LCS Hockey - Team Reports - New Jersey Devils

TEAM REPORTS
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head coach: Rob Ftorek

roster: C - Bobby Holik, Bob Carpenter, Denis Pederson, Petr Sykora, Jason Arnott, Brendan Morrison. LW - Dave Andreychuk, Brian Rolston, Patrik Elias, Jay Pandolfo. RW - Randy McKay, Krzysztof Oliwa. D - Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, Ken Daneyko, Lyle Odelein, Kevin Dean, Sheldon Souray, Brad Bombardir, Ken Sutton. G - Martin Brodeur, Chris Terreri.

transactions: Gonesville: Doug Gilmour (Chicago), Steve Thomas (Toronto), Doug Bodger (Los Angeles), Mike Dunham (Nashville). Charlie New Guys: Ken Sutton, Chris Terreri.

1997-98 results:

Record...........48-23-11, 107 PTS, 1st Eastern Conference 
Goals Scored.....225
Goals Against....166
Power Play.......18.9% (2nd)
Penalty Killing..86.7% (4th)

GEE, THAT'S SWELL

* Martin Brodeur could be the best goaltender in the game.

* New coach Rob Ftorek might open up the offense a bit.

* Scott Stevens and Scott Niedermayer lead a steady, dependable group of defensemen.

* Brendan Morrison and Petr Sykora could be ready to contribute to the offense.

* Devil's goaltending and defensive play will keep them competitive no matter what.

* Slava Fetisov was brought in as an assistant coach, filling the void left by Larry Robinson.

GRIEF

* Loss of Doug Gilmour will hurt the offense and power play.

* Not many proven scorers up front.

* Niedermayer still needs signed.

* Jason Arnott sliced tendon in left hand while fishing and may not be ready for opening night. But he did catch a big ass blue gill.

1998-99 OUTLOOK: The Devils remain one of the strongest teams in the NHL. Any problems on offense should be more than made up for by their superior team defense and the presence of Martin Brodeur. But the loss of Gilmour will likely mean finishing behind Philly.

PREDICTION: Second in Atlantic Division.