2002–03 New Jersey Devils season

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2002–03 New Jersey Devils
Stanley Cup champions
Eastern Conference champions
Atlantic Division champions
Division1st Atlantic
Conference2nd Eastern
2002–03 record46–20–10–6
Home record25–11–3–2
Road record21–9–7–4
Goals for216
Goals against166
Team information
General managerLou Lamoriello
CoachPat Burns
CaptainScott Stevens
Alternate captainsPatrik Elias
Scott Niedermayer
ArenaContinental Airlines Arena
Average attendance14,858
Minor league affiliate(s)Albany River Rats
Team leaders
GoalsPatrik Elias (28)
AssistsScott Gomez (42)
PointsPatrik Elias (57)
Penalty minutesTurner Stevenson (115)
Plus/minusJeff Friesen
Scott Niedermayer (+23)
WinsMartin Brodeur (41)
Goals against averageCorey Schwab (1.47)

The 2002–03 New Jersey Devils season was the 29th season for the National Hockey League franchise that was established on June 11, 1974, and 21st season since the franchise relocated from Colorado prior to the 1982–83 NHL season.[1] After claiming the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference titles, the Devils won their third Stanley Cup championship in a seven-game series against the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.

In addition to the Devils reaching the Stanley Cup Finals, the other New Jersey team from one of the major professional sports leagues, the New Jersey Nets of the National Basketball Association (NBA), have reached the NBA Finals where they lost in six games to the San Antonio Spurs.

Regular season[edit]

The Devils tied the Philadelphia Flyers for fewest goals allowed (166) and had the fewest power-play opportunities against (264), the fewest power-play goals against (32) and the best penalty-kill percentage (87.88%). The Devils also tied the Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings and Washington Capitals for fewest short-handed goals allowed, with four. Furthermore, the Devils also had the fewest power-play opportunities for (303), the fewest power-play goals for (36) and the lowest power-play percentage, at 11.88%.[2]

Season standings[edit]

Atlantic Division
No. CR GP W L T OTL GF GA Pts
1 2 New Jersey Devils 82 46 20 10 6 216 166 108
2 4 Philadelphia Flyers 82 45 20 13 4 211 166 107
3 8 New York Islanders 82 35 34 11 2 224 231 83
4 9 New York Rangers 82 32 36 10 4 210 231 78
5 14 Pittsburgh Penguins 82 27 44 6 5 189 255 65

[5]

Note: CR = Conference rank; GP = Games played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; OTL = Overtime loss; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; Pts = Points
         Bolded teams qualified for the playoffs.

Eastern Conference[6]
R Div GP W L T OTL GF GA Pts
1 P- Ottawa Senators NE 82 52 21 8 1 263 182 113
2 Y- New Jersey Devils AT 82 46 20 10 6 216 166 108
3 Y- Tampa Bay Lightning SE 82 36 25 16 5 219 210 93
4 X- Philadelphia Flyers AT 82 45 20 13 4 211 166 107
5 X- Toronto Maple Leafs NE 82 44 28 7 3 236 208 98
6 X- Washington Capitals SE 82 39 29 8 6 224 220 92
7 X- Boston Bruins NE 82 36 31 11 4 245 237 87
8 X- New York Islanders AT 82 35 34 11 2 224 231 83
8.5
9 New York Rangers AT 82 32 36 10 4 210 231 78
10 Montreal Canadiens NE 82 30 35 8 9 206 234 77
11 Atlanta Thrashers SE 82 31 39 7 5 226 284 74
12 Buffalo Sabres NE 82 27 37 10 8 190 219 72
13 Florida Panthers SE 82 24 36 13 9 176 237 70
14 Pittsburgh Penguins AT 82 27 44 6 5 189 255 65
15 Carolina Hurricanes SE 82 22 43 11 6 171 240 61

Divisions: AT – Atlantic, NE – Northeast, SE – Southeast

P – Clinched Presidents Trophy; Y – Clinched Division; X – Clinched Playoff spot


Playoffs[edit]

Main article: 2003 Stanley Cup playoffs

Eastern Conference Quarterfinals[edit]

The series opened at Continental Airlines Arena in New Jersey, and game one was a defensive battle in an ultimate 2–1 Devils victory behind two goals from Jamie Langenbrunner. New Jersey then took control of the series with a 4–2 victory in Game 2.

Down 2–0 in the series but heading home to FleetCenter, Boston shook things up, replacing Steve Shields, who allowed six goals in the first two games, in favor of Jeff Hackett. The shakeup did not do much, as the Devils shut out in the Bruins in Game 3, 3–0, with goalie Martin Brodeur stopping all 29 shots he faced. In game 4, Ken Daneyko was a healthy scratch and did not play that game. It was the first time in his career that he was a healthy scratch in the playoffs. Not wanting to end their season with a winless postseason and a loss in front of their fans, Boston came out firing by winning the game, 5–1 and knocking out Brodeur after the fifth goal in favor of Corey Schwab, who went six-for-six in net.

Unfortunately for the Bruins and their fans, they had only "stayed their execution" until game five in New Jersey, where Brodeur bounced back from his horrid Game 4 with a 28-save shutout in a 3–0 win as Langenbrunner added two more goals.

