Don't underestimate the Devils

How is it that as fans, a high standard of success can actually jade our outlook, leaving us wanting more instead of appreciating current accomplishments? Such might be the case with the New Jersey Devils. Here is an organization that has put together another 100-point season -- its sixth in the last seven years -- won two Stanley Cups in the past eight seasons, and yet most of the talk surrounding the Devils as the playoffs approach is of what they lack rather than what they possess.

Right now the Devils are playing at the top of their game as they try to ward off the hard-charging Philadelphia Flyers atop the Atlantic Division. With five wins and two ties in their last seven games, they appear to be peaking at precisely the right moment for postseason success. At the center of all of the Devils' accomplishments is goaltender Martin Brodeur, workhorse extraordinaire. With another season of at least 70 starts, Brodeur's durability and consistency make him special; witness his fourth 40-plus win campaign, the most in NHL history.

Like the Devils as a whole, Brodeur seems to have a hard time overcoming his high level of competency when it comes to public perception. Despite his dependability over the years, he has yet to win a Vezina Trophy as the league's top netminder. He shouldn't have to wait beyond the NHL award ceremonies this June to correct that injustice. Yet it serves as a prime example of how easy it is to discount success when it comes to the Devils.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about a lack of respect here. Most people in the game hold GM Lou Lamoriello in high regard for the job he has done with the Devils. He runs a no-nonsense operation with little flash or fanfare. And maybe that's why the Devils seem sometimes an afterthought when talking about the league's elite -- the organization from top to bottom reflects reserve rather than panache. Not that Lamoriello cares about public opinion all that much. His philosophy is to bring "quality people" into the fold, believing that if you do that, the rest will take care of itself.

He wryly adds that having good players who are quality individuals doesn't hurt either. No kidding. Lamoriello has assembled a closely-held group of veterans that executes team ideals to a man. Under the intense scrutiny of coach Pat Burns, the Devils play a relentlessly patient brand of hockey that tests opponents' resolve. At their best, they are extremely difficult to play against; just ask the New York Islanders. The Devils dominated the Isles Sunday afternoon, 6-0. They were physical and determined. It was the kind of display that served notice -- do not take this team lightly come playoff time.

Sure, it might have only been one game, but that defines the Devils: one game in a long line of one-game efforts that add up to an impressive record. On this day, like so many others, it all came together the way Lamoriello envisioned. Brodeur racked up his league-leading ninth shutout. More importantly, top scorer Patrik Elias -- dormant most of the season -- exploded for four goals, getting a much-needed confidence boost in the process as the playoffs near. And enigmatic center Scott Gomez continued his stellar play since the trade deadline with a dazzling array of assists -- five in all, setting a franchise record with his performance.

Did I use the term dazzling when referring to the Devils? Sorry, Lou. Then again, it is OK to recognize excellence ... even in New Jersey.

 

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