Could this really be the year?

Is it finally going to happen?

Will New Jersey finally fall flat and share the Atlantic basement with the Islanders?

I think the answer is yes.

The Devils have been a competitive team for years despite the numerous times that we Rangers fans have thought that the Devils would run out of tricks.  But this year might just be the turning point.  After two pretty lackluster performances against the Rangers and Flyers I think the Devils are finally on the trend down.  I know that this has been said many, many times before but I will knock on some wood and cross my fingers.  And hope that Lou does not prove me horribly wrong. 

I know its only two games into the season but hear me out on why I think the Devils are finally going to be in 4th and out of the playoffs this year. 

The Reasons

1. The Goalie.  Martin Brodeur appears to have lost a step.  This is not to say that he will not steal a few games here and there.  But the team will be largely on his back since the offense has not been that great so far this year.  Watch the highlights from the first two games.  He has let in some soft goals, ones that in his prime he never would have let in.  It could be the fast food or it could be the injury that he sustained last year.  But regardless Brodeur is not himself thus far this season.  Maybe he'll turn it around but my gut says otherwise.

2. The offense.   There are some moments when they look dangerous, then again even the Islanders look dangerous now and again.  Zach Parise is the one true scorer on this team.  Elias and Rolston are getting up in years and are expected to contribute heavily.  Elias has also been out with an injury, not a good sign.  The devils are getting old and they are going to sorely miss Brian Gionta.  That being said, this offense will have its good nights but I think that is the extent.  A few good nights, but more often than not it will be too little.

3. The Coach.  Lemaire is a great coach.  He guided Jersey to a Cup and helped make Minnesota a playoff team for many years in the West.  But in a lineup that will all ready be hurting offensively Lemaire's system will strangle some of these guys.  All ready experts are expecting double digit point drops for most players on the team.  Not a good sign at all when Brodeur appears to be off his game and your backup is Yann Danis.

4. The (lack of) Lou Magic.  Perfect timing for Lou Lamoreillo.  Getting into the Hall of Fame just in time to watch his organization slip to the bottom half of the conference.  He has consistently made something out of nothing but this year I think it is even beyond his powers.  He will do his best, no doubt about it.  But I think that he will finally run out of fairy dust or whatever the hell he uses to turn that team into a contender every year. 

5. The Division.  Not uncommon territory to be in when you talk about the Atlantic division, but this year is going to be rough.  The Flyers, Penguins and Rangers are all looking very good so far this season.  That only spells trouble for The Devils and Islanders.  I'd be surprised if they manage to pull more than 16 points out of divisional games this year.

*As a side note I think one of the worst things that happened to this team this off season was losing John Madden.  Great two way player.  Excellent on the PK.  He will be sorely missed by the Devils.  

So there you have it.  Why I think the smug Devils fans will finally have to hide their shame.