Eastern Conference semifinals[edit]

The series opened at Continental Airlines Arena in New Jersey, where the Devils scored three third-period goals to break a scoreless tie en route to a 3–0 game one victory with goalie Martin Brodeur posting a 15-save shutout in the process. Game two was a little tenser, with New Jersey rallying from a third-period deficit and winning the game 2:09 into overtime, 3–2, on a goal by Jamie Langenbrunner.

In game three at St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, the Lightning jumped out to a 3–0 first-period lead. Then, Scott Stevens was injured by a puck that hit him in the face from a slapshot by Pavel Kubina. Following that, New Jersey tied the score before scoring in the third period on a goal by Dave Andreychuk to win the game, 4–3 for Tampa. Stevens recovered and returned for game four, and the Devils responded by winning, 3–1, to push the Lightning to the brink. The Devils ended the series with a 2–1 triple-overtime victory in game five, with Grant Marshall scoring the game-winning goal 11:12 into the sixth period.

Eastern Conference finals[edit]

The series opened at Corel Centre in Ottawa, where the Senators took game one in overtime, 3–2, when Shaun Van Allen tipped in a pass from Martin Havlát 3:08 into overtime. New Jersey tied the series, 1–1, with a crucial victory in game two, 4–1. It marked the first time Ottawa goalie Patrick Lalime allowed more than two goals in twelve postseason games.

Game three at the Continental Airlines Arena in New Jersey saw an amazing defensive battle, but New Jersey won the game, 1–0, on a first-period goal by Sergei Brylin. Martin Brodeur posted a 24-save shutout for the Devils in the process. New Jersey appeared to have the series in control when they broke a 2–2 tie in game four with three third-period goals en route to a 5–2 win, and they led in the series, 3–1. But, it wasn't over yet, as Minnesota (twice) and Vancouver rebounded from 3–1 series deficits earlier in the playoffs.

Ottawa returned home for game five, not wanting to lose in front of their fans. They staved off elimination with a 3–1 victory. The tense action resumed back in New Jersey for game six, as the teams entered overtime tied, 1–1, and all the Devils needed was a goal to knock out the Senators. The death blow did not come in game six, as Chris Phillips scored the game-winning goal 15:52 into overtime in the 2–1 Senators victory. This would be the Devils only home loss of the playoffs.

Determined not to suffer the same misfortunes as Colorado, St. Louis, and Vancouver, the Devils broke through in game seven, winning the game, 3–2, as Jeff Friesen knocked in the series-winning goal with just over two minutes to play to send New Jersey to the Stanley Cup Finals. In the decisive game, the Devils benefited from a two-goal performance by Jamie Langenbrunner, his first goals of the series.

Stanley Cup Finals[edit]

Main article: 2003 Stanley Cup Finals

For the Devils, this was their fourth Stanley Cup Finals appearance, after making the Finals previously in 1995, 2000, and 2001. As for the Mighty Ducks, it was their first ever Stanley Cup Finals appearance in franchise history after defeating the Detroit Red Wings, Dallas Stars, and Minnesota Wild. The Devils had a strong start in game one at the Meadowlands as they shut out the Ducks 3–0. Game two was pretty much Deja Vu for the Devils as they once again blanked the Ducks 3–0. Down 2–0 in the series, the Ducks responded at home in Anaheim with a 3–2 overtime victory. Then, in game four, Anaheim tied the series at two in a 1–0 overtime win. Back at the Meadowlands, game five was much more competitive and high tempo. While both teams went back and forth with three goals each, the Devils would add three more goals to win 6–3. Facing elimination in game six, the Ducks did not disappoint their fans as they won game six 5–2. However, during that game, Scott Stevens laid a vicious check on Paul Kariya, knocking him to the ground. Kariya quickly recovered and scored the game-winning goal, tying the series at three games apiece. The Devils ended the series with an exclamation mark as they shut out the Ducks 3–0 once more to capture their third Stanley Cup championship in nine seasons. While the Devils did win the cup, Jean-Sébastien Giguère of Anaheim won the Conn Smythe Trophy, making it the first time in sixteen years that a player from the losing team won the Conn Smythe Trophy.

Schedule and results[edit]

Preseason[edit]

2002 preseason
Preseason: 3–3–2 (home: 1–1–2; road: 2–2–0)
Game Result Date Score Opponent Record
1 T September 20, 2002 4–4 Pittsburgh Penguins 0–0–1
2 W September 21, 2002 5–1 @ Philadelphia Flyers 1–0–1
3 L September 22, 2002 3–4 @ Pittsburgh Penguins 1–1–1
4 W September 24, 2002 2–1 OT @ New York Rangers 2–1–1
5 W September 26, 2002 4–0 Philadelphia Flyers 3–1–1
6 T September 27, 2002 2–2 New York Rangers 3–1–2
7 L October 1, 2002 2–5 @ New York Islanders 3–2–2
8 L October 5, 2002 1–3 New York Islanders 3–3–2
Legend:

  Win   Loss   Tie

Regular season[edit]

