No Sean Avery tonight, and a more cuddly, controlled verson of Andrew Peters to make an apperance tonight, so the fisticuffs may wait until later in the season, but the action is moving fast and furious from the opening whistle.

The Devils score less than two minutes in, when Jay Pandolfo controlled the puck off the boards and found Rob Niedermeyer in the right faceoff circle, and Niedermeyer one-timed it into the upper right corner of the net.

The Rangers took a timeout after the Devils earned another shot on goal, and immediately took a 2 minute interference penalty. The Devils look like a completely different team than Saturday’s version, and we’re only 2 minutes in.

The Rangers kill the penalty, but the momentum is still with the Devils. And our first look at Pikkarainen, the Devils biggest offseason acquisition, is in the penalty box. 2 min for hooking. Awesome. Brodeur makes a save on his right side to start the PK.

Michael Del Zotto, one of the youngins playing for the Rangers this season, scored on a wide open rebound from the left side of the ice off of a shot by Vinny Prospal.  First power play goal given up by the Devils this season, and second goal of the season for Del Zotto. FANTASY HOCKEY TIP: Pick up Del Zotto. Now. On an offensively-challenged squad, he may be the scoring leader sooner rather than later.

Devils kill a second penalty very aggressively, and in turn create a penalty on the Rangers. Time to see if the Devils power play is less anemic than its’ Saturday version. With one shot on goal in the fifrst 20 seconds, the answer is yes.

Just as I was telling my colleague Denis Gorman that I didn’t like the Devils new power play set up, with both Zajac and Clarkson crashing the net, Clarkson gets a pass from Parise down low, and makes a sweet backhand, no-look pass to Zajac on the right side of the net. Zajac threw the puck into the upper right hand corner of the net to regain the Devils’ lead.

I feel as if I am in the middle of a bizzaro hockey world (it’s the only non-Soup-Nazi Sienfeld reference I know). Chris Drury of all people, flew into Paul Martin away from the puck, a knee-to-knee collision knocking Martin on his deriere. It was obviously dirty, because Johnny Oduya immediately went after Drury, and Drury took the take-down because he had nothing to defend. How odd!

Oduya got an extra two minutes for roughing (which I find weird, since it was Drury making the dirty play), and Ales Kotalik scored on a slapper from the left point off of a pass from the faceoff in the zone. So the two teams went into lockerroom tied at two.  But the Devils earned a power play with 40 seconds to go when Prospal was called for roughing.

Johnny Oduya is getting some serious face time tonight. He was the one offseason transaction (resigning) that I approved of (because my opinion matters so much). His confidence seems to be improved dramatically, just like his bank account, because he just almost converted on a 2-on-1 with Nicholas Bergfors. I hope Johnny becomes a standout player this season. he’s a very nice person and seems to compliment Paul Martin quite well.

Very interesting call- David Clarkson got called for holding after finishing a decent check on Dan Girardi. Maybe I missed something from my angle, waaayyyy up in the press box, but it looked decent to me. Devils kill the penalty, but the Rangers are picking up the pace. Brodeur just lost sight of the puck, and let it dangle in front of him as he was outside of the crease. The tasty rebound cupcake was cleared, luckily for NJ, by Colin White.

Rookie mistake by Del Zotto- getting called for tripping 23 seconds into a power play. He slashed at Niedermeyer’s ankles after a puck went past him in his own offensive zone. The Rock’s sound folks did a nice job with the “Big Girls Don’t Cry” song while Del Zotto skated to the sin bin. Rookie.

I’m getting tired of tracking penalties. Bergfors called for diving and Kotalik called for hooking as Kotalik took down Bergfors in the Rangers zone. Could’ve gone either way. Devils look good during 4-on-4 action. Mottau playing especially well at blueline.

The Devils had some issues clearing the zone. And by some issues, I mean they made the blueline look like the Berlin Wall. And they paid for it, when rookie Matt Gilroy, of Boston University fame, skated with the puck unobstructed to his right and fired from the right faceoff circle a shot that went 5-hole on Brodeur. It’s Gilroy’s first career goal, and undoubtedly not his last. If you could draft a player for his entire career in fantasy hockey, Matt Gilroy would be a top-20 pick in my opinion.

 Ryan Callahan RAN Brodeur, and for the second time, the Devils will start the period on the power play.

