Metropolitan Division 2014-15 Preview: New Jersey Devils
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COACH: Peter DeBoer
2013-14 RECORD: 35-29-18, 88 points (sixth in Metropolitan, missed playoffs)
VITAL SIGNS: 2.4 goals per game (27th), 2.4 goals-against per game (6th); 19.5 power play pct. (9th); 86.4 penalty kill pct. (1st); shootout record: 0-13 (30th)
NOTABLE ARRIVALS: F Mike Cammalleri, F Martin Havlat, G Scott Clemmensen
NOTABLE DEPARTURES: D Anton Volchenkov, D Mark Fayne
PROJECTED DEPTH CHART
Forwards
Mike Cammalleri - Travis Zajac - JaromirJagr
Patrik Elias - Adam Henrique - Michael Ryder
Martin Havlat - Dainius Zubrus - Damien Brunner
Ryane Clowe - Stephen Gionta - Tuomo Ruutu
Defensemen
Andy Greene - Adam Larsson
Jon Merrill - Marek Zidlicky
Eric Gelinas - Bryce Salvador
Goalies
Best case scenarios for Eastern Conference teams
, .921 save percentage last season). You can’t win games without scoring, though, and the defensively-minded Devils might find it hard to keep up with their most high-powered divisional foes.
• Devils defense gets infusion of youth
PLAYER TO WATCH:Jaromir Jagr
The emphasis is on “watch.” You probably won’t have many more chances to see Jagr in all of his butt-out, puck-protecting glory, and even though he’s 42 those hands remain as smooth as ever. Repeating last year’s 67-point performance might be tough, but it's not impossible.
PREDICTION: 83 points (fifth in Metropolitan)
• Three Devils who need to step it up this season
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