2002–03 regular season[7]
October: 6–2–0–0 (home: 3–1–0–0; road: 3–1–0–0)
Game Result Date Score Opponent Record Points Recap
1 W October 10, 2002 2–1 @ Ottawa Senators (2002–03) 1–0–0–0 2 Recap
2 W October 12, 2002 3–2 Columbus Blue Jackets (2002–03) 2–0–0–0 4 Recap
3 W October 18, 2002 3–2 OT Nashville Predators (2002–03) 3–0–0–0 6 Recap
4 L October 19, 2002 1–3 @ Carolina Hurricanes (2002–03) 3–1–0–0 6 Recap
5 W October 23, 2002 2–1 @ Atlanta Thrashers (2002–03) 4–1–0–0 8 Recap
6 W October 25, 2002 2–1 @ Buffalo Sabres (2002–03) 5–1–0–0 10 Recap
7 W October 26, 2002 5–1 Tampa Bay Lightning (2002–03) 6–1–0–0 12 Recap
8 L October 29, 2002 1–2 Carolina Hurricanes (2002–03) 6–2–0–0 12 Recap
November: 7–4–1–1 (home: 4–3–1–0; road: 3–1–0–1)
Game Result Date Score Opponent Record Points Recap
9 W November 2, 2002 5–1 Chicago Blackhawks (2002–03) 7–2–0–0 14 Recap
10 L November 5, 2002 2–3 Calgary Flames (2002–03) 7–3–0–0 14 Recap
11 W November 7, 2002 1–0 @ Philadelphia Flyers (2002–03) 8–3–0–0 16 Recap
12 L November 9, 2002 3–6 Edmonton Oilers (2002–03) 8–4–0–0 16 Recap
13 W November 12, 2002 3–2 OT Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (2002–03) 9–4–0–0 18 Recap
14 W November 15, 2002 5–1 Montreal Canadiens (2002–03) 10–4–0–0 20 Recap
15 L November 16, 2002 1–3 @ Montreal Canadiens (2002–03) 10–5–0–0 20 Recap
16 W November 19, 2002 4–3 OT Buffalo Sabres (2002–03) 11–5–0–0 22 Recap
17 T November 21, 2002 4–4 OT New York Rangers (2002–03) 11–5–1–0 23 Recap
18 L November 23, 2002 1–3 Tampa Bay Lightning (2002–03) 11–6–1–0 23 Recap
19 OTL November 27, 2002 2–3 OT @ Detroit Red Wings (2002–03) 11–6–1–1 24 Recap
20 W November 29, 2002 2–1 @ Nashville Predators (2002–03) 12–6–1–1 26 Recap
21 W November 30, 2002 5–4 OT @ St. Louis Blues (2002–03) 13–6–1–1 28 Recap
December: 7–4–1–2 (home: 4–1–0–1; road: 3–3–1–1)
Game Result Date Score Opponent Record Points Recap
22 W December 2, 2002 1–0 OT @ Philadelphia Flyers (2002–03) 14–6–1–1 30 Recap
23 OTL December 4, 2002 2–3 OT Vancouver Canucks (2002–03) 14–6–1–2 31 Recap
24 W December 6, 2002 3–1 Pittsburgh Penguins (2002–03) 15–6–1–2 33 Recap
25 L December 7, 2002 0–1 @ Toronto Maple Leafs (2002–03) 15–7–1–2 33 Recap
26 W December 10, 2002 2–0 St. Louis Blues (2002–03) 16–7–1–2 35 Recap
27 L December 12, 2002 2–4 @ Columbus Blue Jackets (2002–03) 16–8–1–2 35 Recap
28 OTL December 14, 2002 3–4 OT @ Ottawa Senators (2002–03) 16–8–1–3 36 Recap
29 L December 18, 2002 0–3 Ottawa Senators (2002–03) 16–9–1–3 36 Recap
30 W December 19, 2002 3–1 @ Pittsburgh Penguins (2002–03) 17–9–1–3 38 Recap
31 W December 21, 2002 5–3 Dallas Stars (2002–03) 18–9–1–3 40 Recap
32 T December 23, 2002 2–2 OT @ New York Rangers (2002–03) 18–9–2–3 41 Recap
33 L December 27, 2002 2–3 @ Washington Capitals (2002–03) 18–10–2–3 41 Recap
34 W December 28, 2002 2–1 OT Washington Capitals (2002–03) 19–10–2–3 43 Recap
35 W December 30, 2002 1–0 @ Boston Bruins (2002–03) 20–10–2–3 45 Recap
January: 11–2–1–1 (home: 7–1–0–0; road: 4–1–1–1)
Game Result Date Score Opponent Record Points Recap
36 L January 1, 2003 1–2 Florida Panthers (2002–03) 20–11–2–3 45 Recap
37 W January 3, 2003 2–0 Toronto Maple Leafs (2002–03) 21–11–2–3 47 Recap
38 L January 4, 2003 1–2 @ Toronto Maple Leafs (2002–03) 21–12–2–3 47 Recap
39 W January 7, 2003 3–2 Montreal Canadiens (2002–03) 22–12–2–3 49 Recap
40 W January 10, 2003 2–1 @ Florida Panthers (2002–03) 23–12–2–3 51 Recap