Girardi called for Boarding… when was the last time you saw boarding called?… and the Devils take a time out to set up for 5-on-3. I’m nervous, as I could’ve done a better job on the 5-on-3 thatn the Devils did on Saturday.  And once again, the Devils special teams prove they’re not really special after all.

Last season it was possible for the Devils to have a terrible power play and still win games because there was so much experience and fire power on each line. This year, the inexprience isn’t going to give the Devils’ any room to breathe on the advantage or a man down.

I’m following the Packers-Vikings game as I watch this game (see previous post for explination), and each game is causing equal anxiety. I’m glad I brought some Rolaids for the train ride home.

With 11 minutes to go, it’s going to take some guts and some fire under the Devils’ butts to tie this thing up.

Dainius Zubrus put a nice shot on goal, but there was no one there to follow it up. The Rangers are making a living on rebounds, and the Devils are looking at the weakside like it was the Meadowland swamps. Then again, they can’t set anything up in their own zone, so why would I think they could accomplish something like weak-side rebounding.

Clarkson and Aaron Voros matching minors- roughing for an altercation at the benches. Another 2 minutes of 4-on-4.

Penalties killed without much fanfare. Clarkson got a SOG coming out of the box that Lundqvist stopped easily.

Maybe I’ve been unfair, and my bad karma is affecting the Devils. With three mintues to go, though, I feel that the critique is necessary. How are these guys going to match up with the likes of Pittsburgh and Washington this year? It’s disconcerting how disjointed the Devils look.

Well, I’m signing off from the Rock. Don’t forget to check out my game story on http://www.nysportscene.com, follow me on twitter @devsblog, or read my new weekly NHL features at http://www.mycentraljersey.com

As the lights dim here in the Pru for another Rangers-Devils game, I was thinking about another sporting event going on tonight.

Being from the great state of Wisconsin, I find myself glad I won’t be watching the Packer-Viking game tonight in favor of the Rangers-Devils game, as it is probably better for my blood pressure.

As I walked from the train station to the stadium, I saw a lot of red and white “4″ jerseys for the legendary Scott Stevens. Stevens was the heart and soul (and all-around badass) for the Devils in their cup winning hey-day. And I saw a lot of similarities between the Stevens we all knew and the Brett Favre I thought I knew (beyond the piercing eyes and dirty blond hair).

So how would Devils react tonight if Stevens donned a Blueshirt and came out of retirement to play for the most hated rivals. Those not from the Cheese state sometimes think that Chicago is the most-hated team, but the Vikings took that title once Randy Moss tried to do the Lambeau Leap and “mooned” the crowd.  So the Rangers/Vikings comparison works.

Would Devils fans cheer for Stevens? Would he get an extra-loud “SUCKS” after his name is announced, as Scott Gomez did after he switched loyalties? Would there be polite applause, an appreciation for the seasons of contributions?

All I know is that it would hurt. A lot. The Packers never got to retire Favre’s #4, but Stevens’ jersey is hanging from the rafters here. Would the team take it down?

I’m not rooting for Brett Favre tonight. If I were sitting in front of my television at home instead of in the press box here in the Pru, I would be booing loudly, and throwing foam-cheese products at the screen whenever the traitor was shown. And I think people know why.

Stevens took a job with the Devils after his retirement, staying with the organization that he gave so much to, and the fans that loved him even more. Favre had that opportunity and decided to bolt. I guess it’s a case of comparing sour grapes to hypothetical oranges.

A couple of things are already set in stone: Martin Brodeur is back with more record to set, the ZZ Pop line has the potential to be just as explosive as last season, and the defense will be increasingly solid as the season moves foreward.

The Islanders are playing John Tavares tonight, and the first pick in this year’s entry draft has a lot of pressure to turn around a franchise that has so many years and so much money invested in a goaltender that may not see a third of a season’s action for what feels like the seventh year in a row (Rick “DNP” DiPietro).

Here are some thoughts on the upcoming season based on what I’ve seen so far:

1. Zajac might eclipse Parise in scoring this season. The improvement Zajac made last season has been built upon, and he could have a breakout season, which is completely opposite of my second thought…

2. Scoring is going to be way down this season. We’ve been sold that Lemaire isnot going to be the defensive megalomaniac that he was last go round, but you  can already tell that the offensive firepower will not be the priority of this club this year, which may be because…

3. Brodeur could see a drop off this season. The man has only a few more records to break, and though we know he still has a desire to play and play at a high level, does he still have the desire to be Martin Brodeur? The signing of Yann Danis, who blanked the Devils last season for the Isles, was no mistake, and not necessarily a response to Kevin Weekes and Scott Clemmensen leaving… remember, Weekes was still on the roster when Danis signed.

