[Untamed]

Many NHL teams are envious of the Devils right now. Not so back in October, but because of what has happened since October.

Setting their current record aside, the Devils are a case study of good coaching. Brent Sutter faced some very tough challenges - almost a dozen new players, new arena, first 9 games on the road, all while introducing a new system (more offensive minded) all at the same time. Most teams, regardless of the sport, simply write off the first year of any combination of the two above, and wait for the next year. The Devils turned around what looked like a disappointing season, into a contender against any team. Well, except maybe Ottawa. And the two NY teams....

NJ has a system that works - from the farm team in Albany through the Devils organization. Brodeur is the only "house hold" name on the team, with everyone else stepping up through the ranks or stepping into the hockey machine that Lamorello built. Believe in the system, not the players gained through the checkbook. Sometimes I wish the Rangers would figure that out.

We'll see where the team ends up in April. A cup team? Maybe. The Devils have had their share of problem teams - Rangers, Islanders, Lightning and Ottawa to name a few. Going to be fun to watch (as usual) through April. I'd really like to see NJ player Detroit to get a good measure of where they stand against another great team. But... they don't play each other this year.

Good luck Devils!