Todd Cordell: Hall, Zacha shine as Devils top the Ducks in home opener

First!

Any chance we could get Zacha on a PP unit instead of Josefson?

Any chance we could get Zacha on a PP unit instead of Josefson?
- striker777

JJ was pretty good last year on the PP, I'd give him a little more time before they take him off.

Todd Cordell: Hall, Zacha shine as Devils top the Ducks in home opener
- Todd.Cordell

I actually didn't care for Auvitu's game last night. I get that he has a good shot and likes to pinch to create offense, but he seems really out of place QB'ing the PP. His breakout passes were awful and he still seems to struggle in his own end. I agree that it's great we got him for nothing, and his shot is a weapon we need, but I think he's got a ways to go.

Zacha's game last night just continues to make me think he needs to be the second line center. Give him some skilled players like Cammy and Palmieri and see what he can do. Move Zajac down to the third and let him win faceoffs, defend top lines, or whatever you want to use to justify his value to this team.

I've been digging into him for three years and I'm not gonna stop now: JJ brings nothing to the table. I realize the Ducks are a big team but he loses every battle in the corner, gets pushed off the puck with ease, and has no offensive ability.

By the way...can someone get Santini a proper suit? All the healthy scratches came out in their best attire and it looked like he just got off the exercise bike. C'mon man.

I actually didn't care for Auvitu's game last night. I get that he has a good shot and likes to pinch to create offense, but he seems really out of place QB'ing the PP. His breakout passes were awful and he still seems to struggle in his own end. I agree that it's great we got him for nothing, and his shot is a weapon we need, but I think he's got a ways to go.

Zacha's game last night just continues to make me think he needs to be the second line center. Give him some skilled players like Cammy and Palmieri and see what he can do. Move Zajac down to the third and let him win faceoffs, defend top lines, or whatever you want to use to justify his value to this team.

I've been digging into him for three years and I'm not gonna stop now: JJ brings nothing to the table. I realize the Ducks are a big team but he loses every battle in the corner, gets pushed off the puck with ease, and has no offensive ability.

By the way...can someone get Santini a proper suit? All the healthy scratches came out in their best attire and it looked like he just got off the exercise bike. C'mon man.
- jersey1414

He took part in warm ups. Should have put his suit on, but maybe he didn't have enough time? who knows

I actually didn't care for Auvitu's game last night. I get that he has a good shot and likes to pinch to create offense, but he seems really out of place QB'ing the PP. His breakout passes were awful and he still seems to struggle in his own end. I agree that it's great we got him for nothing, and his shot is a weapon we need, but I think he's got a ways to go.

Zacha's game last night just continues to make me think he needs to be the second line center. Give him some skilled players like Cammy and Palmieri and see what he can do. Move Zajac down to the third and let him win faceoffs, defend top lines, or whatever you want to use to justify his value to this team.

I've been digging into him for three years and I'm not gonna stop now: JJ brings nothing to the table. I realize the Ducks are a big team but he loses every battle in the corner, gets pushed off the puck with ease, and has no offensive ability.

By the way...can someone get Santini a proper suit? All the healthy scratches came out in their best attire and it looked like he just got off the exercise bike. C'mon man.
- jersey1414

The back end looks like it it's certainly missing Schlemko on the PP.

Ok then my next choice would be ahead of Smith-Pelly. I'm not saying Josefson & Smith-Pelly need to relinquish all but would have liked to see Zacha get more opportunities. He's young but has far better skills than either of these players.

Saw some of the game last night and am impressed with Zacha... he's a pretty slick player... makes quick decisions with the puck. And here I thought he was a wandering shot. Was wondering if he was going to play center in the NHL and he actually looks the role early on in his career...

Saw some of the game last night and am impressed with Zacha... he's a pretty slick player... makes quick decisions with the puck. And here I thought he was a wandering shot. Was wondering if he was going to play center in the NHL and he actually looks the role early on in his career...
- archromat

If he can be a solid 2C/3C for us this year that'd be huge...while points would be nice I'm looking to see how well he is defensively when he's out there vs top players

Wow. Can't believe you guys are bailing on Frenchie after three games. The guy is tied with Taylor Hall for the most shots on the team. Hasn't taken a penalty. Is a + player and passes better then most guys on the team.

The back end looks like it it's certainly missing Schlemko on the PP.
- Mr.Bobby

You really miss a guy with 6 goals, 19 points and -22 that was career numbers?

