Game 60: Devils @ Islanders GameThread
by John Fischer on Feb 21, 2009 6:30 PM EST
in Devils Games
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PrintNew Jersey Devils at New York Islanders, Feb 21, 2009 7:00 PM EST
Here's the latest from Gulitti: Sutter expects Salvador to play tonight and the Devils will run the same lineup as they did against Tampa Bay. If Salvador doesn't, expect Jay Leach to take his place.
Here's Dominik's preview of the game at Lighthouse Hockey. I will presume (probably incorrectly) he will be wearing a white shirt. I will be wearing red, as that is a color of the team that I support in this game.
Your starters (UPDATED)
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Fun Fact
Elias has 63 career points in 59 against the Islanders.
As stated just now by Cangelosi on the Devils telecast, Bryce Salvador WILL play.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
Streit picks up the puck right out of the box, finds the trailing Sean Bergenheim and he fires it past Clemmensen.
Not that the Devils were playing poorly. Still, that first goal against is definitely not good for the Devils here.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
First intermission
OK, the Islanders have gotten better scoring chances and they are hitting the Devils on that rush.
The Devils haven’t been able to get great penetration into the zone; they are giving up the puck a bit too much in the neutral zone and in going to the offensive zone.
It’s still only 1-0 so they can come back with a strong effort (and some goals) in the second.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
Aside
Why is Chico getting questions as to whether Zach Parise has a girlfriend? I’m glad he had an answer of such; but ladies, be reasonable!
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
The Devils really miss Paul Martin
And why do we continue to play Rupp? He hasn’t been hitting anyone. Hasn’t seemingly been fighting even. Get Pando back in there and least he won’t give a gift goal to the opposition.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Feb 21, 2009 8:08 PM EST reply actions
The leaky defense in general is more concerning – because Paul Martin alone isn’t going to make, say, Mike Mottau play any better.
As far as the way the Devils are playing – I don’t think it matters if Rupp is in the lineup or not. Holik never should have made the pass to begin with.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
by John Fischer on Feb 21, 2009 8:10 PM EST up reply actions
Even still
Rupp is useless unless he’s fighting. And he hasn’t been. I’d rather have Pando in there.
Hmmm…Rolston, Elias and Gionta. This could be interesting.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Feb 21, 2009 8:13 PM EST up reply actions
And yes, Martin alone isn't going to make Mottau play better
But Martin eats up the most minutes on the Devils defense and missing him means that other guys have to play roles that they aren’t used to playing. Like having players play more minutes than they’re used to. And on top of it all, Martin, along with Oduya, is the best Devil at moving the puck out of the zone. That means that there will be more passes that will make it more difficult to get the puck out of our zone. Martin is hugely underrated and his impact on what is largely a motley defensive crew and makes it much better.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Feb 21, 2009 8:17 PM EST up reply actions
This is definitely true.
Yes, Martin’s impact is massive and I agree with these points
However, the defensive unit as a whole has been like a sieve of shots and scoring chances as of late. Yes, taking up Martin’s extra minutes has an effect; the shifted roles have too. But the remaining 5 regular defensemen are just not playing well. They are not stepping up to the attacker; they are not set up in the shooting and passing lanes to deter Islanders attack, and they are more or less reacting instead of being set up.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
by John Fischer on Feb 21, 2009 8:20 PM EST up reply actions
Won't argue at all with how bad
the defense has been over the last few games.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Feb 21, 2009 8:27 PM EST up reply actions
2-0 islanders
Hey, the Islanders and their myriad of scoring chances gets a second one. Preseason Superstar Jon Sim Terrible pass by Holik to Rupp, Rupp couldn’t handle it, and Sim knocks it home.
NOT GOOD.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
The ice seems terrible tonight
Puck is bouncing everywhere.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Feb 21, 2009 8:18 PM EST reply actions
The last shift showed perfectly what’s wrong with the Devils on offense in this game. A decent enough shot off the rush, but the Islanders ensure there is no easy rebound and take the puck right back. No sustained pressure, no possession, and therefore, no chance for the Devils to set up at all.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
Wow
That look from Sutter was brutal. I’m glad I’m not a Devils player right now. Holy mackerel he’s going to tear into them.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Feb 21, 2009 8:31 PM EST reply actions
Second Intermission
Wow. The Sutter glare, well, it’s normally a glare, but it’s there.
Mixed up lines, a lack of significant puck possession, reactive defense – this is like the Florida game.
Since they didn’t score on that last PP (OK there is still some time, but not a lot of it), The Devils will need a big third period. They aren’t going to get it playing like this though.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
Not a good start to the third period
Isles with a chance already.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Feb 21, 2009 8:48 PM EST reply actions
Wow, the Islanders are doing a great job in backchecking. Yes, the Devils have a lot of shots on net; but there are few rebounds and a lot of those attempts at a killer pass have gone awry.
Danis has played well too; though the Devils have shot most of those at his area of strength – his legs.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
Martinek’s face took Clarkson’s stick after Martinek dumps it in. That’s a penalty. A Double Minor, actually.
Yeah, I’ll just settle for the Devils getting A goal – but even that’s unlikely!
Islanders fans should be very happy; their team was better tonight.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
3-0 Islanders
Kyle Okposo down low, gets a little pass from Comeau, and Okposo puts it in between Clemmensen’s sliding legs.
Yeah, the Devils aren’t winning this.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
by John Fischer on Feb 21, 2009 9:17 PM EST up reply actions
Might be one of the Devils worst performances of the year
Just awful all the way around.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Feb 21, 2009 9:20 PM EST up reply actions
Parise denied on a shorthanded breakaway
Yeah, the Devils aren’t (probably) scoring here.
Devils take a hooking call! Islanders on the 5-on-3! This may be worse than the Florida 4-0 loss, not as bad as the Atlanta 4-0 loss.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
Yeah
I forgot about the ATL 4-0 loss. Definitely worse than the Florida loss.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Feb 21, 2009 9:21 PM EST up reply actions
4-0 Islanders
Seriously, Brendan Witt with a tip on a Bill Guerin shot. Right through Clemmensen’s legs.
This is a Devils team that needs 4 hard practices in a row.
HEY! There’s 4 full days before Colorado game! What a coincidence!
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
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