41 T January 11, 2003 3–3 OT @ Tampa Bay Lightning (2002–03) 23–12–3–3 52 Recap
42 W January 13, 2003 6–2 Florida Panthers (2002–03) 24–12–3–3 54 Recap
43 W January 15, 2003 5–0 New York Islanders (2002–03) 25–12–3–3 56 Recap
44 W January 17, 2003 2–1 @ Carolina Hurricanes (2002–03) 26–12–3–3 58 Recap
45 W January 18, 2003 5–2 Carolina Hurricanes (2002–03) 27–12–3–3 60 Recap
46 W January 22, 2003 5–4 OT @ San Jose Sharks (2002–03) 28–12–3–3 62 Recap
47 W January 24, 2003 3–1 @ Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (2002–03) 29–12–3–3 64 Recap
48 OTL January 25, 2003 1–2 OT @ Los Angeles Kings (2002–03) 29–12–3–4 65 Recap
49 W January 28, 2003 1–0 Detroit Red Wings (2002–03) 30–12–3–4 67 Recap
50 W January 30, 2003 5–1 Philadelphia Flyers (2002–03) 31–12–3–4 69 Recap
February: 6–4–3–0 (home: 3–3–1–0; road: 3–1–2–0)
Game Result Date Score Opponent Record Points Recap
51 W February 4, 2003 4–1 Buffalo Sabres (2002–03) 32–12–3–4 71 Recap
52 W February 5, 2003 4–1 @ Washington Capitals (2002–03) 33–12–3–4 73 Recap
53 L February 7, 2003 2–4 Atlanta Thrashers (2002–03) 33–13–3–4 73 Recap
54 W February 9, 2003 3–2 Minnesota Wild (2002–03) 34–13–3–4 75 Recap
55 L February 11, 2003 1–3 @ Colorado Avalanche (2002–03) 34–14–3–4 75 Recap
56 W February 12, 2003 3–0 @ Phoenix Coyotes (2002–03) 35–14–3–4 77 Recap
57 L February 15, 2003 1–4 Pittsburgh Penguins (2002–03) 35–15–3–4 77 Recap
58 T February 18, 2003 2–2 OT @ Philadelphia Flyers (2002–03) 35–15–4–4 78 Recap
59 L February 19, 2003 3–5 Ottawa Senators (2002–03) 35–16–4–4 78 Recap
60 W February 21, 2003 3–2 Boston Bruins (2002–03) 36–16–4–4 80 Recap
61 W February 23, 2003 4–3 @ Pittsburgh Penguins (2002–03) 37–16–4–4 82 Recap
62 T February 25, 2003 3–3 OT New York Rangers (2002–03) 37–16–5–4 83 Recap
63 T February 27, 2003 3–3 OT @ New York Islanders (2002–03) 37–16–6–4 84 Recap
March: 8–4–2–1 (home: 4–2–0–0; road: 4–2–2–1)
Game Result Date Score Opponent Record Points Recap
64 W March 1, 2003 2–1 OT Washington Capitals (2002–03) 38–16–6–4 86 Recap
65 L March 4, 2003 2–3 @ Minnesota Wild (2002–03) 38–17–6–4 86 Recap
66 OTL March 5, 2003 4–5 OT @ Calgary Flames (2002–03) 38–17–6–5 87 Recap
67 W March 8, 2003 4–2 @ New York Islanders (2002–03) 39–17–6–5 89 Recap
68 L March 11, 2003 2–3 Atlanta Thrashers (2002–03) 39–18–6–5 89 Recap
69 L March 13, 2003 3–4 @ Boston Bruins (2002–03) 39–19–6–5 89 Recap
70 W March 15, 2003 3–1 New York Rangers (2002–03) 40–19–6–5 91 Recap
71 L March 17, 2003 2–4 Philadelphia Flyers (2002–03) 40–20–6–5 91 Recap
72 W March 18, 2003 1–0 @ Montreal Canadiens (2002–03) 41–20–6–5 93 Recap
73 W March 21, 2003 3–1 Pittsburgh Penguins (2002–03) 42–20–6–5 95 Recap
74 W March 22, 2003 4–2 @ New York Islanders (2002–03) 43–20–6–5 97 Recap
75 W March 24, 2003 4–1 @ Florida Panthers (2002–03) 44–20–6–5 99 Recap
76 T March 27, 2003 2–2 OT @ Tampa Bay Lightning (2002–03) 44–20–7–5 100 Recap
77 T March 28, 2003 1–1 OT @ Atlanta Thrashers (2002–03) 44–20–8–5 101 Recap
78 W March 30, 2003 6–0 New York Islanders (2002–03) 45–20–8–5 103 Recap
April: 1–0–2–1 (home: 0–0–1–1; road: 1–0–1–0)
Game Result Date Score Opponent Record Points Recap
79 OTL April 1, 2003 2–3 OT Toronto Maple Leafs (2002–03) 45–20–8–6 104 Recap
80 T April 3, 2003 1–1 OT Boston Bruins (2002–03) 45–20–9–6 105 Recap
81 W April 4, 2003 2–1 @ New York Rangers (2002–03) 46–20–9–6 107 Recap
82 T April 6, 2003 2–2 OT @ Buffalo Sabres (2002–03) 46–20–10–6 108 Recap
Legend:

