11/01/01
BY RICH CHERE STAR-LEDGER STAFF
While the Devils live with Scott Niedermayer's periodic flashes of brilliance and occasional lapses of seeming disinterest, another speedy young defenseman is on the verge of claiming the role as the team's offensive quarterback.
Since he joined the Devils full-time in 1992-93, Niedermayer has always been regarded as the man who would be the Norris Trophy king. But there is increasing evidence that Brian Rafalski, in his third NHL season, is the Devils' most dangerous defenseman when it comes to generating offense and making the breakout pass from his own end.
At the least, they are equals. And, as the Devils wait patiently for some of their slumping forwards to break loose, the offensive spark provided by Rafalski and Niedermayer has been vital during the five-game winning streak the club brings into its meeting with the Phoenix Coyotes tonight at Continental Airlines Arena.
Niedermayer scored two goals, including the game-winner, in the Devils' 4-3 overtime victory over the Boston Bruins Tuesday night while Rafalski remained the team's leading scorer among defensemen by collecting his eighth point in the eight games he has played.
"We need a little boost as a team. We have to try to create some chances for the forwards. That's our role, whether it's passing or skating," Rafalski said. "Controlling the puck or setting the pace is something I'm capable of doing."
They can be an effective one-two punch when it comes to moving the puck.
"We want to help. We want to be part of the solution, not the whole solution," Niedermayer said. "Maybe by making some good outlet passes."
Rafalski, 28, has improved steadily since the Devils signed him as a free agent during the summer of 1999. He scored 32 points as a rookie and followed it with 52 last season.
Although it is early, it is not a stretch to think that Rafalski can challenge the team record for points in a season by a defenseman. Regular defense partner Scott Stevens holds the mark of 78 in 1993-94. Tom Kurvers scored 66 in 1988-89.
The key to Rafalski's success, coach Larry Robinson said, is not forcing the issue.
"I think he's playing pretty darn good. Before, he was trying to jump in and play too much offensively. He was wearing himself down for making the offensive play later in a game," Robinson said. "He's picking his spots and, as a result, he's back to where he was."
Rafalski said it has been a matter of conditioning after missing some time with a sore knee and groin.
"I'm still trying to get in better shape after 10 days off with the groin. It's timing," he said. "I've tried to improve each year my whole life. Experience plays a lot in that."
Notes: Right winger Turner Stevenson has yet to test his injured right knee, which suffered ligament damage Oct. 17 against the Rangers. "(Orthopedist Barry Fisher) wants him to wait a little longer," general manager Lou Lamoriello said. "We'll probably put him on the ice next week. I feel pretty good because of the way he's progressed and how he feels. It's one of those things where we won't know (whether he needs surgery) until he gets out on the ice." ... The Devils did not practice yesterday.