Langenbrunner moving closer

The Devils had another long practice today (more than a hour), but this one centered more on game-type situations after Tuesday's skating-heavy session --  a punishment for Monday's 5-0 loss to Pittsburgh. All players took part, including Jamie Langenbrunner, who was wearing a dark green jersey and participated in some contact drills.

Langenbrunner rotated in on the fourth line and also played defense a little (to give Karel Rachunek a partner). After working out a lot with Colin White (right eye injury) while recovering from his sports hernia surgery, Langenbrunner has decided to try wearing a protective visor.

"I was talking with Whitey with what he's going through and he kind of talked me into trying it," Langenbrunner said. "It was a good time to try it with three or four weeks of skating. We'll see how it feels when I play in game-type situations."

Langenbrunner is moving closer to being ready to play in a game, though neither he nor head coach Brent Sutter would give a timetable for his return. Still, it sounds like it might not be that much longer.

"It's a day-to-day thing with Jamie," Sutter said. "When he feels comfortable enough to be put in all situations and handle it -- as far as battling and as far as the way Jamie needs to play -- that's when he'll be able to play."

Sutter met with Patrik Elias -- at Elias' request -- on the ice for more than 10 minutes after today's practice. Elias said it was "just to make sure we're on the same page." For more on that, you'll have to read my article in Thursday's newspaper.

Martin Brodeur will start again in net Thursday night against the Flyers. Sutter said Rachunek has been cleared to play after missing the last four games with a groin strain and a decision will be made Thursday morning about whether to put him back in the lineup against the Flyers.

After switching up his lines to try to get something going during Monday's game, Sutter reverted to the same combinations he'd been using for the previous week.

Forwards: Parise-Zajac-Gionta; Elias-Brylin-Clarkson; Pandolfo-Madden-Zubrus; Rupp-Pelley-Asham; Langenbrunner (extra).

Defense: Greene-Martin; Vishnevski-Brookbank; Oduya-Mottau; Rachunek (extra).

Comments

[Scott]

Nice tease on the Elias conversation, I hope it's good stuff.

[Sean]

Thank you for the always reliable updates TG. I can't wait until there is an upgrade to the line-up, whether it be returning players (Langs or White) or a trade. The current line-up is capable of .500 at best. The defensemen are skilled and agile, but that doesn't help when they're always overpowered and pinned in their own zone. I think every team sees how to beat them with transition play beating the forwards aggressive forecheck and by cycling down low against inferior defensemen!!

[Pat Dico]

What newspaper do you write for? I'm interested in checking out the whole story with Elias. I enjoy reading your articles, I just hope I don't have to go out and get a newspaper every time I want to read the whole story.

[KrisUnger]

Tom,

I hope they have been practicing the power play.
Do you agree that it is disorganized and flawed-since no one has a hard shot from the point.

The Devs PP is always pressured and rushed, while the the Devs PK gives the opposition plenty of time and space to set up and take high percentage shots on goal.

[Maxwell]

Dico - this copy this link and put it in your broswer:

http://www.northjersey.com/main.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2

If that doesn't work, click on the "Sports" link in the upper-left hand corner of this page. From there, you can click on "Devils" or the name of the article TG posts.

You should be able to figure it out.

[Shari]

I would imagine with Sutter practice being what it is, it will not take Langs very long to be in game shape. Elias is center dependant He always has been, if a playmaking center is not found for Him, I'm afraid He will have a hard time finding his way,constant line changes don't help His cause any either, because it always takes Him a bit of time to build chemistry with His centermen.

[TG]

They worked on pretty much every game situation today, including the power play. I'm sure they'll do more work on that tomorrow morning too.

Yes, all articles are posted on The Record's Web site: northjersey.com, which you have to go through to get to this blog (I think).

I'm not trying to be difficult by not getting more into the Elias thing here today and if it was something urgent I certainly would. I just have to walk a fine line betweeen what I put on this blog and what I write in the newspaper (which is still my primary responsibility). I try to provide all the basic info here and then expand upon some subjects there isn't room for in the newspaper. After games, there's no need to rehash everything from the game and my game story. But if there's a specific play or something else that jumps out, I can go into more detail and give more player/coach explanation/reaction.
If there's something else that you'd like to see, let me know and I can try to do that, too.

[RangersSuck]

TG-
Nope, you don't have to go through the Record's main site to get here. I just go to:
http://njmg.typepad.com/devilsblog/

I do go to the Record regularly for other stuff, though.

Thanks for the inside info. I've wandered in on a couple of Devils practices at South Mountain, and I've been wondering if we'll be able to do that after they move to the practice rink in Newark?

[Pookie]

Tom, I just wanted to say that I adore this blog. I've been reading your articles for the Bergen Record for a while now, but I find them even more interesting now that there's this blog to accompany them. Since I watch the games, reading game recaps written with a journalistic tone is a little more dispassionate than I tend to be looking for, but now that I can see how the writer interacts with the team and the organization, I find it all infinitely more accessible. So thank you so much for being willing to shed a little light on the stuff that doesn't make it to the paper! And thanks to the Bergen Record for giving you this opportunity.

[TG]

This isn't official, but I think you will be able to attend practices when the Devils move to their facility in Newark. They will be putting in bleachers and the rink will be used for youth hockey, etc. too.
Lou Lamoriello said on Friday that the practice facility would be done in a week, but I have no idea when they'll have their first practice there. I looked in on Monday when I was there and, though, the rink itself is done, there was a lot of other work to be done around it (no bleachers, yet) and the locker room wasn't finished.

