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DEVILS HIT LOTTERY!!!

East Rutherford, NJ - Short of winning the Stanley Cup, the Devils have won what might be the franchises biggest victory: the draft lottery. After struggling over 9 seasons, and attempting many moves to patch together a playoff bound team, the Devils decided to straight up rebuild. Acquiring draft picks for what was left of the asetts, Devils general manager Rob Ryan was able to get Veli Kuhanen, Patrice Cote, Phillip Lucas, Trevor Mapletoft, Vlastislav Studer and Merlin Tobin in the last 3 drafts.

All that was really missing, was that one bona fide superstar. And then they hit the lottery.

Enter Evgeny Revyakin. The Devils made the 17 year old the first round in the draft, and he is a special talent At 6'2 and nearly 200lbs, Revyakin possesses the size, skills and toughness that makes a player an ITC superstar. Offensively gifted and defensively responsible, Revyakin had 72 points and was +35 in 60 games in the Russian league. His pro career in Albany is off to a good start too, with 5 goals and 1 assist in 6 games for the River Rats.

Devils GM said he didn't really struggle with the choice. "This was one of the easier choices. We were looking for a superstar forward. Someone who could score goals, and prevent them just as well. I think our defense is set, getting Mapletoft last year, and Lucas and Cote before that. With Studer and now Revyakin, I think our rebuild is right on schedule, and on par with other ITC rebuilds in the past,"

Revyakin is excited to be a part of it. "It's a good organization, going in the right direction. You always worry about if you'll be number one, and what kind of situation you're walking into, but this team has a solid foundation. I'm happy to be headed to Albany and get started."

So are the fans in NJ.

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DEVILS JUST DON'T SEE CHANGE

East Rutherford, NJ - The names and faces change from year to frustrating year. Superstars the likes of Phaneuf, Crosby, Fiala and Machann come and then go. The results are painstakingly and frustratingly all too familiar. The season started out great for the swamp boys, starting the season with a 9-4-2-0 record through it's first 15 games. The first and second lines were scoring goals, and Wes Dowe was playing brilliantly in goal.

The offense was working well, with Owen Kemp on the top line, and rookie Vlastislav Studer centering a 3rd line that was doing it's job without the rugged winger Kemp riding with them. The Devils had optioins up front. On the back end, the progression of Veli Kuhanen, Philip Lucas and Patrice Cote seemed to be going on or a head of schedule. And stud rookie Trevor Mapletoft, on the 3rd pairing was developing slowly and steadily as the team paced well.

And then, as it has in 9 previous seasons, the wheels came off the wagon. Mike O'Connell's team would win only FIVE of it's next 34 games. What was thought to be the weakest link of the team, netminding, was addressed with the addition of acquiring veteran Hannu Toivinen from Columbus. At the time, New Jersey was still only 4 points out of a playoff spot, and GM Rob Ryan pulled the trigger for goaltending in exchange for Bohumil Machann. The move did not pan out.

Much like other years, after the trade deadline, the Devils seemed to have a bounce. They won 5 of 8, before losing it's last 5 straight prior to downing Calgary.

With 25 wins now, the team will have a shot at reaching the 30 win plateau with a strong finish, something that hasn't been done since the '13-'14 campaign, when they notched 35 wins.

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ROOKIE GETS HIS CHANCE

East Rutherford, NJ - With Bohumil Machann and Randy Watson traded, Anatoli Stalin probably lost for the season due to injury, and with already 48 games played in the AHL, the New Jersey Devils have given the number one pick in the draft the call. Welcome to the Revyakin Era.

When the Devils hit the lotter in last summers draft, Rob Ryan drafted the consensus #1 forward out of Russia. His size, skill and speed are now on display in New Jersey. And the kid is off to a good start. He's got 10 games in the ITC and he's notched a pair of goals to go along with 5 assists for 7 points, and is a +5 skating on the 2nd line with Thomas Marcinko and Simon Bolduc. Says Marcinko "He's pretty amazing. To be able to just step right in and produce, and already be used to the speed of the game, and the physicality of the ITC, it's pretty impressive". "The only thing is getting caught on a long shift. In the AHL you can get away with lingering, but in the ITC you have to have discipline, and that will come with time," said his other line mate Simon Bolduc.