  Win (2 points)   Loss (0 points)   Tie (1 point)   Overtime loss (1 point)

Playoffs[edit]

2003 Stanley Cup playoffs[7]
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals vs. (7) Boston Bruins – Devils win 4–1
Game Result Date Score Opponent Series Recap
1 W April 9, 2003 2–1 Boston Bruins Devils lead 1–0 Recap
2 W April 11, 2003 4–2 Boston Bruins Devils lead 2–0 Recap
3 W April 13, 2003 3–0 @ Boston Bruins Devils lead 3–0 Recap
4 L April 15, 2003 1–5 @ Boston Bruins Devils lead 3–1 Recap
5 W April 17, 2003 3–0 Boston Bruins Devils win 4–1 Recap
Eastern Conference Semifinals vs. (3) Tampa Bay Lightning – Devils win 4–1
Game Result Date Score Opponent Series Recap
1 W April 24, 2003 3–0 Tampa Bay Lightning Devils lead 1–0 Recap
2 W April 26, 2003 3–2 OT Tampa Bay Lightning Devils lead 2–0 Recap
3 L April 28, 2003 3–4 @ Tampa Bay Lightning Devils lead 2–1 Recap
4 W April 30, 2003 3–1 @ Tampa Bay Lightning Devils lead 3–1 Recap
5 W May 2, 2003 2–1 3OT Tampa Bay Lightning Devils win 4–1 Recap
Eastern Conference Finals vs. (1) Ottawa Senators – Devils win 4–3
Game Result Date Score Opponent Series Recap
1 L May 10, 2003 2–3 OT @ Ottawa Senators Senators lead 1–0 Recap
2 W May 13, 2003 4–1 @ Ottawa Senators Series tied 1–1 Recap
3 W May 15, 2003 1–0 Ottawa Senators Devils lead 2–1 Recap
4 W May 17, 2003 5–2 Ottawa Senators Devils lead 3–1 Recap
5 L May 19, 2003 1–3 @ Ottawa Senators Devils lead 3–2 Recap
6 L May 21, 2003 1–2 OT Ottawa Senators Series tied 3–3 Recap
7 W May 23, 2003 3–2 @ Ottawa Senators Devils win 4–3 Recap
Stanley Cup Finals vs. (W7) Anaheim Mighty Ducks – Devils win 4–3
Game Result Date Score Opponent Series Recap
1 W May 27, 2003 3–0 Anaheim Mighty Ducks Devils lead 1–0 Recap
2 W May 29, 2003 3–0 Anaheim Mighty Ducks Devils lead 2–0 Recap
3 L May 31, 2003 2–3 OT @ Anaheim Mighty Ducks Devils lead 2–1 Recap
4 L June 2, 2003 0–1 OT @ Anaheim Mighty Ducks Series tied 2–2 Recap
5 W June 5, 2003 6–3 Anaheim Mighty Ducks Devils lead 3–2 Recap
6 L June 7, 2003 2–5 @ Anaheim Mighty Ducks Series tied 3–3 Recap
7 W June 9, 2003 3–0 Anaheim Mighty Ducks Devils win 4–3 Recap
Legend:

  Win   Loss

Player statistics[edit]

Scoring[edit]

  • Position abbreviations: C = Center; D = Defense; G = Goaltender; LW = Left wing; RW = Right wing
  • † = Joined team via a transaction (e.g., trade, waivers, signing) during the season. Stats reflect time with the Devils only.
  • ‡ = Left team via a transaction (e.g., trade, waivers, release) during the season. Stats reflect time with the Devils only.
Regular season Playoffs
No. Player Pos GP G A Pts +/- PIM GP G A Pts +/- PIM
26 Patrik Elias LW 81 28 29 57 17 22 24 5 8 13 5 26
15 Jamie Langenbrunner RW 78 22 33 55 17 65 24 11 7 18 11 16
23 Scott Gomez C 80 13 42 55 17 48 24 3 9 12 3 2
12 Jeff Friesen LW 81 23 28 51 23 26 24 10 4 14 10 6
25 Joe Nieuwendyk C 80 17 28 45 10 56 17 3 6 9 −2 4
11 John Madden C 80 19 22 41 13 26 24 6 10 16 10 2
28 Brian Rafalski D 79 3 37 40 18 14 23 2 9 11 7 8
27 Scott Niedermayer D 81 11 28 39 23 62 24 2 16 18 11 16
14 Brian Gionta RW 58 12 13 25 5 23 24 1 8 9 5 6
24 Turner Stevenson RW 77 7 13 20 7 115 14 1 1 2 2 26
4 Scott Stevens D 81 4 16 20 18 41 24 3 6 9 14 14
18 Sergei Brylin LW 52 11 8 19 −2 16 19 1 3 4 −4 8
20 Jay Pandolfo LW 68 6 11 17 12 23 24 6 6 12 9 2
10 Oleg Tverdovsky D 50 5 8 13 2 22 15 0 3 3 −4 0
5 Colin White D 72 5 8 13 19 98 24 0 5 5 3 29
19 Jim McKenzie LW 76 4 8 12 3 88 13 0 0 0 −2 14
9 Jiri Bicek RW 44 5 6 11 7 25 5 0 0 0 −2 0
17 Christian Berglund LW 38 4 5 9 3 20 — — — — — —
3 Ken Daneyko D 69 2 7 9 6 33 13 0 0 0 2 2
16 Mike Rupp C 26 5 3 8 0 21 4 1 3 4 4 0
6 Tommy Albelin D 37 1 6 7 10 6 16 1 0 1 3 2
21 Pascal Rheaume† C 21 4 1 5 3 8 24 1 2 3 −2 13
29 Grant Marshall† RW 10 1 3 4 −3 7 24 6 2 8 3 8
22 Mike Danton C 17 2 0 2 0 35 — — — — — —
8 Steve Guolla C 12 2 0 2 1 2 — — — — — —
2 Richard Smehlik† D 12 0 2 2 −1 0 5 0 0 0 −2 2
9 Craig Darby C 3 0 1 1 −1 0 — — — — — —
7 Raymond Giroux D 11 0 1 1 −2 6 — — — — — —
7 Andrei Zyuzin‡ D 1 0 1 1 −1 2 — — — — — —
30 Martin Brodeur G 73 0 0 0 10 24 0 1 1 6
35 Corey Schwab G 11 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0

