New Jersey finished last years 46-29-7 for 99 points, just three behind the Penguins. The Devils appeared to have no legs later in the season, ultimately getting taken out in five first-round games by the Rangers. The powers that be have decided to address the problem by getting even older.

 

In fact, GM Lamoriello has brought back Bobby Holik and Brian Rolston to reunite with Marty Brodeur as the remaining three amigos from the Devils 1995 inaugural Stanley Cup team. With a roster that could contain as many as eight other players over 30, the Devils figure to lose ground to the young guns that make up the Eastern Conference.

 

The wildcard in the mix is surefire first vote Hall-of-Famer, goalie Martin Brodeur with his 538 career wins and 96 career shutouts. Brodeur turns 37 in May and you would think his days of starting 75 games a year are coming to an end. In fact, HC Brent Sutter might try giving Brodeur 65-70 st arts in hopes of keeping him fresh for the playoffs.

 

The Devils averaged just 2.41 goals-per-game in 2007 good for just 27th in the league. Don’t see this really improving with their snipers another year older. Their anemic 50 power play goals was also good for just 27th in the league. The Devils did lead the league in one offensive category. They were shut out 11 times.

 

It will be another year of dump, chase, and trap in New Jersey. Brodeur will be asked to stand on his head again to keep the Devils in games. Thankfully for New Jersey, Pittsburg lost half their forwards, the Flyers are dealing with cap room, and the Rangers begin life without Jaromir Jagr and Brendan Shanahan.

 

From a betting perspective, canE2t see the Devils repeating their post-strike success of 46-49-46 wins. IMO, this is a significantly weaker edition of the Devils that will struggle on back end of back-to-backs and ultimately wind up with 40-42 wins and around 90 points, well UNDER this year’s 97.5 point post total.