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The New Jersey Devils have managed to miss the playoffs in each of the last two seasons, defying the statistical odds in the process. Off-Season Game Plan looks at a Devils team that is likely due for better results, and at least part of that is due to the impending departure of a future Hall of Famer. This past season, the Devils ranked fifth in Fenwick Close (unblocked 5-on-5 shot attempts when the game is within a goal through two periods, or tied in the third), after they were ranked third the year before. The most glaring reason for a team to not have success despite strong puck possession metrics is a bad run with percentages and thats been true with the Devils. This past season, the most obvious run of bad luck for New Jersey was a 0-13 record in shootouts, games that are being decided, effectively, by coin flips. For a team that finished five points out of a playoff spot, even getting 40% of those 13 points would have been enough. The Devils were 2-7 in 2012-2013, too, running their two-year record to 2-20! This after going 12-4 in the shootout in 2011-2012. Those results fluctuate. But, its not just a bad run on shootout winning percentage that has come back to get the Devils. Theyve also had subpar goaltending. Over the past four years, the Devils 5-on-5 save percentage ranks 28th. In 2013-2014, the Devils overall save percentage of .907 ranked 23rd in the league, a step up from being ranked 28th with an .890 save percentage, the year before. These percentages, combined with the bad run in shootouts serve to undermine what is, otherwise, a competitive hockey team. Not likely a Cup contender, their 2012 Cup Final appearance notwithstanding, but good enough to be a playoff team if the percentages arent dramatically awful. This goes back to the premise that the Devils may be looking better in that regard going forward, as it appears Martin Brodeurs run in New Jersey is coming to an end. A four-time Vezina Trophy winner who has won more games (688) and recorded more shutouts (124) than any other goaltender, Brodeur is 42-years-old and the numbers tell the story -- hes no longer a starting-calibre goaltender, so if the Devils move ahead with Cory Schneider handling a true starters workload, that alone will already improve their chances of success. This isnt to suggest that everything will be fine once Brodeur moves on, because thats not the case. The Devils two best offensive players, Jaromir Jagr and Patrik Elias, are also getting on in years and there dont appear to be any heir apparents among New Jerseys prospects, so while the current Devils roster appears good enough to compete for a playoff spot, there is a ceiling on how good they can realistically expect to be. The TSN.ca Rating is an efficiency rating based on per-game statistics including goals and assists -- weighted for strength (ie. power play, even, shorthanded) -- Corsi, adjusted for zone starts, quality of competition and quality of teammates, hits, blocked shots, penalty differential and faceoffs. Generally, a replacement-level player is around a 60, a top six forward and top four defenceman will be around 70, stars will be over 80 and MVP candidates could go over 90. Sidney Crosby finished at the top of the 2013-2014 regular season ratings at 87.12. Salary cap information all comes from the indispensable www.capgeek.com. CF% = Corsi percentage (ie. percentage of 5-on-5 shot attempts), via www.extraskater.com. GM/COACH Lou Lamoriello/Peter DeBoer Returning Forwards Player Rating GP G A PTS CF% Cap Hit Jaromir Jagr 75.69 82 24 43 67 59.2% $3.5M Patrik Elias 73.73 65 18 35 53 54.6% $5.5M Travis Zajac 70.78 80 18 30 48 58.5% $5.75M Adam Henrique 70.16 77 25 18 43 52.9% $4.0M Ryane Clowe 68.64 43 7 19 26 51.8% $4.85M Michael Ryder 65.92 82 18 16 34 53.3% $3.5M Damien Brunner 63.77 60 11 14 25 53.3% $2.5M Dainius Zubrus 63.37 82 13 13 26 54.1% $3.1M Tuomo Ruutu 61.70 76 8 16 24 52.3% $3.8M Free Agent Forwards Player Rating GP G A PTS CF% Class 13-14 Cap Hit Ryan Carter 59.35 62 7 3 10 51.3% UFA $775K Stephen Gionta 59.15 66 4 7 11 49.9% UFA $563K Steve Bernier 58.43 78 3 9 12 53.0% UFA $775K Jacob Josefson 55.66 27 1 2 3 50.0% RFA $725K At 42-years-old, Jaromir Jagr scored his most points in the NHL since 2007-2008. Hes lost a step, maybe two, but hes still a massive physical presence who can control the puck in the offensive zone. The Devils are also smart enough to utilize Jagr properly, focusing his attention on the offensive side of the game. Consistency is the hallmark of Patrik Eliass game, even as he hits his late thirties. Hes one of 10 players to have at least .70 points per game in every season since 2005-2006. Naturally, hes no longer at his peak but, at 38-years-old, Elias remains a reliable two-way player. Further removed from his Achilles injury, Travis Zajac had a more productive offensive season, though hes tended towards