Regardless of Langenbrunner, Game 3 is a Test
by John Fischer on Apr 18, 2009 2:22 PM EDT
in Devils Issues & Views
9 comments
One of the big blows in last night's 2-1 overtime loss to Carolina is that Jamie Langenbrunner left the game in the second period. During a power play, he passed the puck off, and immediately went to the bench, appearing to be limping off. I didn't know whether something hit him or he pulled something; but it's definitely an issue with his leg.
So far, according to Gulitti and Chere, Langenbrunner's status is unknown. With respect to how this could affect New Jersey, Chere cuts to the chase in the title: Are New Jersey Devils in a jam without captain Jamie Langenbrunner?
Langenbrunner is important to the team not just as their captain, but as a scorer. He's got a powerful shot and came close to hitting 30 goals this season. Even then, playing with Zach Parise and Travis Zajac, he managed to hit career highs in goals and points. Whereas last season wasn't so good for Langenbrunner, he definitely deserved appreciation for this season. Most of all, he helps make that ZZ Pops line work. Parise is in constant motion, always hustling and unloading shots; Zajac has the chemistry with Parise; and Langenbrunner is able to hang back and unload that big shot when the space opens up.
So missing him is a big deal! However, Game 3 is going to be a tough one for New Jersey. Consider the following the Devils will have to overcome (and this is all just off the top of my head):
- Carolina isn't slumping anymore by virtue of playing much better in Game 2. Oh, and winning that game too. The Devils cannot count on Carolina's poor passing anymore (though their defense is still too sloppy, I think).
- Eric Staal finally did something of production in this series and he'll be particularly more confident and motivated to do more.
- New Jersey hasn't won in Carolina in either game this season against the Hurricanes.
- More distressingly, as Gulitti pointed out yesterday, the Devils have lost 6 straight in Raleigh in the playoffs. They haven't won a playoff game down there since 2001.
- In the Chere article, Sutter calls out Brian Rolston (plurally) to step up. I think it's more than just Rolston that has to up his game. Though I agree that now would be a great time for Rolston to earn his salary in the postseason. Looking back at Game 2, Zajac didn't have a great game, adding Elias to Parise and Zajac didn't yield a proper result in a third period, and David Clarkson also wasn't a major factor all game. That's why Brent Sutter said "Rolstons," I think.
- This is the first loss of the playoffs for New Jersey and how they respond will be critical as to how the rest of the series goes. They will go nowhere in the postseason if this one loss throws them off completely.
- The Devils have to win at least one on the road to make the home ice turn back in New Jersey's favor. Going down 3-1 is not an option. Yes, the Devils pulled off that historical comeback against Philadelphia, but that was in 2000 and against Philadelphia. Carolina isn't going to choke on that lead.
Even if Jamie Langenbrunner is OK and will play tomorrow night, it's still a lot that the Devils have to overcome. A returning and healthy Langenbrunner alone wouldn't solve these issues. It may make you and me feel better about the Devils' chances tomorrow; but it won't necessarily make the Devils favorites to win tomorrow and/or roll off 3 straight wins. Carolina won't care if Langenbrunner is in or not, they're going to be more confident and more flowing in Game 3 by virtue of coming off a win at the Rock and returning home to the RBC.
I'm still confident in New Jersey namely because Carolina has yet to consistently outplay the Devils for more than a few minutes at a time. New Jersey just has to bury those chances that they still are getting on Cam Ward.
It wouldn't be the playoffs without some adversity, after all and on Sunday we will see if the Devils will re-take control of the series. Game 3 will test what the Devils are made of - with or without Langenbrunner.
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Glad I am not a quitter.
Sounds as if a lot of Devil followers are writing them off already. Carolina is a good team but they are not the best in the east. The Rangers are up 2-0 to a really good offensive team and they won both games in Washington.Its not like Carolina has scored a lot of goals this series. The Devils are a decent road team and are capable of winning in Carolina. I am not quitting on them yet. Devils in 6..
Donald Vasquez
does anyone
think that there may have been a little goaltender interference on the game winner from game 2?
by been there, hoisted that!! on Apr 18, 2009 6:47 PM EDT reply actions
From where I sat: Nah. It was just a solid screen.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
by John Fischer on Apr 19, 2009 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions
The only cause for concern I have is how they’ll play without Langs. His presence and scoring will be missed the next two games. Outside of that, there’s not much that concerns me about this series. I knew the Canes would fight back in Game 2 after that horrible performance in Game 1. If the Devils get in a deep deficit, say the “down 3 games to 1” kind, then I will be concerned. Until then, I have high hopes that the Devs can come through.
I don't need no instructions to know how to rock!
If you all saw Tibbs' updated news
Then you’d know Langenbrunner didn’t make the trip to Carolina.
Sutter hasn’t figured out what exactly he’ll throw out there in terms of lines. I’d have to think Bobby Holik will definitely be back in the lineup (he’s really the best forward left – everyone else is a call-up) and in terms of who plays with Parise and Zajac, well, that could be shifting all game long.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
shifting lines
I dont think that constantly shifting lines is good for offensive chemistry. They should just move Rolston to langys spot and bring Bobby back and leave the other lines alone and they will be o.k. Also play Greene instead of Havelid.
Donald Vasquez
Agree
I agree with the comment that B. Shannon should be moved to a scoring line, after all he can score, even now with the best of them-his career proves that, and in keeping with the aforementioned J. Fischer article that Carolina hasn’t but for only sporadic moments outplayed N.J. and that the Devils just need to bury their opportunities it would be behooving of coach Sutter to get Brenden the sharpshooter out there doing just that, because Cam Ward just isn’t going to give them anything.
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