Goaltending[edit]

Regular season Playoffs
No. Player GP W L T SA GA GAA SV% SO TOI GP W L SA GA GAA SV% SO TOI
30 Martin Brodeur 73 41 23 9 1706 147 2.02 .914 9 4374 24 16 8 622 41 1.65 .934 7 1491
35 Corey Schwab 11 5 3 1 223 15 1.47 .933 1 614 2 0 0 8 0 0.00 1.000 0 28

Awards and records[edit]

Awards[edit]

Martin Brodeur was also a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy and John Madden was runner-up for the Frank J. Selke Trophy.

Type Award/honor Recipient Ref
League
(annual) 		NHL First All-Star Team Martin Brodeur (Goaltender) [8]
Vezina Trophy Martin Brodeur [9]
William M. Jennings Trophy Martin Brodeur[a] [10]
League
(in-season) 		NHL All-Star Game selection Martin Brodeur [11]
Scott Stevens
NHL Player of the Week Martin Brodeur (January 20) [12]
Team Devils' Players' Player Joe Nieuwendyk [13]
Hugh Delano Unsung Hero Jay Pandolfo [13]
Most Valuable Devil Martin Brodeur [13]
Three-Star Award Martin Brodeur [13]

Milestones[edit]

Milestone Player Date Ref
1,000th point Joe Nieuwendyk February 23, 2003 [14]

Transactions[edit]

The Devils were involved in the following transactions from June 14, 2002, the day after the deciding game of the 2002 Stanley Cup Finals, through June 9, 2003, the day of the deciding game of the 2003 Stanley Cup Finals.[15]

Trades[edit]

Date Details Ref
July 6, 2002 To New Jersey Devils
Maxim Balmochnykh
Jeff Friesen
Oleg Tverdovsky 		To Anaheim Mighty Ducks
Mike Commodore
Jean-Francois Damphousse
Petr Sykora
Rights to Igor Pohanka 		[16]
January 24, 2003 To New Jersey Devils
Steve Kariya 		To Vancouver Canucks
Mikko Jokela 		[17]
February 24, 2003 To New Jersey Devils
Pascal Rheaume 		To Atlanta Thrashers
Conditional draft pick in 2004 		[18]
March 10, 2003 To New Jersey Devils
Grant Marshall 		To Columbus Blue Jackets
Conditional draft pick in 2004 		[19]
March 10, 2003 To New Jersey Devils
Richard Smehlik
New Jersey's conditional draft pick in 2004 		To Atlanta Thrashers
4th-round pick in 2003 		[20]

Players acquired[edit]

Date Player Former team Term Via Ref
July 8, 2002 (2002-07-08) Corey Schwab Toronto Maple Leafs Free agency [21]
July 12, 2002 (2002-07-12) Alex Brooks Jokerit (Liiga) Free agency [22]
Craig Darby Montreal Canadiens Free agency [22]
Raymond Giroux New York Islanders Free agency [22]
Mike Matteucci Minnesota Wild Free agency [22]
August 26, 2002 (2002-08-26) Dave Roche New York Islanders Free agency [23]
Ken Sutton New York Islanders Free agency [23]
October 1, 2002 (2002-10-01) Joe Hulbig Worcester IceCats (AHL) Free agency [24]

Players lost[edit]

Date Player New team Via[b] Ref
July 1, 2002 (2002-07-01) Bobby Holik New York Rangers Free agency (III) [26]
Mike Rucinski[c] Contract expiration (VI) [25]
August 7, 2002 (2002-08-07) Joel Bouchard New York Rangers Free agency (UFA) [28]
August 10, 2002 (2002-08-10) Valeri Kamensky Retirement (III) [29]
August 18, 2002 (2002-08-18) Stephane Richer Retirement (III) [30]
August 23, 2002 (2002-08-23) Sylvain Cloutier Houston Aeros (AHL) Free agency (VI) [31]
Stanislav Gron HC Vitkovice (ELH) Free agency (II) [32]
September 18, 2002 (2002-09-18) Richard Rochefort Assat (Liiga) Free agency (VI) [33]
September 19, 2002 (2002-09-19) Frederic Henry Pont-Rouge Caron & Guay (QSPHL) Free agency (UFA) [34]
October 14, 2002 (2002-10-14) Bruce Gardiner HC Lada Togliatti (RSL) Free agency (UFA) [35]
October 15, 2002 (2002-10-15) Andreas Salomonsson Washington Capitals Waivers [36]
October 2002 (2002-10) Sergei Nemchinov Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (RSL) Free agency (III) [37]
November 2, 2002 (2002-11-02) Andrei Zyuzin Minnesota Wild Waivers [38]
April 17, 2003 (2003-04-17) Ken Sutton ERC Ingolstadt (DEL) Free agency [39]