Head coach Mike O'Connell is impressed as well. "He's a great kid, very coachable. Wants to learn, wants to help out right away and doesn't seem at all to be afraid or intimidated," said the bench boss after practice.

In the AHL, Revyakin was helping the Albany River Rats to the best record in the league before getting the call to NJ. Revyakin had 50 goals, 27 assists for 74 points, in his first professional season. He and fellow call up to NJ Aappo Keinonen each had 50 goals, and Havlar Segerstam has 44. Albany has struggled, predictably, with the call up, but will have both back for the Calder Cup Playoffs. "I love to compete. And I'm grateful for the little taste I'm getting here in the ITC, but I can't wait to get back and try to help the Rats win the Calder Cup," said Revykain, showing he's as much about winning as he is playing in the show.

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DEVILS DEADLINE FULL OF SUSPENSE

East Rutherford, NJ - The mantra is always "do what's best for the organization," when it comes to drafting or trading. Another deadline approached, with the Devils playing the role of seller. There were a lot of moving parts that could have been dealt, but only two minor deals were struck. Centerman Randy Watson, a dynamic 25 year old playmaker was dealt to the Washington Capitals for a 2nd round draft pick in next summers draft. Veteran Warren Duchak (30), was flipped to the Islanders with draft picks, for draft picks.

The Duchak move, made complete sense. He appeared in only 10 games, and scored just 1 goal, and with a player option on his contract, the Devils didn't want to risk having him take a roster spot next year. Especially when that roster spot could be Merlin Tobin, who's getting better every week in Albany of the AHL.

On the surface, trading away a 25 year old playmaker, who was leading your team in scoring and has another season at a reasonable $1.4M seems like a bad idea. Several factors could have been going through GM Rob Ryan's head. First, the lack of depth in the next 2 drafts. Ryan has his first round picks, but didn't have a 2nd this year, and only Columbus' 2nd next year, acquired earlier this season in the Toivonen trade. Other assets that he could deal, weren't likely to bring a pick as high in the draft as Watson would.

The second part of that, is the depth at center that New Jersey has in the system. While not as good a playmaker, Tomas Marcinko can fill in on top line center duties for the rest of this season. Next year, the center spot will feture Vlastislav Studer, Merlin Tobin as locks, and then Mikka Hollo, Thomas Marcinko, Chris Durand and Svytlatasov Uvarov fighting it out for the other 2 spots.

What's more interesting is what DIDN'T happen for New Jersey. First, they didn't unload one of their goaltenders. Wes Dowe, who's been great all season long and Randy Watson, who for a 2nd straight year has struggled mightily, didn't attract the attention Ryan thought. Those two will have to be dealt with in the off season, likely on Draft Day. Dowe and current starter Hannu Toivenen are both due for new contracts, and it's unlikely that Ryan will keep both.

Also, the Owen Kemp to Atlata rumors were white-hot once again. Inside sources say a deal was agreed upon and in place, but one of the two teams backed out at the last second, to strike other deals. Kemp, who was resigned to a new contract last season, is attractive not only because of his on-ice play, but also to the salary cap conscious GM. If it's true that it was Atlanta that put the kibosh on the deal, then Ryan may have been saved from the sure scorn and ridicule of his fanbase, for dealing the teams ONLY recognizable and best talent, despite his struggles this season.

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ROOKIE NAMED CAPTAIN

East Rutherford, NJ - It is rare when an ITC rookie is named the captain of his team. It's even rarer when that rookie is a late-season call-up. But that's the case for the woeful New Jersey Devils, who are faced with yet another losing season, and more looking toward the future than the present. Aappo Keinonen wears the C, and wears it proudly.

"I mean, it's an honor for sure. I know coach O'Connell has heard good things about me from the staff in Albany, and I know right now this is a team in transition, so I'm just going to play my role, and speak up when I feel the need to," Keinonen said after practice.

