The Devils season so far has been a tailspin into mediocrity and inconsistency, and the team finds itself barely clinging on for a playoff berth (even though there is still a lot of time left). Scoring has been a problem, but that can be expected as the team lost Alexander Mogilny to the Toronto Maple Leafs this summer, last season's leading goal-scorer. Defense has been a problem, but that can be expected as the team defensive defenseman (Scott Stevens, Ken Daneyko, Tommy Albelin) continue to age. Goaltending has been a problem, but that can also be expected as star Martin Brodeur has had a sub-par season, and the Devils find themselves without a reliable backup such as John Vanbiesbrouck or Chris Terreri. The 2001-2002 season has been a tough one so far for the two-time Eastern Conference champions.

There is truly not that much that the Devils can be excited about this season. Other than the emergence of Brian Rafalski as a superior offensive defenseman (a contender for the Norris Trophy), and the recent coming out of rookie Christian Berglund, there are few reasons to celebrate at the Meadowlands.

So, as your are sitting in your living room watching the Devils lose to Atlanta after being up 2-0, or Tampa Bay, or Buffalo, etc., you miserably wonder how far can we really get this year in the playoffs (if we even make it)? Then, suddenly, you see a Devils player pick up the puck behind Brodeur. He looks up ice, and in 2 or 3 strides he's going full speed. He goes around 1 winger. Fakes left, around the other. Past the center with his head up all the way. Fakes right, around the first defenceman. Who's this?

The answer is Scott Gomez, the 22 year-old from Anchorage, Alaska, who stands at 5-11 and weighs 200 lbs. After a disappointing sophomore season to follow up a rookie-of-the-year performance, Scott Gomez is once again showing hockey fans what he can do. Add to his great rookie year the fact that he now has more skill, more confidence, and he is more mature, and you get an astounding playmaker.

Watching Gomez this year one can only imagine what he will be when he gets older and wiser. His stickhandling and lateral movement can make a defenseman dizzy. His speed can make opposing players think they're going backwards. It's not surprising to see him take the puck from one end of the ice to the other, if his linemates can't get open for a pass. On the powerplay, a defenseman usually stands behind his net with the puck and waits for Gomez to come around and pick it up to bring it into the other end.

His best asset is probably his ability to not look at the puck while stickhandling. As he skates, his head is always up, allowing him to see teammates that are open, defenseman that want to check him, and players that are trying to catch him. If he's shooting, he doesn't have to look at the puck, but can watch the goalie and find an opening.

So, back to your hockey game. There's Gomez, with 1 defenseman left to beat. He stickhandles around him and Gomez is on a breakaway. The opposing goaltender is ready. Gomez shoots………and it's wide. No goal; a golden opportunity missed. The Devils season in a nutshell. But don't blame Gomez. It seems as if that's been happening to every Devils player this season. They get great scoring chances, and somehow the other goalie either makes a miraculous save, or the puck isn't shot on net, or there's a strange bounce. It doesn't matter what, but it's been happening all season long. Plus, to those not familiar with him yet, Gomez is not a sniper or a scorer, he's a playmaker, a passer. In order for success, he needs a finisher, or someone who drives to the net, so he can set them up. Last year he had Mogilny, but last year he was hit by the infamous sophomore slump. This year his high level of play has returned, but the team lacks a Mogilny-like player. Take this into consideration: Gomez has probably been one of the best and most consistent players on the team, and has only 28 points to show for it. Just 5 goals and 23 assists, a meager number for the work that he does on the ice.

Now to get back to your previous question, how far can they make it to the playoffs? First off, let's start off by saying that they will make it. They have to. They are to good of a team, and when they play hard, they can beat practically anyone. After two years of long postseasons however, focus has been a problem for the Devils. As we get closer to the playoffs and the Stanley Cup, expect focus to return, and the consistent, powerful Devil machine to get powered up once again. Towards the trading deadline, expect GM Lou Lamoriello to make the additions he believes necessary for the Devils to make another run at the cup. Expect either a flurry of small trades to bring in some missing pieces to the puzzle (this has already started with the acquisition of Valeri Kamensky) or a big blockbuster trade, which could involve Bobby Holik leaving the Garden State. Devils fans, don't be to surprised if Teemu Selanne, Ziggy Palffy, or Vincent Lecavalier join the Devils before the March deadline.