4. Big moves will be made this season. Whether before the trade deadline, or a surprise move early, I believe the Devils are shopping their players and for players. Brent Sutter had just enough time to mold the team in his liking before he jumped ship. With a different regime, and a possible salary cap reduction pending, there may be some serious money moved before we say goodnight.

5. Cory Murphy will make an impact this season. The Devils have been missing a true power play point man to compliment Paul Martin for a while. Clarkson said after the first pre-season game that he was very impressed with Murphy’s power play acumen. Murphy has been in the system for a while, and this may be the year when he joins the big leagues and makes his name known.

Well, we’re 18:32 into a scoreless first. The game has been relatively boring, excluding the three fights between the two Atlantic Division teams. I’ll check back later if anything else fun happens.

After a five-goal second period (3 for NJ, 2 for NY), I can make a few other statements:

-The ZZ Pop line is producing, and eager to pounce on less-talented teams. Two of the Devils goals were off of turnovers forced in their own offensive zone.

-The power play is better. And Brian Rolston is better for having Jacques here. And Rolston is better because he’s no longer forced to play the point, which was a dismal experience last season.

- David Clarkson is already in post-season fighitng form. Which means more fun for everyone. And toughness is being rewarded (as witnessing every fighter return from the penalty box to a round of stick-banging applause from the Devils’ bench).

With five minutes gone in the third, it appears it will be similar to the first… which means “The Devils Made Me Do It” is signing off for the preseason. Check it out Saturday as I live-blog from the Devils’ home opener!

As Simeon Pincus once said, “If the hockey regular season is considered the pre-season, then what’s the pre-season?” I’ll let you mull that one over before Saturday.

Welcome back to New Jersey, Niedermeyer family!

The Flyers struck first tonight on their second power play. The penalty came on boarding by Peters, and after a less-than-terrific fight between Matt Fraser and Dan Carcillo (DOWN goes Fraser!), Matt Carle was in the slot to fire a one-timer off a Danny Briere pass from the left faceoff circle that went top shelf on Brodeur.

Tonight’s lines for the Devils: Zajac-Parise-Langenbrunner, Pelley-Rolston-Clarkson, Bergfors-Sesitito-Halischuk, Pandolfo-Zharkov-Peters.

Kevin Harvick of NASCAR fame is here, a few days before the Chase Race in Dover. This has sparked conversation in the pressbox about the Flemington dirt race track (that is now a Wal-Mart) and other local New Jersey race tracks either operational or defunct. I really enjoy listening to my fellow writers talk about what New Jersey life was liek before I got here.

Ray Emery has done a good job in net for the Flyers. He just stopped a great chance by Langenbrunner as the Devils take over the shots-on-goal lead with a minute left in the first.

End of 1: Flyers 1, Devils 0. Shots on goal: Flyers 8, Devils 7

As I walked to refill my coffee in the press box, I remembered that one of my hockey idols, Kieth Jones, does commentary for the Flyers. I walked past him and he smiled at me, and just like when I entered the elevator with Chris Drury or interviewed Milan Hejduk last season, I turned back into an 11-year-old, watching the NHL for the first time.  One of the best birthday gifts I’ve received in recent years was Jones’ book “Jonesy; Keep Your Head Down and Skate,” his autobiography with John Buccigross (another one of my heroes). Jones is a likeable guy in hockey terms, in media personality, and I would hope, in person. We may find out during the second intermission.

Also, Dave Brown, former enforcer and current Director of Player Personnel, is sitting directly behind me in the press box. I met Mr. Brown last season at the Pru, and he now recognizes me and says hello everytime I see him. That’s just cool.

Enough with being star-struck for one intermission. Moving on to the second period.

We’re a good 5 minutes in, and the most interesting play was Sestito and Halischuck colliding into each other at the offensive blue line. Part cringe-worthy, part Slapshot funny. Thank goodness it’s the preseason.

New Jersey on the power-play 6:49 in. The first line did a good job of keeping the puck in the zone, but the second shift isn’t doing as well. Rolston is playing back like he did towards the end of last year.  The Flyers kill the penalty, but New Jersey continues the offensive pressure for another good minute. The Devils are now up 13-9 in shots on goal.

