After that effort, I now think we are in trouble. The team seems like they don’t know where they can go to for a goal. I think John used the term lost and that fits. There was not one guy out there on the ice tonight who got it done. Parise as usual seemed to me to have energy, but two shots is the bottom line.

Boy, December’s play is like a distant memory.

Olympic break can’t come soon enough.

I updated the recap to include a jump, a video from NHL.com of the game’s highlights (not that there were any for NJ), and a sentence at the end.

The Devils definitely weren’t up to it but to be fair to your guys the Leafs played one of their most complete games of the year.

IIs not only tonight, but the last dozen games that has me worried. Its been a long time since I have felt disgusted with the Devils, and although we had a great first half of the season it feels like we are just coasting into the Olympics.

I’ts not a free fall yet, but will be if we dont go to the break playing at least 500 hockey.

Who has the panic button? it may need to be pushed soon.

We were understandably ticked off at the Game Watch tonight at Brick City Bar and Grill. There was little emotion in the whole place. A lot of fan frustration at Mottau, including by the Maven who was there. (I did correct him on a trivia question he asked – other than the Niedermayers, who were the other set of brothers who played for the Devils – the contestant answered the Brotens – I immediately thought of the Lemieuxs though . . funny don’t know why).

Skating through mud was a good analogy – Pando and Niedermayer especially.

I am silent about my thoughts right now. I still believe in this team and know they will turn it around. I am only worried that the longer this goes on it may affect the teams confidence considerably. They cannot seem to score against anyone right now. Every goalie they face seems to be playing a great game. When we get into the playoffs we will be facing many tough goaltenders. I HAVE BEEN against the Devils making a trade but it might not be a bad idea right now to pick up someone who can jumpstart this offense right now…

John,

After talking to many fans last night, I am going to be a bit of a Debbie Downer. Was this not supposed to be a rebuilding year for the Devils? Every year after a playoff flop, I expect it to happen and it doesn’t. Why? Marty. The coaching. The players?

Considering the exodus of Devils talent over the past 4 years, I’ve totally expected it to happen and it hasn’t. They have been able to compensate well enough.

But I feel asking the question: Have they simply overachieved in the 1st part of the year and are just coming back down to earth now? OK Elias is injured and their best defenseman.

But is their Defense that good? At full strength, the Devils are at best a two line team, two potent offensive lines and two pairs of core D and outside of Martin, Greene and White, . . .Oduya and Salvador have been up and down.

John, I’m sure you’ll rightly call me out on these and challenge my notion. But I feel the questions at least need to be asked. Just make sure you listen to this while you are writing your reply, please.

I think it was clearly obvious by the beginning of the second period where this game was heading. I’m not going to claim the Devils played well by any means, but I would say I’m not suprised by the results after such a significant trade took place by Toronto. Of course Toronto was the more energized team. So I’m not surprised by the results.

Anyway, just a couple of points. First, I agree that Pandolfo and Niedermayer aren’t really contributing to the team anymore. I know they are given the tough task of defending the other team’s 1st line but for a third line, they need to be able to generate some kind of consistent offense as well. Both players at best should be on the fourth line.

I DO think this team may have slightly overachieved throughout the first portion of the season but only because so much of our talent was sidelined. I think some of us are being a little too harsh right now though. ALL teams go through slumps during some point of the season. These slumps can occur at different points of the season, but all teams go through them. Look at the Penguins. They didn’t play the most consistent of hockey up until recently.

I agree with whoever said that Elias stirs the drink, because he does. There is no doubt in my mind that this team sorely misses him. The second line becomes non-existant without him. But more importantly, the opposition can focus on defending the first line when this occurs. And with an anemic third line, where are we supposed to get our scoring from every night?

I think this slump pushes me to believe that now, more than ever, Lou will make a trade or two by the deadline. I think we have a great team but not a complete one. Pieces are missing. Notably, a great defender and an additional scoring threat. Lou’s not going to miss a great opportunity at a playoff run by holding pat. He’ll make moves when everyone is healthy again.

Witt is a mulleted waste of a roster spot.

So by getting hit by an SUV makes Witt a good player? The Devils have leadership in Langenbrunner, Brodeur, Elias, and Parise. Offense should pretty much be left alone, the offense has proven it can bounce back, the defense is what i have little faith in.

I disagree with what you said about the offense. The Devils have been shutout 3 times in the last 9 games. Throughout the entire month of January, they had exactly one decisive win against Dallas (4-0). This team barely beats opponents. I don’t even remember the last time we actually held on to, let alone closed a game with a 2 goal lead. That is unacceptable. The offense CLEARLY is missing one legitimate goalscorer. Even with Elias and Clarkson back in the lineup, we’re still going to need one more scoring threat to ease the burden of Parise and Zajac.