2006 New Jersey Devils Preview

2006 New Jersey Devils Preview from Maddux Sports. With the NHL Hockey Season now is the time to get aquatinted with the 2006 teams and players. Remember if you are NHL hockey betting look no further, as we offer hockey picks and can help you turn a profit betting on the NHL this season.

2006 New Jersey Devils Hockey Season Preview

The Devils were best in the Atlantic Division last season and finished third in the east behind Ottawa and Carolina. In the hunt for the cup, they were eliminated by the Hurricanes. Prior to the start of the 2005-06 season, there were doubts that the team that had defined the “old” NHL could make it in the “new” faster, less defense friendly NHL. That doubt has been put to rest.

The offense features Scott Gomez (33 G, 51 A, 84 Pts) at center and Brian Gionta (48 G, 41 A, 89 Pts) on right wing. Gionta, whose breakout year was a surprise to everyone, set a new club record for goals. Left winger Patrik Elias (16 G, 29 A, 45 Pts) only played 38 games last season due to a bout with Hepatitis A. With his health back, the Devils should have more offensive power. They need it. They were ranked 22nd in offense and 18th in the power play.

On defense, Brian Rafalski (6 G. 43 A, 49 Pts) has been the workhorse and Paul Martin (5 G, 32 A, 37 Pts) is developing into a solid on-ice counterpart. The Devils were disciplined, averaging the fewest penalty minutes per game while touting the 9th best defense in the league. But their penalty kill was below average, ranking 16th.

In goal, Martin Brodeur (73 GP, 43 W, 23 L, 7 OT, 2.57 GAA, .911 SP) proved that he still has it. For the tenth year in a row, he appeared in more than 65 games and notched his fifth 40-win season. Although he got off to a shaky start, feeling the loss of key defensemen Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer and Ken Daneyo, Brodeur adjusted his game. He's back and still one of the best.

Although not vastly improved from last year, the Devils have a tough, tight team and will contend.

For more information on the 2006 New Jersey Hockey Club check out the Devils team website.