Post by Devils on Aug 1, 2014 10:42:11 GMT -5
The St. Augustine Devils are performing pretty well early this season. The offense appears to be producing from all three major scoring lines thanks to some good depth up front, with Backstrom leading the way. Backstrom has found some good chemistry with Iginla on the top scoring line and has managed to put up 2 points per game so far. Alex Steen has also been a positive producer so far. We’re looking to see Marleau and Cammalleri pick up their production a bit but there is no reason to think these guys will get out of the season with less than 50 points a piece.
The Defense has also performed quite well so far, which is not at all surprising when you look at the key pieces of this squad. Captain Pronger leads the way and is currently second on the team in scoring while Zidlicky, Corvo, and Campbell are all finding ways to get the puck to the net consistently.
“Every team needs an identity and ours starts and finishes with our blueline. I’ve built our defense around two-way ability and puck moving strength. These guys can protect the puck well and can definitely strip the opposing offense, but what about the offensive upside? With this group I will be absolutely shocked if we don’t have a Norris trophy winner, or at the very least a couple considerations. This team will sink or swim based on how these guys perform all season.” GM Stefenelli
Though potentially underrated, this defensive group is pretty impressive and teams will need to take them seriously when the Devils come to town. There is so much firepower here and we are expecting a very special season.
Goaltending has been a little up and down, but that is to be expected with a two goalie rotation. Brodeur and Holtby will be sharing time this season and there is no reason to think that Coach MacLean won’t go with the hot hand on any given night. Justin Peters has even seen some action as he got the first win of the season on Opening Night while Holtby was ill and Brodeur was nursing some preseason soreness.
In other news the Devils have agreed to terms with the Rockhounds in an early season deal to power up the offensive depth. Heading to Houston are two picks and farm forward Kyle Wellwood in return for versatile power forward Ryan Malone. This is a clear attempt to add some grit and scoring ability and I’m excited to see how Malone fits into the lineup.
“Malone is the type of guy that really makes a team successful. He can play on all 3 top lines with his skillset, and he will likely do so during his time here. I like the versatility he adds, being able to play all three forward positions, and I like that he can play a checking role or a powerplay. As a coach you don’t discount that sort of skillset. If I had to make a quick decision I see him slotting into the top group with Iggy and Backstrom, but we’ll see how things play out.” Coach MacLean.
Malone has yet to make the trip to St. Augustine due to complications with his airline ticket but is expected to make the flight later today. He was available for a brief conversation this morning.
“I knew to expect a move but wasn’t expecting the Devils to be in the mix. But that’s a good team with a really rich history. They struggled last season but when you look at the lineup now you only see potential. I just want to get to practice and start playing my game…see what I can do to contribute to a long playoff run.” Ryan Malone
Expectations are still low for the team that didn’t make the playoffs last season, but when you talk to anyone in management the Devils have their sights on a return to the Cup. Acquiring Malone goes a long way to padding their chances, and at the very least will be fun to watch as he brings his physical approach to the Devils game.
Stay tuned Devils fans!
El Diablo,
St. Augustine Record
The Defense has also performed quite well so far, which is not at all surprising when you look at the key pieces of this squad. Captain Pronger leads the way and is currently second on the team in scoring while Zidlicky, Corvo, and Campbell are all finding ways to get the puck to the net consistently.
“Every team needs an identity and ours starts and finishes with our blueline. I’ve built our defense around two-way ability and puck moving strength. These guys can protect the puck well and can definitely strip the opposing offense, but what about the offensive upside? With this group I will be absolutely shocked if we don’t have a Norris trophy winner, or at the very least a couple considerations. This team will sink or swim based on how these guys perform all season.” GM Stefenelli
Though potentially underrated, this defensive group is pretty impressive and teams will need to take them seriously when the Devils come to town. There is so much firepower here and we are expecting a very special season.
Goaltending has been a little up and down, but that is to be expected with a two goalie rotation. Brodeur and Holtby will be sharing time this season and there is no reason to think that Coach MacLean won’t go with the hot hand on any given night. Justin Peters has even seen some action as he got the first win of the season on Opening Night while Holtby was ill and Brodeur was nursing some preseason soreness.
In other news the Devils have agreed to terms with the Rockhounds in an early season deal to power up the offensive depth. Heading to Houston are two picks and farm forward Kyle Wellwood in return for versatile power forward Ryan Malone. This is a clear attempt to add some grit and scoring ability and I’m excited to see how Malone fits into the lineup.
“Malone is the type of guy that really makes a team successful. He can play on all 3 top lines with his skillset, and he will likely do so during his time here. I like the versatility he adds, being able to play all three forward positions, and I like that he can play a checking role or a powerplay. As a coach you don’t discount that sort of skillset. If I had to make a quick decision I see him slotting into the top group with Iggy and Backstrom, but we’ll see how things play out.” Coach MacLean.
Malone has yet to make the trip to St. Augustine due to complications with his airline ticket but is expected to make the flight later today. He was available for a brief conversation this morning.
“I knew to expect a move but wasn’t expecting the Devils to be in the mix. But that’s a good team with a really rich history. They struggled last season but when you look at the lineup now you only see potential. I just want to get to practice and start playing my game…see what I can do to contribute to a long playoff run.” Ryan Malone
Expectations are still low for the team that didn’t make the playoffs last season, but when you talk to anyone in management the Devils have their sights on a return to the Cup. Acquiring Malone goes a long way to padding their chances, and at the very least will be fun to watch as he brings his physical approach to the Devils game.
Stay tuned Devils fans!
El Diablo,
St. Augustine Record