The Ed Snider Youth Foundation is represented in the stands tonight. I recently listened to an interview the Flyers president did with Commissioner Gary Bettman last year on NHL Radio about the foundation. It does great work to get inner-city youth involved in hockey and more active in their education and community. I’ve always thought that hockey was a great sport of values, and Mr. Snider’s foundation does a great job of combining the work ethic and fun of hockey into his program. For more information, check out: http://www.esyhf.org/.

At 12:21, Clarkson takes an interference penalty to put the Flyers on the power play again. Brodeur stops the first shot on the advantage and teh Devils are able to clear briefly. Name-to-watch Cory Murphy out on the penalty kill, seems to be moving comfortably but almost whifs on a clear, eventually getting the pck out of the zone. Bryce Salvador just totally missed a puck sent directly onto the stick of a Flyer, number 12, but the Devils were able to stop the shot and get the puck away from Brodeur. Penalty killed.

Bergfors tries a 1-on-3 attempt from the right side of Emory before the end of his shift. It was a good look, but Emery was able to cover.

Great kick save by Brodeur on number 21 with 2 min left in the period. James van Riemsdyk skated in almost untouched on Broduer and fired a shot from the top of the crease. Brodeur kicked out with his let leg and stopped the puck. New Jersey kid vs. New Jersey legend.

Coburn tripping penalty, Devils power play. I’m interested to see how much ice time Murphy gets during the pp. So far, a good 51 sec with the first shift. Clarkson complimented Murphy in the lockerroom last week for his ability to keep the puck in the zone and control play from the point. I’m seeing tonight what Clarkie saw. Andy Greene now on the point during the power play.

The ZZ Pop line is looking good on the pwer play, with several shots on goal. It’s good to see them back together and being (sort of) productive.

End of 2: Flyers 1, Devils 0. Shots on goal: Devils 18, Flyers 15. Devils will have 17 seconds of power play left at the beginning of the third period.

Tom Gulitti from the Bergen Record discovered that Mike Mottau and Mark Fraser will not return to the game, leaving the Devils with four defensemen. If you’re a twitterer, I highly recommend following Tom @TGfireandice for great in-game updates. The man is on the pulse of the team.

They Flyers are much more physical tonight. They’re out-hitting the Devils 11-6. Ryan Parent even injured himself (shoulder) while trying to hit Zach Parise. Speaking of Parise, he’s been rather quiet so far. It is possible he could come alive in the third period, but it is also  a pre-season game, and expectations should not be at a regular-season level quite yet. Maybe by the 29th, when the Islanders appear at the Prudential.

Pando just had a great shot infront of the net that Emery stopped. Clarkson is also playing tough again in front of the net like he did last week. It’s good to see him getting more offensive opportunities than just the odd wrap-around and being asked to be the tough guy. Again, that may change once the youngsters are sent back down and the regular season begins.

Some pluses and minuses for my first Philly experience:

Plus: Parking was free with my media pass, Mt. Dew in the press room, sitting in front of Dave Brown, closer seats than at the Pru, hearing a Third Eye Blind song during intermission.

Minuses: It seeems colder than the Pru, the seats don’t have wheels and are hard to push in when people walk behind, meal isn’t free (the Devils are one of the last teams to still provide food for the press),  fewer screens to see replays, and, well, it’s not Devils territory. It’s not even the Spectrum.

I’d put the Wachovia Center 2nd on my list of venues visited (even though I’ve only been to four overall). I hope to add to that list throughout the 2009-10 season.

8:17 in the third, the Devils tie the game up. Halischuk, apparently recovered from his friendly-fire collision, crashes the net and scores, and I mean literally crashes. The goal is not reviewed (It’s preseason, people), Bergfors and Murphy get the assists. Immediately following, Brodeur comes up with some terrific saves on several consecutive shots by the Flyers.  It’s not like Marty needs too many games to warm up for the season, but it is nice to see him be on his game so early in the year. What’s surprising is that Jeff Frazee still hasn’t had a look at yet this preseason. Yann Danis and now Brodeur have seen all of the action. I’d like to see Frazee in action, especially after what my friend Mike Ashmore has said about his work in Trenton and Lowell.

Play is getting chippy and sloppy, and Emery seems to still be a bit better than Brodeur tonight. An astounding save on Zajac on a 2-on-2 rush, sliding all the way across the crease in gingerbread man position. If Emery can keep his head together, he may be the goaltending fix the Flyers have needed for several years.

Vladimir Zharkov looks good in the offensive zone. He made a nice play around the back of the net and is doing a nice job of battling around the boards. He’s doing the little things, which has got to be something Lemaire is pleased with.

With a minute left, Pando took a good feed from the red line and put ashot on goal that Emery was able to stop. It was a good opportunity for New Jersey to win this in regulation.

9.6 seconds left, van R skates in with little interference and launches a wrister that Brodeur gloves down. End of Regulation.

End of 3: Devils 1, Flyers 1, Shots on Goal: Devils 32, Flyers 28.

My second game of the season, second overtime game. I’m getting my meal-ticket’s worth tonight. Murphy on the ice with the ZZ Pop line to start the extra period.

One time in front of the net on a badly played puck on the boards, the Flyers win tonight’s game. More tomorrow morning.

James van Riemsdyk of the Old Bridge/Middletown area is on the verge of making the Flyers roster. The former University of New Hampshire player has scored at least a point in each of the Flyers first four pre-season games. He received the loudest applause during the announcement of starting lineups.

The Devils cut their roster down on Sunday, and again today. Remaining with the club is goalie Jeff Frazee, and defenseman Cory Murphy, who had two assists in Wednesday’s 4-2 win against the Islanders. Murphy has made a big impression on his coaches and big-league teammates.

2009 Draft pick Alexander Urbom was sent to his junior club earlier today after his extended look from the parent club. Urbom played against the Rangers last Wednesday, and earned two penalty minutes. It was apparent, especially from Lemaire’s comments after the game, that Urbom would have had to have a terrific scoring night in order to be considered for the NHL team. He showed he can play with the big boys, but the next step in his development is learning how to shine at the very highest level of play.

Only the Devils and the Hurricanes have two preseason games behind them. The Islanders, Panthers and Coyotes have all played seven preseason games, and several teams have already played six tilts. The Devils had seven days in between the first preseason game of the year against the Rangers and Wednesday’s win on Long Island.

Speaking of Phoenix, Wayne Gretzky resigned today from his coaching position. With all of the tumult in that organization, that even The Great One couldn’t settle, it is not surprising he’s jumping ship.

Former-Devil Brian Gionta has been very successful with the Montreal Canadiens. Gionta scored three goals and added an assist in three pre-season games, and is near the top of the league in shots taken. Gionta’s younger brother, Stephen, who is still in the Devils’ system, was reassigned to Lowell on Sunday.

Martin Brodeur is making his first start of the pre-season. It will be interesting to see what he’s able to do after more rest.

A few thoughts on the offseason… Travis Zajac got married (congrats to Travis), and honeymooned in Maui. I’m sure by January, a little time in Maui would sound pretty darn good… David Clarkson said he spent his summer at home, in his house just down the street from his mom’s. His nephews, all under the age of 5, spent a lot of time with Uncle David, who said he expects to have his eldest nephew on skates this winter… I do believe I spotted Bobby Holik at a concert in Saratoga, NY a few days after he announced his retirement. (Possibly) spotting Holik in the offseason reinforced my belief that his retiring as a Devil was the absolute right thing to do.

Now, as the P.A. blast “Du Hast” by Rammstien, it’s time to get ready for game three of the 2009-10 pre-season.

While cuts are still being made after tonight’s preseason tilt with Philly, this blended family of veterans, rookies and all in-between makes for an interesting dynamic. Usually after a game, win lose or draw, there is a sense of togetherness in the Devils’ locker room. After last Wednesday’s game, a win against New York, there was a distinct tension in the room. Whether it was from unfamiliarity, since many of the guys had just met a few days earlier, or the fact that decisions on who would remain with the NHL club were coming soon, it just felt awkward.

Now, a men’s hockey lockerroom can be awkward for a female reporter for many varied (and obvious) reasons, but this was not the case on Wednesday. The unfamiliarity with the players, the lack of some of the normal faces we’ve become accustomed to, it was just a weird scene, especially after a win. We’ll see, now that the roster’s been narrowed down to 32, if there is a better sense of comradere after tonight’s game.

I won’t try to make comparisons between the characters of “Step by Step” to the characters on the Devils (finding a Suzanne Somers amongst a group of professional athletes would not be good for my career), but the team is a crazy, mixed up bunch of almost-parental figures, young veterans and energetic youth. Now if only they had such a catchy theme song…

The smell of popcorn in Penn Station. The click-clack of heels on the press-row floor. The mischievous look on David Clarkson’s face as he dodges Sean Avery.