being a stronger two-way player than a typical first-line scoring centre. Even so, he still rates pretty well in terms of goal differential, on for 56.0% of 5-on-5 goals over the past six seasons. Not the most likely candidate to lead the Devils in goal-scoring last season, Adam Henrique doesnt generate that many shots. Among the 51 players to score at least 25 goals last season, two (Steven Stamkos and Valtteri Filppula) had fewer shots on goal than Henrique. The Devils have committed long-term to Zajac and Henrique down the middle and thats okay, but that pair might also come with a lower ceiling than other teams top-two centres. Power forward Ryane Clowe, signed last summer as an effective replacement for David Clarkson, has scored 10 goals in 83 games over the past two seasons, but he was still effective enough when healthy. The trouble is that health tends to go quickly for power forwards on the wrong side of 30, so health likely remains a risk going forward. Michael Ryder has scored at least 18 goals in five of the past six seasons (scoring 16 in the lockout-shortened season), but last years 34 points in 82 games represented the second-lowest scoring rate of his career. At 34, hes in decline, but has one year left on his contract, so its not as though the Devils are invested long-term; they can still hope that Ryder has enough left to give them 20 goals next season. Even after a decent rookie season, Damien Brunner had a bit of a hard time finding a contract last summer before ending up with the Devils. While hes counted on to provide complementary offence, two goals in his last 27 games didnt exactly fulfill that expectation. Hes skilled enough to complement skilled players, but does not appear be strong enough to drive play in his own right. 35-year-old Dainius Zubrus is a trusted soldier, who was often tasked with difficult checking assignments last season. Hes versatile enough to get moved around the lineup as needed. Acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes, veteran Tuomo Ruutu was very effective in New Jersey. He had a modest eight points in 19 games, but was also on the ice for more than 58% of the shots during 5-on-5 play. Ruutus body has taken a beating over the course of his career, and isnt too fleet afoot, but that seemed to work out all right while playing with Jagr, as they could use their power game to dominate possession. There are enough returning forwards that the Devils could press ahead with that top nine and replace (or re-sign) fourth-line free agents, but it wouldnt hurt to add another quality forward to the mix. Maybe someone like Devin Setoguchi or a return of Brian Gionta could work. Returning Defence Player Rating GP G A PTS CF% Cap Hit Andy Greene 69.64 82 8 24 32 56.3% $3.0M Anton Volchenkov 61.18 56 0 8 8 55.0% $4.25M Jon Merrill 60.83 52 2 9 11 53.6% $840K Peter Harrold 59.61 33 0 4 4 54.7% $800K Bryce Salvador 58.14 40 1 3 4 50.4% $3.167M Free Agent Defence Player Rating GP G A PTS CF% Class 13-14 Cap Hit Marek Zidlicky 70.26 81 12 30 42 53.3% UFA $3.0M Eric Gelinas 68.09 60 7 22 29 53.1% RFA $660K Mark Fayne 62.42 72 4 7 11 55.3% UFA $1.3M Adam Larsson 59.75 26 1 2 3 55.5% RFA $925K Hes on the small side as defencemen go, but Andy Greene has played every game in the past two seasons, playing big minutes, and has been very effective under difficult circumstances. Hes not a prototype No. 1 defenceman, but thats the role Greene fills for the Devils. There was a time when Anton Volchenkov hurled his body in front of every shot attempt, consistently ranking among the leagues blocked shot leaders -- topping out at 273 in 2006-2007 -- but those were days when he was playing 21 minutes per game, facing tough opposition. Now, Volchenkov is logging 16 minutes a game, facing relatively easy assignments. The question for the Devils to answer is whether or not its worth taking a $4.25-million cap hit for the next two seasons on a defenceman who doesnt play very much. A second-round pick in 2010, Jon Merrill didnt spent long in the AHL (27 games, scoring 18 points) before landing in New Jersey and he played well as a rookie. Not a standout, and not the kind of offensive contributions that he had in Albany or at the University of Michigan, but Merrill has the size and skating ability to find himself in a top-four role. Peter Harrold is a utility man, filling in wherever hes needed and even providing solid possession stats, but hes played 86 NHL games over the past four seasons. Bryce Salvador was a playoff hero in 2012 and while he continues to play 20 minutes a night, when healthy (he missed 42 games with injuries last season), hes been on the wrong end of the possession game. Hes 38-years-old, so it would be reasonable to cut back on his playing time. He can round out his game to earn the trust of the coaching staff, but theres no denying the impact that Eric Gelinas can have on the power play, as he scored 17 of his 29 