Seems much like last year

Wow. Can't believe you guys are bailing on Frenchie after three games. The guy is tied with Taylor Hall for the most shots on the team. Hasn't taken a penalty. Is a + player and passes better then most guys on the team.
- Queenie_5_hole

I"m not bailing on him. Have you not seen his breakout passes? Or see him skate into his own linemate on multiple occasions? Or see his coverage in the d-zone? I realize he needs time, I do, but what I just mentioned are the exact things we used to kill Gelinas for...and we praised him for his big shot and PP potential. Just sayin.

I would like to see them try this out:

Hall - Rico - Palmieri
Cam - Zacha - PAP
Boucher - Zajac - Bennett
Kalinin - Fiddler - DSP

Wow. Can't believe you guys are bailing on Frenchie after three games. The guy is tied with Taylor Hall for the most shots on the team. Hasn't taken a penalty. Is a + player and passes better then most guys on the team.
- Queenie_5_hole

Yeah, not buying the hate either. Guy is playing well in his first pro season on NHL ice. I'm only thinking he gets better from here.

The back end looks like it it's certainly missing Schlemko on the PP.
- Mr.Bobby

Said no one ever without laughing hysterically.

If we're actually thinking that, then we're living in some sort of hockey bizarro world

Sat front row on the goal line for last nights game. Was super impressed with the energy in the building and it seems like the fans were genuinely excited for the new faces and what they have to bring. We have made such great strides since Kovy and Parise left. People forget how much that damaged the franchise, but have to understand that in the long run the fresh start of ownership and management may be okay. I think regardless if we are good enough to make the playoffs or not, if the team buys into Hynes system...we will win a lot of games by team effort then we are supposed to. We have gained a lot of great pieces without really giving much up. I see a lot of negativity on Zajac, but being so close to the action i was impressed by his play on the boards and in the defensive zone. I know he is over paid, but he does the little things that make huge differences. I dont think Camm or Rico had a great game. Zacha really impressed me as did DSP and PA. Lastly, i want to see Kalinen in the lineup...his big body and speed will make for a tough 4th line to play against.

Hall Zajac PA
Camm Rico Palmieri
Bennett Zacha DSP
Kalinen Fiddler Boucher/JJ

Would maybe like to see zacha on the top line as he gets comfortable and i think he makes great chemistry with Hall. I think Speers should go to the O and santini and wood drop to the A, for now. I think blandisi should be first callup.

You really miss a guy with 6 goals, 19 points and -22 that was career numbers?
- Queenie_5_hole

12 points on the PP last year, and didn't really get a solid look until half through the season.

Said no one ever without laughing hysterically.

If we're actually thinking that, then we're living in some sort of hockey bizarro world
- mcjags

It would appear we are forgetting when the only goals we were scoring were on the PP last year, and the improvement when Schlemko was added.

http://fireandice.northje...-produce-5-on-5-1.1511301

It would appear we are forgetting when the only goals we were scoring were on the PP last year, and the improvement when Schlemko was added.

http://fireandice.northje...-produce-5-on-5-1.1511301
- Mr.Bobby

Yeah, they also have articles saying how JJ on the half wall was such a bid deal...

I like Schlemko but really not THAT impressed.

Yeah, they also have articles saying how JJ on the half wall was such a bid deal...

I like Schlemko but really not THAT impressed.
- Queenie_5_hole

He was hard to watch during interviews. One of those guys you get nervous for while watching them speak. (totally unrelated) Go Devils

I"m not bailing on him. Have you not seen his breakout passes? Or see him skate into his own linemate on multiple occasions? Or see his coverage in the d-zone? I realize he needs time, I do, but what I just mentioned are the exact things we used to kill Gelinas for...and we praised him for his big shot and PP potential. Just sayin.
- jersey1414

I've seen a lot of crappy breakout passes from a lot of guys. Mostly Lovejoy but it's looked like a problem for several blueliners. We use to kill Gelly because he couldn't actually play D or skate that well and he actually rarely got of a shot on goal to the tune of 1.3 per game average (in his last year).

It's three games. He's adjusting to a smaller ice surface and a faster game. Give him a month and we'll know if he sinks or swims.

I like JJ and would love to see him do something this year... but I'm starting to think if I google 'brings nothing to the table' his picture might pop up.

Yeah, they also have articles saying how JJ on the half wall was such a bid deal...

I like Schlemko but really not THAT impressed.
- Queenie_5_hole

I think with JJ is was just that 11 of his 14 points were on the PP last year, so everyone was just happy to get some productivity out of him.