Six months ago our Devils were battling for hockey’s ultimate prize. They would go on to lose that prize in 6 games and I thought that might be the worst a hockey fan could feel. Less than a month later, I saw my favorite current Devil bolt out the door to his hometown hockey team which only proved that losing the Cup wasn’t the worst feeling for a Devils fan. Then we arrived at the expiration of the current CBA and all of the sudden, it was 2004/2005 all over again, hockey was on hold and lost cups and lost players didn’t matter at all. All that mattered is that hockey wasn’t going to be played in the foreseeable future.

The emotions that NHL fans are feeling vary depending on the fan. Some have gone and gotten their hockey fix from other leagues. Some are done with the lockout, done with the NHL and just done with hockey all together. And then there are the few that have put hockey on a shelf somewhere and said I’ll be back whenever you get your act together.

I can only speak for myself but I don’t fit into any of those categories, not exclusively anyway. I kind of rise and fall with the news, well at least lately I have been. When the lockout first started, I stopped paying attention. I had a feeling that it would a long process but thought it would certainly have an end between the United States Thanksgiving and Christmas, so a few weeks ago I started paying more attention to the news, to Twitter feeds, etc. When it became clear that both sides were going to drag this out, I began to seek some kind of hockey fix from something other than the NHL.

I’ve tried to get my hockey fix from other leagues but the problem is that I live in Northern NJ and the AHL isn’t broadcasted in my neck of the woods and I am unwilling to pay for it online. Besides, I hear the production values are horrendous. When I tried to tune into the KHL games that sometimes get television coverage, I can't seem to connect with it. Besides, they play at 3am and while I would love to see Kovalchuk light up sub-par Russian goalies, sleep is way more important to me. I’ve tried to watch college hockey but there is just no consistency with the broadcast schedule and no real investment in schools/players on my part. Sadly, the NHL is really the only hockey that will do for me and the only fix I currently have is NHL13 but that only goes so far.

Sometimes, I find myself relating to the people I know that are just like “screw this, I’m done with it” after every failed negotiations becomes front and center with all the hockey media. Both sides try to spin the story so it looks like the other guy is the one being a massive jerk and responsible for screwing the fans but I’ve come to realize, it’s both sides that are doing the screwing. Both sides constantly mention that the NHL has the “greatest fans in the world” and every time I hear it said, it makes me want to puke. If we are so great, we deserve more. We deserve to be watching hockey. I constantly think about the people that depend on the NHL actually playing games (bars, restaurants, clothing stores, arena staff, etc.) and just can’t imagine how they feel on a daily basis.

Then there are times where I can relate to the people putting the NHL on a shelf somewhere only to dust it off when it returns. I love hockey and I’ve loved hockey for a long time. My oldest son is just getting interested in it and the NHL really does do a lot for a kid interested in hockey. How do I just walk away from a game that I have invested money and time into? As angry as the NHL/NHLPA and the lockout make me, most days I realize I will be back once they are. I may not be a crazy and obsessed hockey fan like in years past but I don’t see how I can just turn my back and pretend the NHL doesn’t exist.

This week, I was hopeful, more hopeful than I have been in recent memory but after last night, I am back to being a depressed hockey fan. I was hoping for a resolution so that I could get back to what I enjoying doing on this site. This is usually the time of year where I spend A LOT of time researching and writing Devils content, watching games and interacting with fans on the internet. Last season, I brought on three very passionate Devils fans to help me grow this site and we had really found a groove near the end of the regular season and through the playoffs. We all were starting to do podcasts and netcasts and things were really starting to pick up and this blog was starting to get noticed. Now, the groove is long gone, the appetite is certainly gone and so are most of the readers.

I watched last night as the two sides played tug-a-war with my emotions. One minute I was told that the two sides were very close and then the next minute was told that wasn't true and after actually listening to what the NHL said, realizing they aren't close at all. After last night, we sit here, scratching our heads and asking “what’s next?” I honestly have NO clue.

ummmmm.... Ok then!!

 

   Hey everyone...

     Yes I understand, this is not a Devils-related article at all...well maybe not. Like the title suggests, it's about the recent "Frankenstorm" that hit the Northeast US. Arguably, the hardest hit state was New Jersey. The picture that I posted above is from Clarksville Road in my hometown of Princeton Junction, NJ. As of today there are many of these down trees with power lines tangled within. There are hundreds of thousands of these cases throughout the rest of the state. While our fellow RTWD blog writers, Devin Mattera (in Long Island) and Scott Robb (only 10 minutes away from me), were affected by Hurricane Sandy, they were fortunate enough to have not lost power (not sure if our chief Darren has lost power not but he said the whole situation was a big mess). Some others, like me, have taken a direct hit. Since Monday night, I do not have power. I resort to getting online access and hot meals from my dad’s work or from the local libraries, which have some snack bars built within. All I have at home (which I am thankful for) is gas and hot water. Every night, I and many other citizens go to sleep without heat. It feels like Antarctica to be honest. To be short, this whole state is in a mess. Many cities along the shore are underwater and I don’t even know where to begin with the new set of homeless in this state. I never thought it was possible but the entire state of New Jersey is in ruins.