points with the man advantage. The fourth overall pick in 2011, Adam Larsson hasnt been able to secure a regular spot in the lineup, with his ice time decreasing over the course of his three pro seasons. If hes not going to be part of the Devils plans next season, the 21-year-old is young enough that he would have value on the trade market. While Mark Fayne is an underrated defender that the Devils may lose to free agency, there could also be some appeal for the Devils to go after a veteran defenceman like Dan Boyle, Anton Stralman or Tom Gilbert to stabilize their top four. Returning Goaltender Player Rating GP W L OTL GAA SV% Cap Hit Cory Schneider 65.79 45 16 15 12 1.97 .921 $4.0M Free Agent Goaltender Player Rating GP W L OTL GAA SV% Class 13-14 Cap Hit Martin Brodeur 58.79 39 19 14 6 2.51 .901 UFA $4.5M When Cory Schneider was acquired from Vancouver at last summers draft, there may have been some expectation that he would be the Devils starting goaltender, but he barely played more than Martin Brodeur, despite having a .921 save percentage compared to Brodeurs .901. Over the past five years, Schneiders .928 save percentage is near the best in the league and the Devils should probably see what he can do with 55-60 starts. On the other hand, Brodeurs game has declined in recent seasons, as one might expect from a now 42-year-old goaltender. Brodeur seems to be inclined to play next season and, strange as it sounds, it may not be in New Jersey. Top Prospects Player Pos. Team/League Stats Damon Severson D Kelowna (WCHL) 15-46-61, +47, 64 GP Steven Santini D Rochester (AHL) 3-8-11, +26, 35 GP Reid Boucher LW Albany (AHL) 22-16-38, -3, 56 GP Stefan Matteau C Albany (AHL) 13-13-26, +6, 67 GP Keith Kinkaid G Albany (AHL) 2.29 GAA, .912 SV%, 43 GP Reece Scarlett D Albany (AHL) 6-14-20, +11, 48 GP Blake Coleman C Miami (NCHC) 19-9-28, +8, 27 GP Ryan Kujawinski C Kingston (OHL) 423-18-41, +3, 45 GP Graham Black C Swift Current (WHL) 34-63-97, +18, 69 GP Blake Pietila LW Michigan Tech. (WCHA) 8-20-28, -4, 39 GP Alexander Urbom D Albany (AHL) 1-10-11, -3, 35 GP A defenceman with good size and mobility who was drafted in the second round of 2012, Damon Severson struggled early upon his return to the WHL, but got back on track, finishing the regular season with 30 points in his last 31 games before leading Kelowna in playoff scoring. Picked in the second round last summer, Steve Santini is a rock-solid physical defenceman who had a strong freshman year at Boston College. Doesnt have the puck skills of some other New Jersey defence prospects. Picked in the fourth round in 2011, Reid Boucher is a goal-scorer with a big shot and while he scored all right in the AHL, he managed two goals and seven points in 23 games with New Jersey in his first audition. Powerfully-built Stefan Matteau, a first-round pick in 2012, seems a safe bet to develop into an NHL player, but hasnt scored enough to project him to fit into top half of the depth chart when he does reach the NHL for keeps. Undrafted out of Union College, Keith Kinkaid has put in three seasons in the AHL, with last season the best of the three. While there might be an opportunity to step in as the backup to Schneider, it could require a leap of faith to pencil Kinkaid into that spot. A sixth-round pick in 2011, Reece Scarlett had a solid first pro season, at least when he was healthy, but was limited to 48 games in his first pro season. A good showing next year could put Scarlett into consideration for New Jersey. Texas native Blake Coleman didnt score much in his first two seasons at Miami-Ohio, but broke through for 19 goals and 28 points in 27 games as a junior. Surely the Devils would appreciate if he could build on that with a strong senior campaign. Drafted in the third round last summer, Ryan Kujawinski has good size and can score, but missed time with hand and knee injuries last season. The 19-year-old should have a big year in the OHL next season. A fifth-round pick in 2012, Graham Black had modest production in the WHL, until last season, when he burst through with 97 points in 69 games as an overager. Time for him to make the move to the AHL. Picked in the fifth round in 2011, Blake Pietila has been a solid, if unspectacular collegiate player at Michigan Tech. The 21-year-old needs a strong senior campaign if hes going to be considered a serious prospect. Alexander Urbom is huge and got into 20 games with the Washington Capitals, after he was claimed on waivers last season, but he returned to the Devils organization, remaining a viable depth option on the blueline. Devils advanced stats and player usage chart from Extra Skater DRAFT 30th - Brendan Lemieux, David Pastrnak, Adrian Kempe, Nikolai Goldobin. FREE AGENCY According to www.capgeek.com, the Devils have approximately $53.5M committed to the 2013-2014 salary cap for 15 players. Check out my possible Devils lineup for next season on Cap Geek here. Needs: