Would it really be the greatest comeback in NHL history?

[Jimmy_the_Tongue]

"The Devils are taking aim at the greatest comeback in NHL history: On Jan. 8, they were 10-29-2, owners of the league's worst record and 27 points out of an Eastern Conference playoff spot. Since then, they are 24-6-2 and March 15 became the league's first team to reach .500 after spending as many as 67 games of the season under that mark."

It would have to rank up there somewhere

 

[elocomotive]

The Devils have had a fantastic run, but they aren't going to make the playoffs, which makes it tough to call it a great "comeback." It's like being behind in a game 5-1 after two periods and coming back to make it 5-4. Impressive, but ultimately fruitless and not a comeback.

They also have never been .500 this year. They were 33-32-4 on March 15 - that's still 3 games below .500.

Still though, Devs' fans can be excited they seem to have found a good coaching match, that Kovy is playing better, and they have some things that make next year look positive after a bad Fall.

I'm curious what happens with Parise now. They've got 7 mil to play with and a few more players to sign besides him.

 

[pixburgher66]

I do wonder how the Parise situation will work out. Adding him to that team could certainly do a lot of damage, but how much is he gonna want?

 

[elocomotive]

Gotta imagine he'll get an offer for somewhere in the $6-7 million range.

 

[pixburgher66]

Gotta imagine he'll get an offer for somewhere in the $6-7 million range.

If he hits the market, sure, but how much do the Devs have to work with? Can't be much with Kovy on the books, right? Just my assumption though, could be completely off.

 

[pixburgher66]

7.2 Mil, assuming the cap doesn't increase for next year. With 3 forwards to sign (incl. Parise) and a bunch of RFA defensemen. Oh, and one goalie. Not a dire situation, but it seems to depend on how much Parise wants. He can basically get what he wants in other cities, but I feel like he wants to make it happen in NJ.

 

[pixburgher66]

And wow, it's insane to just look at the Devs capgeek page and see Kovy signed through 2025. That's just...insane. Compared to the Pens, who have no one on the books in 2015-16.

 

[dash]

Not to be a homer, but the Flames were in 14th place in the Western Conference on Dec 23rd. They will have to win their last 6 games to make the playoffs (and get some help), but that would be quite a comeback.

 

[mattola]

Not to be a homer, but the Flames were in 14th place in the Western Conference on Dec 23rd. They will have to win their last 6 games to make the playoffs (and get some help), but that would be quite a comeback.

wouldnt be anything close to what NJ would accomplish. that being said CAlgary making it would be amazing. last nights Anaheim loss was good news for them

 

[jstewismybastardson]

Not to be a homer, but the Flames were in 14th place in the Western Conference on Dec 23rd. They will have to win their last 6 games to make the playoffs (and get some help), but that would be quite a comeback.

wouldnt be anything close to what NJ would accomplish. that being said CAlgary making it would be amazing. last nights Anaheim loss was good news for them

last week, kukla had league standings broken down by first 41 games versus game 42to now ... and I think Calgary was 4 points less than NJ's

since dec 23, calgary has 54 points (from 41 games) and NJD 52 points (from 40 games)

that being said I dont think either team is making it lol

 

[mattola]

last week, kukla had league standings broken down by first 41 games versus game 42to now ... and I think Calgary was 4 points less than NJ's

since dec 23, calgary has 54 points (from 41 games) and NJD 52 points (from 40 games)

that being said I dont think either team is making it lol

Dec 23 Records

Calgary 15-18-3
New Jersey 9-23-2

calgary had a slower burn to get those points. the Devils hammered through since Jan 9th. I think NJD has the bigger comeback but you are right both will most likely not make it

 

[Comeds]

Both teams have had amazing 2nd halfs. (halves?)

 

[mattola]

Both teams have had amazing 2nd halfs. (halves?)

rep that

 

[Nasty_Magician]

Shouldn't be an issue signing Parise, ton of cap space opening up after next season and he's an RFA so the Devils will have plenty of time to work something out. He also seems like the type of guy that would take less than what he could make on the market in order to help the team.

 

[pixburgher66]

Shouldn't be an issue signing Parise, ton of cap space opening up after next season and he's an RFA so the Devils will have plenty of time to work something out. He also seems like the type of guy that would take less than what he could make on the market in order to help the team.

I agree with the personality assessment there. And I'm sure you guys have some young guys in the system that can fill in a bit, but 7.2 isn't a ton. I think you're fine as long as you have around 3 million left to sign the rest though. I do wonder what he'll be asking for though. He's making just over 3 mil now, and is coming off an injured season.

 

[Ties5o11]

Dec 23 Records

Calgary 15-18-3
New Jersey 9-23-2

calgary had a slower burn to get those points. the Devils hammered through since Jan 9th. I think NJD has the bigger comeback but you are right both will most likely not make it

Lets not forget that Calgary is jumping over a bar that is about 10 points higher.

 

[Destroydacre]

Shouldn't be an issue signing Parise, ton of cap space opening up after next season and he's an RFA so the Devils will have plenty of time to work something out. He also seems like the type of guy that would take less than what he could make on the market in order to help the team.

I hear Lowe already has an offer sheet ready.

 

[pixburgher66]

It really is an amazing turn around for them...but if they don't make the playoffs I wouldn't vote for Lemaire for the Adams trophy. I know people will disagree, but JMO.

 

[TheRobotDevil]

If he hits the market, sure, but how much do the Devs have to work with? Can't be much with Kovy on the books, right? Just my assumption though, could be completely off.

We are actually not in A horrible situation with zack we dropped some money dumping langs and arnott may dump some more guys like mair and A few defensmen factor zacks 3 mil he already gets into what he will be offered as well.The play of the kids josefson and tedenby at A reasonable price and rolstons contract expiring after next season as a long term consideration they may be able to pull it off.On A side note looks like zack may be playing wed against the isles.

 

[elocomotive]

Just to tie it to a completed comeback, I know the 07-08 Caps were the first team in the NHL to be in last place in the conference at a certain point in the season (late December) and make the playoffs. But the SE was REAL weak then too. We were the #3 seed, but might have had fewer points than the team we played in the first round.