     But, does this mean we have given up? Obviously not! Yes, I admit the state is completely destroyed but if there’s one thing that will help this state comeback, it’s spirit. I’m not forcing any one of our readers to do anything out of their comfort zone, but the minimum I request is recognition. When a victim recognizes that you at least care for their well-being, it brings a smile and a big bottle of hope to the faces of the victims, like me. The second the storm passed, I went outside in the frigid cold and cut down a tree that missed my house, but landed in front of my garage. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to electric chainsaws at this point. In fact, not everyone has basic necessities to live out daily life. The American Red Cross is doing a great job of bringing us the things we desperately need, such as fuel. If any of you, including Jersey residents, have a dime to spare, that could make a difference in the recovery effort.

     The NHL recently posted an article that encouraged donations. One Canucks fan commented that the NHL should ignore the victims of Hurricane Sandy and just focus on getting the season back on track. I took this very offensively and I asked him how it would feel if he were stuck in that storm and didn’t have power for nearly a week. He never replied back so I hope he understood the message. Obviously, if the NHL does come back, it will certainly lift my spirits and many others’. But unfortunately, not everyone in New Jersey is a hockey fan. Yet, any donation to the Red Cross could help us. I think now is the time to forget who you’re helping. Whether you end up saving a Devils fan, Rangers fan, Flyers fan, Islanders fan, Penguins fan, or any Jersey resident in general, you have gained my respect. During these tough times, we are all united as one people. The Red Cross has a direct link in which you can place your donations. Or, you can also text “red cross” (no quotes) to 90999, a $10 donation.

     On a personal note, I will be expected to get my power back anytime between now-Monday…or at least that’s what I hope. I know this is not the same for many families in the rest of the state. So for the ones who were more fortunate to make it out of this Frankenstorm safe and sound, and to anyone who keeps up with our blog, I plead that you help our people. Make a difference! That’s what contrasts a responsible citizen from an ignorant one. If not monetary, spiritual support is also much requested. I’ve been asked by so many people if my family required fresh water, food, clothes, or a place to stay/charge our electronic devices. Since I planned ahead of time, I did not need to rely on others for those reasons. However, if you have power back at your house, I suggest you offer your place to people you know who are in need. I guarantee they will be forever grateful of your deed(s). So, once again, whether you are a Jerseyan or not, do what you can to help the recovery effort! Because you never know, you just might be the one who saved the life/lives of an individual or a family.

 - Raj Vaidya      

Add Ilya Kovalchuk's name to the list of Russian players who may stay overseas if the NHL's new collective bargaining agreement sees salaries reduced.

The star winger told a Russian news outlet on Tuesday that if the league cuts the players' pay in any new deal, he may stay in Russia where he's playing with SKA St. Petersburg of the Kontinental Hockey League.

"Basically, I don't rule out staying in Russia in the case of a reduction of our salaries in the NHL," Kovalchuk told Sportbox.ru. "I just don't understand why they needed to sign such contracts. Or they were just hoping to cut the percentage later? I believe that the contracts must be respected and this is a fundamental question. There's no way the head of the (NHL Players') Association and the hockey players will agree on the wage reduction."

Kovalchuk, 29, signed a 15-year deal with the New Jersey Devils in 2010 worth $100 million.

Bryce Salvador - D - Devils

Bryce Salvador wants to get the right deal in place rather than go for a quick solution in labor negotiations with the league.

"The way I look at it is I'm focusing more on having the right deal, not so much on how many games we'll be able to play," said the New Jersey defenseman. "We need the right deal so this doesn't happen every five or six years. That's what the players are striving for. We just have to get it right." Salvador also reiterated that he doesn't plan to play in Europe during the lockout.

Stefan Matteau - W - Devils

Stefan Matteau registered an assist in Blainville-Boisbriand's 4-2 win Sunday afternoon over Québec City.

Matteau is the son of former NHL'er Stephane Matteau and is one of the hardest working players taken in the draft this summer. The 18-year-old had 32 points and 166 penalty minutes in 46 games for the under-18 U.S. squad last season but is playing in the QMJHL this year. Matteau projects to be a bottom-six forward in the NHL, thus limiting his fantasy value.

