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Sports

Devils count on Rafalski

Friday, September 29, 2000

By MARK J. CZERWINSKI
Staff Writer

WEST ORANGE -- At this time last season, Brian Rafalski was the great unknown on the Devils defense. He was the rookie from Finland, a free agent sleeper who played his way onto the team with an eye-popping training camp.

Now, with Group II free agent Scott Niedermayer still unsigned, only veterans Scott Stevens and Ken Daneyko have played more games on defense for the Devils than Rafalski. That kind of seniority, coupled with Rafalski's obvious talent, will translate into a lot more responsibility this season.

"I don't mind that at all," Rafalski said before Thursday night's preseason game against the Rangers at Continental Arena. "Everybody wants to play as much as they can, and with Nieder not here, it gives me that opportunity.

"I would guess I'll see a little more power-play time, and I might have to kill a penalty every once in a while. We don't have the experienced guys. I'm the experienced guy now."

Rafalski, who is locked in as Stevens' partner, doesn't have Niedermayer's raw talent. But he clearly outperformed Niedermayer for long stretches last season, raising expectations for his sophomore campaign.

"I hope he's better than last season," said coach Larry Robinson. "That year experience is very, very important. And with Nieder not being here, he's doubly important."

Remember that Rafalski, who turned 27 Thursday, is older and more experienced than the average second-year player. That means he's likely to be immune to the pitfalls that often keep a player from following up strong on a good rookie season.

"I've had a lot of first seasons," Rafalski said. "Sweden. Finland. Here. I've been around long enough to know that it becomes even harder.

"But I know what's expected here now, and it's instinct for me. That doesn't mean I'm perfect. I'm still going to make mistakes, but it's a lot easier for me to learn from them."

* * *

Rookie defenseman Sascha Goc may have solidified his spot on the Devils roster. He scored a goal Thursday night as the Devils tied the Rangers, 2-2, at Continental Arena.

Goc is the leading scorer among Devils defensemen in preseason with four points in six games. Robinson has been impressed with Goc's physical strength since the start of training camp.

Colin White scored his second goal of the preseason for the Devils, who close out their exhibition slate Monday night at home against the Islanders. Petr Nedved and Valeri Kamensky scored for the Rangers.

* * *

Robinson made his final cuts after the game, sending wingers Jiri Bicek, Pierre Dagenais, and Stan Gron to Albany along with defenseman Mike Commodore and goaltender Frederic Henry. That means rookies Willie Mitchell and Goc made the team on defense along with journeyman Ken Sutton.

Copyright © 2000 Bergen Record Corp.

 

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