Signings[edit]

Date Player Term Contract type Ref
July 12, 2002 (2002-07-12) Chris Hartsburg Entry-level [22]
Anton Kadeykin Entry-level [22]
Matus Kostur Entry-level [22]
Krisjanis Redlihs Entry-level [22]
July 15, 2002 (2002-07-15) Patrik Elias 3-year Re-signing [40]
July 23, 2002 (2002-07-23) Jay Pandolfo 2-year Re-signing [41]
September 9, 2002 (2002-09-09) Rob Skrlac Re-signing [42]
September 13, 2002 (2002-09-13) Jamie Langenbrunner Re-signing [43]
September 14, 2002 (2002-09-14) Scott Gomez 2-year Re-signing [44]
September 18, 2002 (2002-09-18) Scott Clemmensen Re-signing [45]
April 9, 2003 (2003-04-09) David Hale Entry-level [46]

Draft picks[edit]

The Devils' draft picks at the 2002 NHL Entry Draft at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario.[47]

Round # Player Pos Nationality College/Junior/Club team (League) Notes
1 20 No first-round pick [d]
2 51 Anton Kadeykin D  Russia Elemach Elektrostal (Vysshaya Liga) [e]
2 53 Barry Tallackson RW  United States University of Minnesota (WCHA)
3 64 Jason Ryznar LW  United States University of Michigan (CCHA) [f]
3 84 Marek Chvatal D  Czech Republic Oceláři Třinec (Czech Extraliga) [g]
3 85 Ahren Nittel LW  Canada Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
4 117 Cam Janssen RW  United States Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
5 154 Krisjanis Redlihs D  Latvia Liepājas Metalurgs (Latvian Hockey League)
6 187 Eric Johansson C  Canada Tri-City Americans (WHL)
7 218 Ilkka Pikkarainen RW  Finland HIFK (SM-liiga) [h]
8 250 Dan Glover D  Canada Camrose Kodiaks (AJHL)
9 281 Bill Kinkel LW  United States Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

Media[edit]

Television coverage was carried on Fox Sports Net New York with Mike Emrick and Chico Resch with the play-by-play calling while Matt Loughlin served as the color commentator. The radio broadcasts were on WABC–AM 770, with John Hennessy handling the play-by-play duties with Randy Velischek color commentating.

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Co-winner with Roman Cechmanek and Robert Esche of the Philadelphia Flyers
  2. ^ In parentheses is the player's free agency group on July 1 if applicable.[25]
  3. ^ Rucinski retired.[27]
  4. ^ The Devils traded their 2001 first-round pick (later transferred to Buffalo and used on Daniel Paille), along with Randy McKay and Jason Arnott for Joe Nieuwendyk and Jamie Langenbrunner on March 19, 2002.
  5. ^ Compensatory draft pick awarded by the NHL as compensation for Group III free agent Alexander Mogilny.
  6. ^ The Devils acquired the 2002 third-round pick from Atlanta for Phoenix's 2001 fourth-round pick (used on Milan Gajic) and the Devils' 2002 seventh-round pick (later transferred to San Jose and used on Tim Conboy) on June 24, 2001.
  7. ^ The Devils had traded their original 2001 third-round pick (used on Beat Schiess-Forster) to Phoenix for the Coyotes' 2002 third-round pick (Marek Chvatal) on June 23, 2001.
  8. ^ Compensatory draft pick awarded by the NHL as compensation for Group III free agent Ken Sutton.

References[edit]