[Tibbs]

"If there's something else that you'd like to see?" Yeah TG, a Devils win tomorrow night would be nice.
Personally I understand the fine line you have to go through and that's fine. Your blog is definitely the number one destination for Devils connoisseur. The comments are at the level of the posts unlike some forums. You are providing useful information to fans and believe me if every information was as reliable as yours we wouldn't have suffered in the summer with the Souray rumors.
A word on Langenbrunner (I want to bring my share to the comments). I am, like many others, glad to hear that Langs is getting close. We know what he brings to the team : offense, work ethic, leadership. When he missed games with his knee surgery in 2003-04 it probably cost us the Atlantic Division title. His chemistry with Zajac and Parise last year is definitely something we can look forward to except he might not play with them if Sutter decides to shuffle his lines to get Gionta and Elias going (he wouldn't do that, would he?)
I don't want to expect too much, don't want to be disappointed but I really think Langs can solve a lot of our problems on many levels. First he is like new blood. He hasn't been part of the tough start of the season and he can bring stability with his past chemistry on the "second" line last year. When there are so many new players on the team, his presence will bring some veteran leadership to the team. He will give Sutter more options, one rookie will probably be on the outside but Langs can pretty much play on the top three lines. I'd prefer him to play on the top two though. The only remaining questions are: when and will he be efficient quickly. Because when it comes to his commitment, there is certainly no questioning.

[Yaron]

TG,

Once again just wanted to reiterate what a great job you're doing. Your blog has become my most visited website day in and day out. I look forward to your updates.

As for Langenbrunner, great news. It sounds like he may even be back late next week (I can see him playing a game in Lowell beginning of week with a Devils debut a few days later)

[sutter means win]

Great news about Jamie, I wonder if theres a chance Zubrus would get another shot at center with Jamie and Patrick on wing?

And its my turn to say thank you TG for your work.

[jules]

I would like to see Sutter throw skates at the players or mutilate a trashcan, perhaps lighting it on fire or something of that nature. And it’s good to hear that Langenbrunner is thinking about wearing a visor. Hopefully, more players will start to consider this at least as important as, say, a protective cup.

Actually, Tom, I like that you’re telling us what will be in the paper. Saves us the trouble of asking about things, and then we know what to look for. Of course, we also have to visit northjersey.com…

Also, could you possibly get more information on the finishing touches on the arena? Besides the practice rink. Are there any plans for improvements to the game night production, etc.?

One other thing: do you think you could mention when you’ll be on the Record’s SportsCast? Normally I check the description before downloading to see if it mentions the Devils (it usually doesn’t) because I don’t care to listen to Paul Dottino prattle on with other beat writers about sports/teams that don’t matter, but I think there have been a couple of times when you’ve been on and weren’t mentioned or I missed it.

And I will echo everyone else in thanking you for your work.

[Shtikl]

Definitely we want to see a Devils win vs. the Phlyers.

Thanks for all the news. At least when you mention seeing a call-up at the Rock, we know he's not stuck in Lowell chewing doggie biscuits.

[Mike Smith]

Langer couldn't get back fast enough. THANK GOD!

[DevsForLife]

I hope Jamie comes back soon. I really miss him. Any word on Cam Janssen? Everybody seems to forget him.

[TG]

Langenbrunner didn't sound crazy about the idea of playing a rehab game in Lowell when I asked him about that possibility today, but didn't rule it out either. He said that it hadn't been brought up, though.
I saw Cam at the first home game and one morning skate after that. I haven't heard any updates on him lately, though. He was hoping to skate by the end of this month and to play in December, but the doctors told him he'd be out three months.

And I will mention the next time I'm on the podcast. I think I was on it last week. (It's hard to keep track of the weeks sometimes. They all blend together).

[Yaron]

Langs not wanting to have one or two games in Lowell for reconditioning is definitely a surprise. I guess he is really itching to get back. Hopefully he gets into shape quick.

[RKS]

TG,
I have just started to visit this blog and have to say it is second to none with regards to Devils information. Your reports and insights are excellent and the contributing comments are typically well informed and intelligent (I guess Rangers fans don't visit too often). I'm hoping a major trade is not in the near future . . . with so much change in personnel, approach to the game, and injury - I do not think it is prudent for the organization to do anything drastic . . . and based on Lou's track record am confident nothing will happen before New Year's. I too am looking forward to Langs return . . . his leadership, clutch scoring, and work ethic are definitely missed. Keep up the great work.

[ice dog]

nice blog! keep up the good work. definately the #1 source for devils info!

[Valkoon AKA Elias26]

Tom,
I have been wanting to thank you for this great blog for a while now. It's defiantly the best Devils info you can get.

Everyone has been dumping on Elias for a while now but truth be told this team has lost too much talent over the years and failed to replace it. Lou, who use to be one of the best GM's in hockey, is sadly losing his touch. While we all love him for bringing us 3 cups which is much more than many fans will ever see is there any end to his reign as the Devils GM in sight? And who would be next in line? Thanks again!

[jules]

Tom, having read in your article that any Devil who missed the net in practice had to do push-ups...were you keeping track of who missed the most shots? Maybe break out that trusty abacus and see who had to do the most push-ups?

[tibbs]

I was hoping to read push up stories after this dreadful loss and I was looking forward to some tough practice. They should have started way before Tuesday. As soon as the focus issues appeared. Pat Burns used to make them do stuff like that and we all know what happened. As for bashing Elias and Lou, well stuff like that always happens. It is human nature to find excuses and culprits. The team has indeed lost huge amount of talent since 2003. Although I don't think this team is a cup contender, I believe they can at least make the playoffs. What about a cinderella story?... A lot of new players take time to adjust and that's normal. What is unacceptable is the lack of effort! We will see how the team reacts tonight. A good 60 minute effort is the least to expect. I don't believe Gionta and Elias have lost their touch for ever. They will be back at some point.