Keinonen and fellow rookie Evgeny Revyakin were called up about 10 games ago, in order to get some experience on the ITC level. Both will be sent back to Albany to participate in the Calder Cup Playoffs, which is what makes the move to name Keinonen a good idea. "Organizationally, I think it's the best thing. The guys that are up here now, struggling through the season, need a boost. They don't need any more pressure or spot light on them. Owen Kemp doesn't need the C right now. He needs to concentrate on destroying people in the corners. Thomas Marcinko needs to just go out and play. Aappo is a leader in Albany. I thought using this experience and learning up here, will help not just him, but also the River Rats when he and Geno head back for the playoffs," said O'Connell when asked about the move.

GM Rob Ryan, who was consulted about it, but didn't help in the decision making process, agrees. "When Mike told me what he was going to do, I said it was a great idea. I think the reasoning is sound, and it's good that our coach on the big club is supportive of what goes on through the whole organization."

Keinonen is no stranger to being a leader. A star in the Finnish League, he captained Taapara, knocking home 44g-50a-94p in just 58 games. In his first year at Albany, he had 61 points in just 59 games. Before the call up this year, he was leading the team in goals, with 50 and points with 91. Like his rookie teammate Evgeny Revyakin, he's excited to go back to Albany and compete for the Calder Cup. "It's every kids dream to win a championship. Albany has been my home this year, and we want to go back and continue to show we're the best team in the AHL."

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RIVER RATS ONE OF THE LEAGUES BEST

Albany, NY - For the 2nd straight season, things in Albany are looking up. The Times Union Center has a buzz about it, helped by certain #1 Overall Pick, but also by some strong team play. The River Rats are one of the top 5 teams in the AHL, with 98 points, tied with rival Wilkes Barre/Scranton for 3rd over all, and just 3 points back off the top spot in the league.

Last year, Trevor Mapletoft and Vlastislav Studer helped the River Rats to the 2nd round, for just the 2nd time since the Rob Ryan Era overseeing the organization. This year, Evgeny Revyakin, Merlin Tobin and Aappo Keinonen have led the way up front, while free agent signee Zoltan Zeiler has slammed the door in goal.

The top line features a pair of 50 goal scorers, in Aappo Keinonen and the first overall pick in the last draft, Evgeny Revyakin. They remain the teams top 2 point getters and goal scorers, despite being called up to NJ for the last 10 games. Keinonen has 41 assists to go with his 50 goals, for a team high 91 points, while Revyakin has 50-24-74. Tobin, who has seen time both on the top line, as well as the checking unit has 19 goals and 42 assists.

Another major contributer to filling the net, has been Havlar Segerstam, who's closing in on 50 goals himself. At 44, he's just 6 shy of giving the Rats 3, 50 goal scorers. Evgeny Kharatonov has been great too, 20 goals and 73 points, and a team leading +41 rating.

On the blue line, Phil Sears, Bengt Segerstam and Ziggy Belohlawek have a combined +66, securing a nice wall in front of Zoltan Zeiler. In 65 games ZZ has a 40-20-1-4 record, with a 3.02GAA backstopping the Rats.

Albany has struggled lately, amassing only 4 points in the last 10 games, but a big reason for that is the lack of Revyakin and Keinonen, who are both in NJ. Both are eligible for the Calder Cup Playoffs, where head coach Scott Bradley plans to use them like the workhorses they've been. "My life is a lot easier with talented guys like that around, that's for sure. It'll be great to have them back in the lineup, and we can show people here in the AHL, what the future in NJ looks like."

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WATSON GOING THROUGH REHAB

East Rutherford, NJ - New Jersey Devils goaltender Randy Watson has disclosed that he's been going through the ITC's Substance Abuse Program, for the past 2 months. The announcement came in an emotional press conference, with head coach Mike O'Connell and GM Rob Ryan flanked on each side of the 25 year old netminder.

"I want to thank the organization for helping me through what has been a very tough time. The crushing weight of this secret has effected my life on and off the ice, and I hope that by revealing my problems, it will help others get the help they seek," said Watson in a prepared statement. "While I won't take questions as to the nature of my rehab, it started with alcohol when I was younger. The culture of making it to the ranks of the ITC, is one with great camaraderie, but also great pressures. Pressures which I masked with substances, and for that I am sorry."

