Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell | @InfernalAccess Be sure to join the Discord channel to talk hockey, and everything else, with me and fellow subscribers. A few New Jersey Devils thoughts on this off-day: 1) I touched on how well Damon Severson was playing in Sunday’s post, however, I believe he deserves further due.
I'm not a big Butcher fan but do agree that he should be playing. IMO only one of Kulikov/Tennyson should be in the lineup at a time. Even though the numbers for Smith/Tennyson haven't been particularly good, I'd think that Kulikov would have to come out unless they would also switch the pairings up. A Butcher/Smith pairing would probably get abused out there.
Have always thought the sign of a good team/depth can be shown via their healthy scratches. For the first time since maybe 2007, the devils have an odd man out problem on the backend.
I was just about to ask about Kulikov's deficiencies being covered up by Severson. I really hope it works out so Severson gets the recognition he deserves around the league
I'm not a big Butcher fan but do agree that he should be playing. IMO only one of Kulikov/Tennyson should be in the lineup at a time. Even though the numbers for Smith/Tennyson haven't been particularly good, I'd think that Kulikov would have to come out unless they would also switch the pairings up. A Butcher/Smith pairing would probably get abused out there.
Have always thought the sign of a good team/depth can be shown via their healthy scratches. For the first time since maybe 2007, the devils have an odd man out problem on the backend.
I was just about to ask about Kulikov's deficiencies being covered up by Severson. I really hope it works out so Severson gets the recognition he deserves around the league