One top nine forward, depth forwards, one top four defenceman, backup goaltender. What I said the Devils needed last year: Four top nine forwards, two top four defencemen, goaltendingThey added: Jaromir Jagr, Michael Ryder, Ryane Clowe, Damien Brunner, Rostislav Olesz, Cory Schneider. TRADE MARKET Damien Brunner, Michael Ryder, Anton Volchenkov, Bryce Salvador, Adam Larsson. Scott Cullen can be reached at Scott.Cullen@bellmedia.ca and followed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/tsnscottcullen. For more, check out TSN Fantasy on Facebook. Jason Demers Jersey . -- Tony Finau won the Stonebrae Classic on Sunday for his first Web. Mario Kempe Jersey .ca. Kerry, In the first period of Saturdays Montreal-Ottawa game, Brendan Gallagher is called for goaltender interference. Craig Anderson is outside the blue paint trying to make the save. http://www.officialcoyotesfanstore.com/a...coyotes-jersey/. Gerald Green and Miles Plumlee? Green had bounced around the NBA when he wasnt playing overseas. The Pacers gave up on Plumlee after just one season. Now Green and Plumlee are key cogs in the Suns surprising breakout season. Antti Raanta Jersey . The Grizzlies erased most of a 25-point deficit before Durant, the leagues scoring champion, got hot. Alex Galchenyuk Jersey . -- Rookie Victor Oladipo came off the bench to score 20 points and Glen Davis had 18, leading the Orlando Magic to a 112-98 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.LONDON -- The NFL is back in London boasting the star power of Adrian Peterson and Ben Roethlisberger. Trouble is, their teams have nothing to brag about. The Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers are both 0-3 heading into Sundays game at Wembley Stadium, and a fourth loss will all but put the playoffs out of reach for one of them. The first of two regular-season NFL games is expected to be a sellout despite the teams current woes. "It doesnt bother me. I love the atmosphere," said Rachel Green, who with husband Matt has been to all six of the NFL games played at Wembley. "I prefer it to be close, which it will more likely be with them both 0-3." As of Tuesday, about 84,000 tickets had been sold, with only singles and premium seats still up for grabs. The Vikings arrived in London on Tuesday and were already mixing with local schoolchildren and fans as part of the duties of the designated home team. The Steelers arrive Friday. All eyes will be on Peterson, the Vikings running back, and Roethlisberger, the Steelers quarterback, as they look to lead their clubs to victory with their seasons teetering on the brink. Minnesota lost 31-27 to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, while the Steelers fell 40-23 to the Chicago Bears. "These are two teams that the U.K. crowd have not seen before and you have star power with the Vikings in Adrian Peterson and, with the Steelers, you have one of the most successful franchises in NFL history," NFL UK managing director Alistair Kirkwood said. "What you want is a very competitive game, and you know you are going to get it with both teams going after a must-win." The New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos are among tthe teams that have played in London since the International Series was launched.ddddddddddddThe New York Giants victory over the Miami Dolphins in the inaugural 2007 game helped turn their season around en route to winning the Super Bowl. The Vikings went 10-6 last season and made the playoffs, while the Steelers finished 8-8. When they were selected to play in London, no one could have expected they would be a combined 0-6 heading into this weeks game. "For me, the chance to see a team as storied and famous as the Steelers is a big draw," said 30-year-old Matt Green, who counts the Green Bay Packers as his favourite team. "Itll be interesting to see how a franchise that has been challenging year in, year out will cope with the difficulties theyve been facing recently. "To be honest, I would go regardless of the teams playing. The chance to hang out and chat with so many like-minded NFL fans is one of my favourite parts of the day." The second game, scheduled for Oct. 27, also features two teams currently struggling. The Jacksonville Jaguars 0-3 start is not a big surprise, but the reigning NFC champion San Francisco 49ers are unexpectedly 1-2 after two straight losses. Still, the 49ers will likely be heavy favourites. That game is sold out, which bodes well for building the Jaguars fan base in Britain. Jacksonville has signed up to play one of its home games at Wembley over the next three seasons. London, meanwhile, keeps being talked about as a potential home for a full-time NFL franchise in the future. "Youre going to get a very interesting story no matter what team plays," Kirkwood said. "Well be able to track the Jaguars and see how they grow going forward." 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