  • "New Jersey Devils 2002-03 roster and scoring statistics at hockeydb.com". www.hockeydb.com. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  • "2002-03 New Jersey Devils Roster and Statistics". Hockey-Reference.com. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  1. ^ National Hockey League (2010). The National Hockey League Official Guide & Record Book/2011. Triumph Books. p. 83. ISBN 978-1-60078-422-4.
  2. ^ "2002-03 NHL Summary".
  3. ^ "Nieuwendyk gets 500th goal in Devils' win". The Washington Post. January 18, 2003. Archived from the original on April 14, 2016. Retrieved June 24, 2020 – via Highbeam Research.
  4. ^ "Nieuwendyk hits 1,000 in victory over Penguins". The Vindicator. February 24, 2003. p. C6. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  5. ^ Dinger, Ralph, ed. (2009). The National Hockey League Official Guide & Record Book/2010. Dan Diamond & Associates. p. 163.
  6. ^ "2002–2003 Standings by Conference". National Hockey League. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
  7. ^ a b "2002-03 New Jersey Devils Schedule". Hockey-Reference.com. Retrieved November 20, 2022.
  8. ^ "Postseason All-Star Teams". records.nhl.com. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
  9. ^ "Vezina Trophy". records.nhl.com. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  10. ^ "William M. Jennings Trophy". records.nhl.com. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  11. ^ "NHL All-Star Game Historical Summaries - 2003". NHL.com. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
  12. ^ "TRANSACTIONS". Baltimore Sun. January 21, 2003. Retrieved December 22, 2022. NHL: Named Devils G Martin Brodeur Player of the Week.
  13. ^ a b c d Levine, Mike (ed.), 2009-10 New Jersey Devils Media Guide, New Jersey Devils Hockey Club, p. 225
  14. ^ "Nieuwendyk hits 1,000 in victory over Penguins". The Vindicator. February 24, 2003. p. C6. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
  15. ^ "Hockey Transactions Search Results". www.prosportstransactions.com. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  16. ^ "NHL – Ducks get Sykora from Devils in seven-player deal". ESPN.com. July 6, 2002. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  17. ^ Bernstein, Viv (January 25, 2003). "HOCKEY; Rare Start No Problem For Schwab". The New York Times. Retrieved November 25, 2022. The Devils acquired left wing STEVE KARIYA from Vancouver in a minor league deal announced Friday, sending Albany defenseman MIKKO JOKELA to the Canucks.
  18. ^ "Devils Re-Acquire Center Pascal Rheaume From Atlanta Thrashers". New Jersey Devils. February 24, 2003. Archived from the original on April 2, 2003. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  19. ^ "Devils Acquire Forward Grant Marshall". New Jersey Devils. March 10, 2003. Archived from the original on April 2, 2003. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  20. ^ "Devils Acquire Defenseman Richard Smehlik". New Jersey Devils. March 10, 2003. Archived from the original on April 2, 2003. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  21. ^ "Devils Sign Goaltender Corey Schwab". New Jersey Devils. July 8, 2002. Archived from the original on October 16, 2002. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  22. ^ a b c d e f g h "Devils Sign Eight Players". New Jersey Devils. July 12, 2002. Archived from the original on October 16, 2002. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  23. ^ a b "Devils Sign Free Agents Sutton & Roche". New Jersey Devils. August 26, 2002. Archived from the original on October 16, 2002. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  24. ^ Joe Hulbig at Hockey-Reference.com, retrieved November 25, 2022
  25. ^ a b "NHL FREE-AGENT LIST". Daily Herald. July 2, 2002. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  26. ^ "Rangers get Holik from Devils - UPI Archives". UPI. July 1, 2002. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  27. ^ Mike Rucinski career statistics at EliteProspects.com, retrieved November 25, 2022
  28. ^ "Rangers Sign Defenseman Joel Bouchard". New York Rangers. August 7, 2002. Archived from the original on August 13, 2004. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  29. ^ Valeri Kamensky at Hockey-Reference.com, retrieved November 25, 2022
  30. ^ Stephane Richer at Hockey-Reference.com, retrieved November 25, 2022
  31. ^ "Aeros Sign Veteran Center Sylvain Cloutier". OurSports Central. August 23, 2002. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  32. ^ "STANISLAV GRON". TSN.ca. Archived from the original on May 10, 2003. Retrieved November 25, 2022. 23-Aug-02: Signed with the HC Vitkovice of the Czech Extraleague.
  33. ^ "18.9.2002 - Uusi pelaajasopimus". Hc Ässät Pori Oy. Archived from the original on October 15, 2002. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  34. ^ "TRANSACTIONS: SAISON 2002-03". RDS – Hockey. Archived from the original on October 1, 2002. Retrieved November 25, 2022. 19-09-02 Pont-Rouge signe Frédéric Henry et l'inscrit sur sa liste de 30.
  35. ^ Bruce Gardiner at Hockey-Reference.com, retrieved November 25, 2022
  36. ^ "Capitals claim Salomonsson from Devils". UPI. October 15, 2002. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  37. ^ "Новости / Пресса • ХК Металлург Магнитогорск". Metallurg Magnitogorsk (in Russian). November 19, 2002. Archived from the original on January 3, 2003. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  38. ^ Everson, Mark (November 3, 2002). "MINNESOTA PICKS UP ZYUZIN". New York Post. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  39. ^ Ken Sutton at Hockey-Reference.com, retrieved November 25, 2022
  40. ^ "New Jersey re-signs Elias". UPI. July 15, 2002. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  41. ^ Everson, Mark (July 24, 2002). "PANDOLFO STAYS A DEVIL". New York Post. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  42. ^ "ROB SKRLAC". TSN.ca. Archived from the original on May 10, 2003. Retrieved November 25, 2022. 09-Sep-02: Re-signed as an unrestricted free agent by the New Jersey Devils.
  43. ^ "JAMIE LANGENBRUNNER". TSN.ca. Archived from the original on June 9, 2003. Retrieved November 25, 2022. 13-Sep-02: Re-signed by the New Jersey Devils.
  44. ^ Everson, Mark (September 15, 2002). "GOMEZ OKS DEVIL OF A DEAL". New York Post. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  45. ^ "SCOTT CLEMMENSEN". TSN.ca. Archived from the original on June 26, 2003. Retrieved November 25, 2022. 18-Sep-02: Re-signed by the New Jersey Devils.
  46. ^ "Devils sign former No. 1 pick". UPI. April 9, 2003. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  47. ^ "2002 NHL Entry Draft Picks at hockeydb.com". hockeyDB.com. Retrieved December 23, 2022.
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