Neal Pionk Needs Back Surgery

Nic Hague to debut for NJ

The start of the season has been rough for NJ Devils fans.  The team's play has been anemic at times.  There has been a lack of consistency for some of the key players, and while others are producing, we're not seeing the fire we're used to from this squad.  The Head Coach had this to say.

"We expected some growing pains to start the season.  There are several key new additions to the squad - myself included - from this offseason, and it takes time for guys to find chemistry.  There is also a new system to learn for the returning core team.  No excuses.  We want to be better.  We can be better, but it takes time. "  Jon Cooper

The Devils have a 3-4-0 record to start the season.  Not terrible, but not spectacular by any means. 

***Breaking News***

Neal Pionk left the game last night vs the Senators in some pain.  We've come to learn today that the NJ defenseman will need back surgery and the timetable for his return is month-to-month.  All signs point to  about a month and a half, maybe two months of recovery time.  

What a huge blow this is to the Devils!  Since his breakout arrival to the DCHL 2 seasons ago, Pionk has been among the most valuable defensemen on this team, if not the best.  His contributions on both sides of the ice have been critical for the Devils machine, and without him in the lineup for the forseeable future, what does that mean for NJ?

"It's a huge hit for us.  Neal is a heart and soul guy.  He puts in 100% every shift and he produces.  He's so steady and he can play any role.  All those cliches.  That's what he is for us and his loss should not be understated.  But like all injuries, this one opens the door for young guys to step up and show what they are made of.  This is a great opportunity for a guy like Nic (Hague) to make his mark." Mark Stefenelli

Nic Hague is expected to be in the lineup tonight vs the San Jose Sharks.  The rookie defenseman was acquired in the offseason from the Boston Bruins for Oscar Klefbom.  Hague is a towering defenseman with big potential, but most analysts would say he is a year or two away from being a top 2-4 guy.  You would prefer to see him flourish in the farm for a while before forcing him into the lineup, but difficult times call for drastic measures.  Let's see how the kid performs.

Hot and Cold List:

Hot

Damon Severson - Severson and Pionk were the Devils' best defensive pairing for 2 years running and this season Jon Cooper decided to split them up.  The results have been a little all over the place, but the season is young.  Discounting the injury to Pionk, perhaps the change wasn't all that bad.  Severson currently is tied for the team lead in several important statistics including +/- (6), Assists (6), and Points (7).  Not bad for a largely undervalued defenseman in the DCHL.  Severson will need to be even better to plug the gap left by his old linemate.  

Andreas Athanasiou - Acquired from the rival Flyers in the offseason, Athanasiou was exchanged for Alex Nylander because of his scoring ability.  Though we haven't yet seen him tickle the twine, Andreas is sitting tied for the team lead in assists (6) this season.  He has been an anchor for the 3rd line with McCann and Schmaltz, and his powerplay contributions should not be undestated.  The Devils will look to the playmaking veteran for more of the same as we go forward.  We fans are eagerly awaiting the streaky scoring ability that he was acquired for.

Ben Bishop - Big Ben does not have the win record that we've come to expect.  His 3-3-0 start to season is lackluster, but his individual stats are actually pretty impressive.  Ben has 2 shutouts already, with a 2.17 gaa and 92.35 sv%.  These are Ben Bishop numbers!  This team will go as far as the big man takes them.  Here's to hoping that this is the season for our elite goaltender.

Jared McCann - Here is a guy who centers the 3rd line and has had no powerplay time this season, yet he leads the team with 4 goals.  With a shooting % over 36%, it stands to reason that maybe it's time to feature this guy on the powerplay.  Look for that change to come soon.

Cold

Anders Lee - The Captain has had a difficult time finding the back of the net this early season.  With 7 games in the books, Lee has 0 points, and it's not for lack of trying.  He is 3rd on the team with 18 shots and has been a physical force, as is to be expected (16 hits).  This is not sustainable for NJ to have any success and will need to change soon.  Lee is supposed to be a goal scorer.  So far he is just snake-bitten.

Ryan Johansen - Johansen is having a slow start to the season.  His 4 points are not very impressive, though he does sit 2nd on the team in total shots (19).  We need him to be closer to a point per game and he has that capability.  It's just not translating for some reason.  

Ron Hainsey - Hainsey was one half of the top shutdown pairing last season for good reason.  He plays a smart stay-at-home game and is typically a physical force.  Not so much this season though.  His 3 hits are abyssmal, and though he is 2nd on the team for blocked shots (12), we really need more shut down hockey from this guy.  Especially with Pionk out for a lengthy recovery from back surgery, it's time for Hainsey to step it up.  (Pionk leads the team with 17 blocks despite missing half of the last game)  Hainsey will pair up with rookie Nic Hague tonight and the Devils are looking to Hainsey to be a mentor for their young blue chip defender.

The season is young and there is a lot of hockey left.  Don't get discouraged, Devils fans.  We've dealt with nasty injuries every season.  Stay the course and have faith in the Devils!