Over the course of the lockout, we will be bringing you various news on anything New Jersey Devils throughout the world. Whether its some AHL talk or KHL talk that concerns anyone from the Devils organization, you can find it all right here. Hopefully we will be talking NJ Devils hockey on a daily basis very soon!!

New from the weekend...

Ilya Kovalchuk - W - Devils

Ilya Kovalchuk tallied a hat trick to give SKA St. Petersburg a 4-2 triumph against CSKA Moscow.

St. Louis Blues prospect Vladimir Tarasenko contributed three assists in the game, while CSKA's Pavel Datsyuk had two points (goal and assist) for the losing squad. Kovalchuk had posted one goal in his previous five KHL contests.

Scott Parse - W - Devils

Scott Parse is looking to rebound from a pair of tough seasons, where he had surgery on both hips and he appeared in a combined 14 games with Los Angeles.

He skated in 59 contests with the Kings in 2009-10 in which he contributed 11 goals and 13 assists. Parse didn't get his name on the Stanley Cup because he didn't dress in any of the team's playoff matches. He signed with the Albany Devils this past off-season so that he could play during the NHL lockout, but he expects to get a two-way deal with the big club once it is over. Parse said he is healthy now and he will look to get back on track in the minors first.

Raman Hrabarenka - D - Devils

Raman Hrabarenka inked an AHL deal with the Albany Devils on Sunday.

According to the QMJHL's website, Hrabarenka agreed to terms with New Jersey's minor-league affiliate after attending training camp with the club on a tryout. He tied fellow defenseman Brandon Burlon for the team scoring lead with four points (one goal, three assists) in three preseason contests. He played two seasons in the QMJHL and had 20 points, with 55 penalty minutes, in 57 games between Cape Breton and Drummondville last year.

Harri Pesonen - Devils

Devils’ left winger Harri Pesonen has opened eyes in training camp and in the early part of the exhibition action for Albany in the AHL.

Pesonen is a late-blooming prospect that New Jersey decided to take a flyer on this summer. The 23-year-old put up 21 goals and 35 points in 60 games with JYP of the Finnish SM-Liga last season.

Travis Zajac - C - Devils

Travis Zajac is not planning on playing in Europe in the very near future.

The underrated Devil pivot returned to his home in Winnipeg this week to work out with a number of Jets' players and others. Zajac believes a deal can be struck to end the lockout in weeks as opposed to months and that going to play in Europe is an option only for a prolonged work stoppage. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't (thinking about playing in Europe)," Zajac said. "But I'm still hanging around; I have some optimism about things starting eventually here and hopefully in the next couple of weeks or a month things can get done." We hope his optimism isn't misplaced.

Reece Scarlett - D - Devils

Reece Scarlett, New Jersey's sixth round draft pick last year, scored a goal and three assists in Swift Current's 10-1 win over Saskatoon Friday night in WHL action.

Scarlett is on pace to top his 2011-12 point output where he put up 49 points in 71 games.

Over the course of the lockout, we will be bringing you various news on anything New Jersey Devils throughout the world. Whether its some AHL talk or KHL talk that concerns anyone from the Devils organization, you can find it all right here. Hopefully we will be talking NJ Devils hockey on a daily basis very soon!!

New from the weekend...

Ilya Kovalchuk tallied a hat trick to give SKA St. Petersburg a 4-2 triumph against CSKA Moscow.

St. Louis Blues prospect Vladimir Tarasenko contributed three assists in the game, while CSKA's Pavel Datsyuk had two points (goal and assist) for the losing squad. Kovalchuk had posted one goal in his previous five KHL contests.

Scott Parse - W - Devils

Scott Parse is looking to rebound from a pair of tough seasons, where he had surgery on both hips and he appeared in a combined 14 games with Los Angeles.

He skated in 59 contests with the Kings in 2009-10 in which he contributed 11 goals and 13 assists. Parse didn't get his name on the Stanley Cup because he didn't dress in any of the team's playoff matches. He signed with the Albany Devils this past off-season so that he could play during the NHL lockout, but he expects to get a two-way deal with the big club once it is over. Parse said he is healthy now and he will look to get back on track in the minors first.

Raman Hrabarenka - D - Devils

Raman Hrabarenka inked an AHL deal with the Albany Devils on Sunday.

According to the QMJHL's website, Hrabarenka agreed to terms with New Jersey's minor-league affiliate after attending training camp with the club on a tryout. He tied fellow defenseman Brandon Burlon for the team scoring lead with four points (one goal, three assists) in three preseason contests. He played two seasons in the QMJHL and had 20 points, with 55 penalty minutes, in 57 games between Cape Breton and Drummondville last year.

Harri Pesonen - Devils

Devils’ left winger Harri Pesonen has opened eyes in training camp and in the early part of the exhibition action for Albany in the AHL.

Pesonen is a late-blooming prospect that New Jersey decided to take a flyer on this summer. The 23-year-old put up 21 goals and 35 points in 60 games with JYP of the Finnish SM-Liga last season.

Travis Zajac - C - Devils

Travis Zajac is not planning on playing in Europe in the very near future.

The underrated Devil pivot returned to his home in Winnipeg this week to work out with a number of Jets' players and others. Zajac believes a deal can be struck to end the lockout in weeks as opposed to months and that going to play in Europe is an option only for a prolonged work stoppage. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't (thinking about playing in Europe)," Zajac said. "But I'm still hanging around; I have some optimism about things starting eventually here and hopefully in the next couple of weeks or a month things can get done." We hope his optimism isn't misplaced.

Reece Scarlett - D - Devils

Reece Scarlett, New Jersey's sixth round draft pick last year, scored a goal and three assists in Swift Current's 10-1 win over Saskatoon Friday night in WHL action.

Scarlett is on pace to top his 2011-12 point output where he put up 49 points in 71 games.

As this lockout continues, please join me in boycotting shop.nhl.com. If the NHL can't give us our game, why the hell should we give them our money??

Say what you want about ESPN and I understand they might not be the best source for sports BUT every year they do this Ultimate Standings feature.

The eight major categories that make up the Ultimate Standings were created based on feedback from fans about what they want most from their favorite teams

Bang For The Buck (BNG): Wins during the past three years (regular season plus postseason) per revenues directly from fans, adjusted for league schedules. 

Fan Relations (FRL): Openness and consideration toward fans by players, coaches and management. 

Ownership (OWN): Honesty and loyalty to core players and local community. 

Affordability (AFF): Price of tickets, parking and concessions. 

Stadium Experience (STX): Quality of arena and game-day promotions as well as friendliness of environment. 

Players (PLA): Effort on the field and likability off it. 

Coaching (CCH): Strength of on-field leadership. 

Title Track (TTR): Championships already won or expected in the lifetime of current fans.

 

Yea that’s right, the Devils are tops among all the teams in the NJ/NY area. That means we ranked higher than the Super Champion Giants, they Yankees and The Rangers. Oh and also those other teams that call NY home….

 

This post is being written from a Devils fan point of view because that is what I am but I want to make it known that some the content in this post affects all hockey fans.

The emotional roller coaster ride that Devils fans have been on over the last 4 months has been pretty exhausting.  Last Spring was an amazing run towards what could have been our 4^th Stanley Cup but unfortunately the Devils came up 2 games short. I still say the 2001 loss was a lot more devastating than the 2012 loss but that’s really not the point. We as Devils fans were riding high on this team going into the offseason but then things started to happen.

First, Adam Oates left the Devils for the head coaching position in Washington. Then Larry Robinson decided to take a “not an everyday kind of coach” coaching job with San Jose to be closer to his family. Also playing the family card, Zach Parise signed a ridiculous contract with a ridiculous organization so he could be near his. Days before Parise left town, Marty Broduer dropped the bombshell that he was going to test the free-agency waters but ultimately resigned with the Devils. While he didn’t leave, the small window of the possibility of #30 not being in NJ was stressful. Rumors then began swirling about who the Devils would sign in order to replace Parise. The answer: NO ONE! On top of ALL THAT, there was the constant talk about the Devils financial problems leaving us fans wondering if the Devils would even exist in a few short years.

Guess what, the shit storm doesn’t stop there.

It’s September 6^th and with the CBA expiring in just a little over a week, we now get to really stress about a lockout (not like we haven’t been stressing about it for the last month or so).

This will be the third lockout that most of us have lived through and I’ve often wondered if it will be too much for some to deal with. The NHL rebounded for the cancellation of the 2005 season but I know a number of fans that didn’t really come back after that. On the surface, its people how make more money than I could ever dream fighting with people who make even more money than I could ever dream. Lost in that fight are the people who work in and around that sport, that need a paycheck to survive, that have a lot to lose should a lockout happen.

And then there are the fans.

Three lockouts in a relatively short amount of time scream to me that we don’t really matter. Yes, they need our money but we’ve done this song and dance before and you’ve always come back, so obviously you will come back again. Are they right? Probably but seriously it’s annoying as shit. The owners, the players, the world revolves around money and you can never have enough but seriously, can’t the owners give a little, take a little? I should be posting about the start of training camp, not about what a bunch of assholes the NHL and NHLPA are and how I feel they treat the fans.

Bottom line is that I know whenever this dispute ends, I’ll be right back in front of the TV cheering on the Devils but it’s frustrating as hell to know I have to wait because of greedy people.