That's the question I posed to Devils president and general manager Lou Lamoriello today (at your request) after the ice has been poor for the team's first 10 games at Prudential Center. Lamoriello and the team's principal owner, Jeff Vanderbeek, had bragged that the state of the art refrigeration system, designed and installed by CIMCO, would give the Devils the best ice surface in the NHL, but it hasn't turned out that way, yet.
Lamoriello said the problem has been with a malfunctioning computer that is supposed to regulate the ice's temperature, hardness, etc. These things can be affected by numerous factors: the outdoor temperature, humidity, being covered for basketball games, concerts and other events. For Sunday's game against Atlanta, they turned off the computer and changed the settings manually. The idea, however, is to get the computer working properly.
"We've been talking to CIMCO and had people from the NHL here to work on (the ice)," Lamoriello said. "This is the best system in the country. There's no excuse not to have the best ice. We're completely comfortable that this is all going to get straightened out."
Thanks for looking out for the fans and letting us in on those tis bits that wouldn't be covered anywhere else. Keep up the good work.
Posted by: Pat D'Amico | December 04, 2007 at 06:49 PM
Thanks TG, you're amazing. Good to know that the powers that be are aware of the problem and are trying to make adjustments. Hopefully we'll have the ice as originally envisioned by mid-season.
Posted by: Yaron | December 04, 2007 at 07:46 PM
So technical difficulties, hm? Hopefully it'll all be straightened out by the weekend.
Nice to see that the Devils are taking part in some gimmicks, like that $10 ticket offer for tomorrow. Great for the holidays, especially for poor students. It would be nice if everyone brought a toy or two.
Posted by: jules | December 04, 2007 at 08:44 PM
Great stuff TG - I've been wondering what the problem has been with the ice. Hopefully they're able to get it all straightened out & the ice improves remarkably. It's a bit of an embarrassment now considering how much they talked about this system and how good the ice would be.
Posted by: HBK27 | December 04, 2007 at 09:52 PM
Someone commented on one of my posts that the Devils officially named Jamie Langenbrunner their captain. Can you confirm the validity of this statement?
Posted by: Devswriter99 | December 04, 2007 at 10:03 PM
Thanks for asking this question for us fans because everytime I watch a game someone says that the Ice is horrible. It's pretty embarrassing but at least we know that they are aware of the problem.
Posted by: John Catral | December 04, 2007 at 11:04 PM
good stuff TG
Posted by: Jon | December 04, 2007 at 11:38 PM
This blog is a Devils fan's dream.
I love you.
Posted by: Jake | December 05, 2007 at 12:28 AM
I have heard nothing of the Devils naming Langenbrunner captain. I'm not saying that it won't happen. But if they were to "officially" name him, you think they'd let the media know.
Posted by: TG | December 05, 2007 at 08:35 AM
Well there was some kind of article over the last week (can't remember which) where Sutter said he imagines at some point during this season, they will name a captain. At this point, I don't see it being anyone other than Langs.
Posted by: Yaron | December 05, 2007 at 09:19 AM
At this point I'll be happy with Langenbrunner, Pandolfo or Madden as Captain. Langs has a real leadership quality and very well spoken. Pandolfo is very well liked by the team and is a great motivator in the locker room. Madden has got a presence and he's the most outspoken on the team. I think either 3 would make a great choice.
Posted by: MoonDragn | December 05, 2007 at 10:38 AM
I would be surprised at this point if it doesnt end up being Langenbrunner simply for how Sutter has been regarding him and his return.
Posted by: Nathan - smw | December 05, 2007 at 12:50 PM
Stupid computers...
I'm really hoping that we can stop ourselves from falling asleep tonight watching the Bruins be the most deliberate team in the NHL.
It's kinda like watching Luis Vizacaino on the mound (for you Yankee enthusiasts out there).
Let's go crazy eight!!!
Posted by: Maxwell | December 05, 2007 at 02:41 PM
Yaron, I agree, all three would be great with a "C" on their sweaters (Madden, Pando, and Langen) But I feel that Pando deserves it the most. The man has gotten overlooked so many times. He was a finalist for the lady bing award. Not only does he have the respect of his players in the locker room, but he has the respect of the entire NHL. So Give Pando the "C"
Posted by: Hard hat Nick | December 05, 2007 at 02:49 PM