Ryan said part of dealing for Hannu Toivenen was in order to give Watson the time to be away from the team, without it being public. "We kept Randy on the roster and carried 3 goaltenders, so Randy and his family could go about this in secret, and shielded from the pressure of the fans." When asked if he asked Watson to come forward, Ryan said no. "This was Randy's choice, and we respect that decision to try and help others. It's part of the healing process and shows that he's coming around and thinking of others, rather then just himself."

Watson has struggled mightily this season. His play has been sporadic, seeing action in only 15 games, winning just 3, and posing a 4.14 goals against average this season. His play was shakey last year, but then came on strong late. Watson explained that it was that resurgance, that sent him back down the dark spiral. "During the season, playing back up, I didn't need to be sharp and I've learned how to look good. But winning toward the end of the season, and playing well just sent me into a celebretory mood, drinking nightly and then all summer long knowing I'd be coming in as the number one guy. And I almost let it all slip away."

Watson is the only goaltender under contract for next year in New Jersey, and the Devils plan on trying to stick with him.

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WATSON TO MAKE RETURN TO CREASE

Atlanta, GA - For the first time since January 27th, New Jersey Devils goaltender Randy Watson will return to the crease in the ITC. Watson, who has been battling with substance abuse, hasn't suited up for a game since the 6-1 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, almost exactly 2 months ago. "I'm excited. It's going to be very different. This whole week of practice, since the press conference has been different. I'm clean and sober, just about 60 days, and I feel great," Watson said after being told he would get the nod on Wednesday night. The Devils face the Thrashers at 7:35.

Watson is looking to notch just his 4th win of the season, and his first since seeking help 2 months ago. His last game he yielded 6 goals on 34 shots, and shortly thereafter walked into his GMs office and asked for help. "It was a tipping point. I was out there, and feeling sorry for myself. I mean, it was the middle of the 3rd, I was getting beaten badly, and I couldn't get my mind off getting back to the hotel and grabbing a few beers. When I'm thinking about that during a game.... obviously I knew what I had to do," Watson said.

Last year, Watson finished strong, and now that he's clear, he hopes to duplicate that feat, and finish strong again. "I have a lot to prove. I want to make sure that last year wasn't an aberration, even if it's very cloudy to me. And I know that Coach O'Connell is giving me this chance, and I know next year, much like this year, I'll have a shot to be the starter. I want that job, and I don't want to let this slip away again."

Watson has a 4.14 GAA and has 3 wins in 14 games this year. O'Connell says that with 4 games this week, and back to back on the road in Tampa and Atlanta, it was a good spot to get Watson back to work. "He's gotta play sometime. I figure on the road, with two games in two nights, it's a good spot, and there's no pressure of being at home."

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DEVILS SEASON ENDS IN TYPICAL FASHION

East Rutherford, NJ - It's been two days since the season finale loss in Montreal, that ended the New Jersey Devils season the players and staff had time to reflect. "It's like Groundhog Day," said Owen Kemp in reference to the Bill Murray movie where the same day keeps repeating itself. "We get off to a decent start, things feel good, and then the bottom falls out. Then we have a mini-rally at the end. It's puzzling," the tough guy and fan favorite said.

The four victories in the final 9 games give fans hope for next year, especially when they return a core that features Kemp, Studer, Revyakin, Cole, Kuhanen, Mapletoft and Lucas. But also returning will be a good veteran mix, including team points leader Chris Gawlik and Tomas Marcinko, who notched 70 and 69 points respectively.

General manager Rob Ryan, while dissapointed in the current seasons end, is still happy about the future. "Philosophically, I think we tried to win too soon, considering the personal we had 7 or so season ago. Realistically, that set us back and that's on me. But I also feel we are pointed in the right direction. We've built a tremendous defense, and with Revyakin and a few others developing, the goal scoring and balance will come. I just ask for more patience," said Ryan.

The Devils finished in 3rd place in the Atlantic division with a 28-43-3-8 record for 67 points. It marked the most wins and points since '14-'15.