Some home-ice advantage. The Devils stole home ice away from the Rangers after Wednesday’s 3-2 victory at the Garden. But it wasn’t much of an advantage in yesterday’s 3-0 Game 3 loss in front of a surprisingly pro-Devils crowd. New Jersey launched their “No Blue” campaign earlier...

Parise and Kovlachuk split up; Kovalchuk at LW; Josefson on third line; Sykora dropped to fifth line

Source: Fire & Ice by gulitti@northjersey.com

Devils coach Pete DeBoer had decided to split up Zach Parise and Ilya Kovalchuk again and move Kovalchuk back to left wing for today’s practice at Prudential Center. Dainius Zubrus has replaced Kovalchuk at right wing on the line with Parise and Travis Zajac. Kovalchuk is skating on a line with Adam Henrique and Patrik Elias. Kovalchuk has moved back to left wing on a line with rookie Adam Henrique at center and Patrik Elias at right wing. Kovalchuk has played right wing since Nov. 2 against Toronto, but played left wing for most of his career before that. Elias has played a little bit of right wing previously in his career, but has been at center for the last season and a half and most of his experience is at left wing. Center Jacob Josefson is skating on the Devils’ third line with Alexei Ponikarovsky and David Clarkson Josefson has not played since April 3 because of a fractured left wrist. Petr Sykora, who has struggled so far in the this Eastern Conference Final series, has been dropped to the fifth line with Eric Boulton and Cam Janssen. The fourth line of Ryan Carter, Stephen Gionta and Steve Bernier remains intact. The breakdown of the players on the ice today: Forwards: Zach Parise-Travis Zajac-Dainius Zubrus; Ilya Kovalchuk-Adam Henrique-Patrik Elias; Alexei Ponikarovsky-Jacob Josefson-David Clarkson; Ryan Carter-Stephen Gionta-Steve Bernier; Eric Boulton-Petr Sykora-Cam Janssen. Defensemen: Andy Greene-Mark Fayne; Bryce Salvador-Marek Zidlicky; Anton Volchenkov-Peter Harrold; Henrik Tallinder-Adam Larsson. Goaltenders; Martin Brodeur, Johan Hedberg. *** There was an 11:30 a.m. hearing scheduled this morning for Rangers forward Brandon Prust’s elbow to the head of Volchenkov in the second period of Saturday’s Game 3. I wouldn’t expect a ruling from the NHL’s Department of Player Safety until later this afternoon. Rangers coach John Tortorella said this morning that the league should also look at a Zubrus elbow on Anton Stralman and a Parise hit on Michael Del Zotto in Saturday’s game. He also suggested that that the Devils’ players are staying down after being hit to sell penalties and are setting picks on the power play to get Kovalchuk open for shots. At the end of all of that, Tortorella said, “There is some gamesmanship there.”

Parise and Kovlachuk split up, Josefson on third line; Sykora dropped to fifth line

Source: Fire & Ice by gulitti@northjersey.com

Devils coach Pete DeBoer had decided to split up Zach Parise and Ilya Kovalchuk again for today’s practice at Prudential Center. Dainius Zubrus has replaced Kovalchuk at right wing on the line with Parise and Travis Zajac. Kovalchuk is skating on a line with Adam Henrique and Patrik Elias. They have not done line rushes yet, so I don’t know which player is in which position on that line. Center Jacob Josefson is skating on the Devils’ third line with Alexei Ponikarovsky and David Clarkson Josefson has not played since April 3 because of a fractured left wrist. Petr Sykora, who has struggled so far in the this Eastern Conference Final series, has been dropped to the fifth line with Eric Boulton and Cam Janssen. The fourth line of Ryan Carter, Stephen Gionta and Steve Bernier remains intact.

Devils: Jacob Josefson in, Petr Sykora out as Pete DeBoer shuffles lines

Source: NJ.com by Rich Chere/The Star-Ledger

Ilya Kovalchuk moved to line with Adam Henrique and Patrik Elias

Rangers seize control of Devils series with Lundqvist masterpiece

Source: New York Post by By MARK EVERSON

They give Oscars for magnificent performances from such a mundane script. Golden statues are wonderful, but Henrik Lundqvist’s repeat masterpieces have the Rangers halfway towards a Prince of Wales Trophy, and perhaps, a trip to Hollywood to seek a silver cup. The Battle of the Hudson has distilled into...

Rangers shut down Devils' power play

Source: New York Post by By BRETT CYRGALIS

The Rangers’ beleaguered penalty kill was monumental in yesterday’s 3-0 win in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Devils. By forcing the Devils to go 0-for-5 over a full 10:00 of man-advantage time, the Rangers took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series with Game...