What's the most critical element to winning in the NHL?

Many will argue goaltending is undeniably the most important ingredient to winning. Still others will note how a solid defense and a defensive system are non-negotiable when it comes to being in contention for the Stanley Cup. And proponents of offensive hockey are quick to note that you can't win if you can't score.

In New Jersey, where Exit 16W of the New Jersey Turnpike has been renamed the "Exit of Champions" because of its close proximity to the Continental Airlines Arena, the case is made annually that preparation is the vital ingredient to winning Stanley Cups.

Lou Lamoriello, the Devils' CEO, president and general manager, leaves few elements to chance when it comes to building a winner. The results have been readily apparent. The Devils are current Stanley Cup champs and also have won in 1995 and 2000 and came within one game of the 2001 Cup. In addition, the team has remained among the League's elite for more than a decade.

In New Jersey, the Devils are constructed with a team-first approach that places a great emphasis on scouting. Drafted players are the linchpin of the Devils' success and have been since Lamoriello took over the GM's position prior to the 1987-88 season. Win or lose, no matter what, the team has been the priority. And that philosophy has paid off handsomely in terms of team success. But keeping a team atop the standings and competitive is hard work. There are so many elements that must be moving in the same direction, so many small details that cannot be left to chance.

During his tenure, Lou Lamoriello hasn't hesitated to make changes he deems necessary. In 2000, Alexander Mogilny and Vladimir Malakhov were late acquisitions that made a difference in New Jersey.

During his tenure, Lamoriello hasn't hesitated to make changes he deems necessary. Coaches have come and gone, as have players. By building a stockpile of talent throughout the organization, Lamoriello has been able to add a missing ingredient at the trading deadline to give his team a needed boost into the postseason. The additions of Claude Lemieux, Neal Broten and Shawn Chambers were vital to winning in 1995. In 2000, Alexander Mogilny and Vladimir Malakhov were late acquisitions that made a difference. In 2003, it was Grant Marshall and Richard Smehlik who added veteran depth.

The Devils were able to acquire players of this caliber because the organization seems to be always packed with talent. "The Pipeline", as it is often called, is a big part of the franchise's success. Knowing a Colin White was ready for the NHL, and that a Willie Mitchell was fine-tuning his game with the AHL's Albany River Rats, allowed Lamoriello to trade an emerging player like Brendan Morrison to the Canucks and come back with a game-breaker like Mogilny. Having seen a player like Patrik Elias blossom allowed Lamoriello to pull the trigger on a trade that sent Brian Rolston to the Colorado Avalanche and bring back an emotional catalyst like Claude Lemieux early in the 1999-2000 season.

"Whenever you are looking to add a player whether it be a goal scorer or any type of player you have to look and make sure of what you are getting and how you are getting it," Lamoriello said. "You have to be aware of things like chemistry, and you have to be sure it is going to make you a better team."

Scott Gomez and Patrik Elias are also Devils' draft picks that have panned out in the NHL.

The 2003 Devils, by their own admission, got straight A’s in chemistry. In terms of pure talent, the 2003 Devils may not have been able to beat out the 1995 and 2000 squads, but as a unit, they worked tirelessly for one another. There were no factions or cliques. It was said that any two players could go out to dinner on a given night and enjoy each other's company.

"With our situation, depth is something that is positive," Lamoriello said. "When we get to players nine, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 (on the roster), they're very similar. But the dimension that they bring is different. That's where the decision can become a little more difficult because what you have to do then is look to your farm system and say; 'Are they ready or not?' Sometimes this is very difficult. I think we know who the players that we have that can play and are ready to play and now it's my responsibility to make some moves to make us better.

"Do we feel we have the talent to win? Yes," Lamoriello said. "And we feel that way throughout the organization, not only the coaches, but the players as well."