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Out
of the spotlight for much of the year, the New
Jersey Devils put together an outstanding season
(46-20-9-6). Month in and month out, the Devils
have been one of the league's most consistent
squads, dropping as many as three games in a row
only once all season.
Unfortunately
for the Devils, their sixth 100-point season in
seven years was overshadowed by the Senators.
Under head coach Pat Burns the Devils are demons
on defence. Netminder Martin Brodeur should finally
win the the first Vezina Trophy of his 10-year
National Hockey League career. Brodeur posted
his fourth straight 40-win season (41-23-9) and
had a stingy 2.02 GAA with nine shutouts.
The
Devils put the defensive squeeze on opponents
during March and April, giving up three or more
goals just twice.
If
there are any questions surrounding New Jersey,
it is on offence. Just two years ago Patrik Elias
lit up NHL goalies to the tune of 40 goals, and
added 56 assists. This year he'll finish with
just 27 goals and 56 points.
Unlike
Eastern rivals like Philadelphia and Toronto,
New Jersey did little to boost its offence at
the trade deadline. Their only additions were
the gritty Grant Marshall and Richard Smehlik.
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