It’s good to be back.

I won’t say the Prudential Center is rocking, but a healthy preseason crowd gave a great ovation to Jaques Lemaire before the game, and rowdy boos to Sean Avery during. It does help when Avery picks up a double minor at the end of the first half, goalie interference and unsportsmanlike conduct (Really? Avery? Would’ve never guessed).

But while the league’s favorite villain (besides Rangers teammate Donald Brashear) is in mid-season form, the rest of the Blueshirts looked a little pathetic on offense.

Shanny looks great in number 14 again, despite it meaning Gionta is truly a Canadien.

The refs are in preseason form too, as I just saw one grab onto the goal post for dear life to Yann Danis left-hand side. Nothing like a freshly resurfaced sheet of ice.

You know this whole getting back into the rhythm of writing and watching and eating and such is harder than I expected. I totally just missed a fabulous fight between Mark Fraser and Aaron Voros. Fraser is a younger guy trying to earn a roster spot. Going toe-to-toe with Voros, a legitimately tough guy, should give him some attention. Fraser held his own.

Side note: This is my friend, colleague and neighbor Mike Ashmore. He covers the Trenton Devils for the Hunterdon County Democrat. Mike and I are usually quite good friends, but on Rangers-Devils games, I feel it is bad karma to carpool with him. I may not be green, but I’m definitely not Blue.

Back to the game, Clarkson just scored his second power-play goal of the night. The power of the Assistant Captaincy is with him.

 It seems that the Devils’ drills are paying off more than the Rangers skating. A Rangers beat writer told me that the Blueshirts used the first two days of training camp to skate in circles (or ovals, to be more precise). Brian Rolston told Bergen Record writer Tom Gulitti that the first few days of camp have been instructional and game-paced.

Also, Yann Danis has proven himself as a solid backup for Marty Brodeur. With 2 minutes to go in the second, he’s stopped all 20 shots faced, including several power play opportunities for the Rangers. He’ll be replaced by Jeff Frazee for the third period, but the first two have made a believer out of me (if the shutout he posted against the Devils last year while with the Islanders wasn’t enough).

End of second period, 2-0 Devils in the David Clarkson show.

By the way, for those on Twitter (and who’s not these days), I am tweeting @devsblog  any updates, random thoughts and shameless self promotion. I suggest if you are a fan of any of those three options, I suggest you follow my twitter @devsblog.

So, less than a minute into the third, Clarky already has another offensive opportunity, which begs the moral question; do you throw your hat onto the ice for a pre-season hat trick? Please leave your feedback in the comment box below!

For Boston University fans checking in tonight, Matt Gilroy scored his “first” professional goal 3;03 into the first period. The 25-year-old NCAA Championship hero has made an impression on the Rangers staff, and could likely make the team. He does have an age advantage over some of the other rookies in the chase for a roster spot. I would assume that with age comes maturity, but anyone who knows hockey players knows that’s not always the case.

I’d love to take the time to comment on the Devils’ youngsters, but other than Fraser’s fight, I haven’t really seen much of anything, good or bad. Bergfors has an assist, but I’d hardly call him one of the youngsters. He’s been on the cusp of making the big leagues for at least a season, and it is good that he’s taking advantage of the opportunity this time around. PL3 (Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond for some, PL3 for me) also had a terrific fight, this one against Brent Henley, but again, he’s had opportunity with the NHL-level Devils before.

Well, since it is preseason, I’m going to head to the bench early to save my typing fingers for the regular season. Again, welcome back, hockey fans. We’ve missed you.

I know Brian Gionta was too expensive, Lou knows Gionta was too expensive, we all know Brian Gionta was too expensive.

That doesn’t make me any happier about him leaving for the Habs. Gio will be reunited with Scott I-Can-Like-Him-A-Little-More-Now-Because-He’s-Not-A-Ranger Gomez, giving the team a little lift with players who at least know they can play together (and without organized crime ties. A bonus!).

Losing Gionta, Mike Rupp, Kevin Weekes, Scott Clemmensen and John Madden will definitely change the make-up of the team. This gives a lot of opportunity for younger players to move up in the ranks, and it does clear future cap room, even if the cap does decrease in 2010 (more on that in another blog). But there could be quite the learning curve this upcoming season.

Be sure to check back when pre-season begins, because someone is going to have to identify all of the new faces in the locker room!

And, just one last time…

Gio Tracker!