Congratulations to Mr. Jeff Vanderbeek and the rest of the “Devils’ Army”.  Today we got good news and some more good news.

It is assumed that by relieving his partners and squaring away any looming debts, Jeff Vanderbeek, the new sole owner of the Devils can go on building a Championship team, right where he left off in 2012.  Not surprisingly many Devils fans are up in arms, now knowing the future is bright.  I recall riding the train from South Amboy, NJ for last year’s series against the New York Rangers. A lot of Devils talk was based on the future of the team and whether the financial foundation was going to collapse. We felt like we were losing our team with all the negative New York press.  There was a decent stretch where the New York Post would try to cast the darkest cloud over our team even in the light of our Conference Title over the New York Rangers.  New York fans and media are a ruthless bunch, but the Jersey nation is basking in it’s glory. Hey!…Hey!… Hey!Hey!Hey!

In other news, we are hearing great progress is being made or so it seems in the lockout negotiation.  Devils beat writer Tom Gulitti has witnessed negotiations going into the wee hours of the night and there is certainly a sense of desperation coming through the press.  It’s not difficult to understand a great amount of damage has been done to the local communities and sponsors of the game. “More importantly”, a great deal of damage has been done to the pockets of the league and the players.

If this gets resolved in time here is what we can look forward to in a shortened season:

We can expect a fresh Marty Brodeur, a most-prepared Ilya Kovalchuk, and a dangerous New York Ranger team that I believe will benefit most from a shortened season.  Coach John Tortarella should still have his team’s legs come playoff time, however he has a formidable foe just across the Hudson River.  New Jersey Devils Coach Pete DeBoer has figured his system out and should keep them under his thumb the entire year. I expect the Devils to go undefeated against the Rangers in a 2013 season and I predict another conference showdown……with another Devils victory.  For Rangers fans, they’ve been outclassed, out coached, and Marty has proven that he is better. 

At first sight I was a bit disappointed but the truth is Matteau is at the point in his career where he is molding into the professional player he needs to be and also a little bit of what the New Jersey Devils want him to be. The process of learning and discovery is an important one in and of its own. He has more ebbs and flows to go through before the final Matteau prevails.  As long as he understands the process he will be just fine.  Having his father Stephane in a support and coaching role is a vital but sound keystone.  Players at this stage need to be cradled as they make the transition through Major Junior and the Professional levels.

Most assuredly Lou Lamoriello is making a phone call to praise his work throughout the process but more so to keep his head game straight. Personal let downs can be tough for a draftee or anyone at this age in their career. He is surrounded by all the right people and this is simply another treasuring moment for New Jersey Devils fans.

New Jersey Prospect Blake Pietila (LW) has made the final roster. “His role will be on a checking line, killing penalties” (Fire and Ice) which will bode well for him during New Jersey Devils training camps.

It is believed one more cut on defense is all that remains. U.S. general Manager Jim Johannson acknowledged the difficulty in cutting these players with USAToday. Aside from the skill factors, its the pride in one’s country that bleeds heavily. They are all talented players and they all have given their heart.

USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA!