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Chat Reel: Darren Eliot
A six-game series likely between Devils and Avs
Posted: Thursday May 31, 2001 5:18 PM
CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's NHL chat with Darren Eliot - welcome and thanks for joining us.
Darren Eliot: Glad to be here!
From: Dwayne Andrews in Sydney, Nova Scotia: Have you heard any rumors regarding Montreal trading Jose Theodore to Atlanta to gain the No. 1 pick in the draft?
Darren Eliot: There has been some speculation that Montreal is one of the teams interested in acquiring the first overall pick from the Thrashers. Other teams on that list include the Flyers, the Sabres and the Penguins. Any deal would probably include a goaltender, but I had not heard Theodore's name specifically.
From canuck_fan: Do you think Mario Lemieux will have the same impact on the Penguins and on the NHL as a business next season?
Darren Eliot: Certainly for the Penguins, Lemieux will remain a huge draw. Around the league, I'm sure he'll remain popular as a draw as well. But the impact that he had this year, surprising everyone and returning after a three and a half year absence, probably can't be duplicated at the gate.
From Mike in Great Neck, N.Y.: What style of game are we most likely to see from here on? Game 1-like? Or Game 2-like?
Darren Eliot: Depends on who has the lead. Colorado's style didn't change all that much from Game 1 to Game 2, whereas the Devils play much more conservatively when ahead in a game. From a physical standpoint, expect it to be much more like Game 2 from here on out.
From Susan in Dallas, Texas: With N.J. having the last line change, will the A-Line get more scoring chances at home?
Darren Eliot: They certainly should. Simply because Bobby Holik's line should be able to match up against Joe Sakic's line. That should make for an easier matchup for the A-line. Plus they won't have to focus as heavily on the defensive side of things, which should free up their offensive game.
From canuck_fan: Given that this past season was a Canucks rebuilding year, do you think they will be able to consistently make the playoffs over the next few seasons?
Darren Eliot: They certainly have a good, young nucleus. But frankly, the key word in your question is "consistently." Until they get better goaltending consistently, their prospects for annual trips to the postseason remain in question.
From Dave Degrazia in Trenton, Mich.: Why do teams take on different personalities and "take their play up a notch" depending on the netminder? I am speaking specifically to the Blues and Wings this year; it seemed they were better teams in front of their No. 2 guys, yet the No. 1 goalies (Turek, Osgood) received the majority of blame for early exits.
Darren Eliot: Oftentimes teams will play more conservatively in front of the No. 2 goaltender. Sometimes it's simply a matter of a team playing in front of the No. 2 less frequently, meaning there's fewer chances for poor games that would stick out in fans' minds. But ultimately, in Detroit and St. Louis, both Chris Osgood and Roman Turek have had enough inconsistencies in their game to breed doubt, both in their teammates and certainly in the minds of the fans.
From AdvanceScout: Peter Forsberg's early exit from the playoffs has affected Chris Drury's game in that he has a lot harder time finding open ice. How can the Avs rectify this situation?
Darren Eliot: There is no easy remedy. Drury is forced to play in the middle with Forsberg out of the lineup. He becomes the focal point on that line. One solution might be to move him to the Joe Sakic line, but the major drawback there is that it severely damages the second line.
From Michaels in New York, N.Y.: No matter how much ESPN, also known as ESPN(HL), will support the Avs (the sexy team), the boring Devils (for Rangers and other fans) will prevail. Just play the damn trap! What do you think?
Darren Eliot: Don't forget that New Jersey scored the most goals in the NHL this season. So they're not just about boring defense. You're right though that the Devils aren't, to use your term, sexy in that they don't have a lot of marquee names. They're built around a team concept and as an organization shun the spotlight, but make no mistake, they are the best team in the NHL on both sides of the puck, regardless of what the ESPN might purport.
From paneintheglass: One gets the feeling that Martin Brodeur openly idolizes Patrick Roy, but Roy doesn't really seem to want much to do with Brodeur. What's the story there?
Darren Eliot: Different personalities. Roy is kind of the quiet, introspective type. And Martin Brodeur is open, gregarious and seemingly always in a good mood. All you need to know about the differences between the two, think about Roy's superstitions, such as not wanting to step on the bluelines on the ice and Brodeur, who will do sit down interviews for the media right up 'til 6 o'clock in the evening. Remember most goalies make it a habit not to talk at all to the media on game day. When I asked Brodeur about his refreshing availability, he said, "What's the difference? The game doesn't start 'til 7:30. That's when I have to be ready."
From Avs4Life: Hey Darren what is your prediction for tonight and is tonight's game the most important of the series?
Darren Eliot: Well, first of all, it's not the most important game of the series. But it will be very interesting from a matchup standpoint. Larry Robinson as the home coach can now dictate the matchups and the Jason Arnott line has to hit the scoresheet. My prediction: Devils 4, Avs 2. That'll make Game 4 the most important game for the Avs and their fans. Enjoy!
CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Darren. Thanks for joining us!
Darren Eliot: Thanks -- and see you next week if the series goes six games, which I think it will at least.
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