A Punch to the Gut - New Jersey Devils Give Up 3 Unanswered to Philadelphia Flyers, Lose 3-2
by John Fischer on Feb 8, 2010 10:50 PM EST
in Devils Game Recaps
Email
PrintThe following recap between the New Jersey Devils and the Philadelphia Flyers is written angrily by a fan who just doesn't understand what could be different. Clearly, bringing in an ace talent like Ilya Kovalchuk hasn't made the difference. Clearly, playing a rival hasn't changed the results. Clearly, the team realizing their errors, recognizing that things haven't gone well, and even with some players playing out-and-out well has still led to the same common refrain of losses. 6-10-1. The Devils are now 6-10-1 since January 8. This is not a slump, this is depressing.
If you want the recap from NHL.com here it is with links to stats and such. If you want to read a jubilant outtake from an opponent who is happy to see their team scoring goals with their best players, go read Broad Street Hockey. If you want a long ramble that few will actually read and go on to demand that (insert player here) should be traded and (insert player here) should do something else in the comments, please read on.
This game was supposed to be different. The New Jersey Devils were supposed to be better. They started off better. Heck, they even got a great break on the game's first goal - Zach Parise was down low, attempted a pass across the slot, only for Chris Pronger's skate to knock it into the net. That was even a power play goal, something the Devils have struggled to score, much less in general.
Sure, it was a physical game. Sure, the Devils took some calls that weren't smart like Dean McAmmond's hook in the neutral zone or Andy Greene tripping a Flyer in his cycle. The PK looked great. OK, so the Devils struggled to get the puck out of their zone on the breakout and in getting passes through the neutral zone late, leading to more Flyers pressure. Philly really didn't take advantage. This was going to be different, the first period ended 1-0, the Devils didn't look too shabby.
But somehow, someway, the Flyers would soon make more of the game than the Devils did and not only shifted momentum but took the game. Of course, it wouldn't be a one-goal lead conceded, it would have to be a two-goal lead. A second goal scored shorthanded. I can't even recall the last time the Devils scored shorthanded! Anssi Salmela on the PK (yeah, that's right) pushed up with the puck, drove to the slot, and put a beauty over the shoulder of Michael Leighton before the beast Jeff Carter blindsided him late with his shoulder striking the side of Salmela's head. Salmela was knocked out. Intent? Probably to jack Salmela in the slot at any cost. Result? Salmela was stretchered off the ice.
Thankfully, per this post-game post from Tom Gulitti, he would be up and walking later and can communicate about the hit, where he now has a "headache." Gulitti suspects a concussion, which would surprise no one who saw the hit; good to see Salmela up and talking, but he's likely out for a few games, I would think and speculate.
Of course, of all the 14 penalties called in the game, that wasn't one of them. Watch Jeff Carter not get any punishment for the hit, too.
As the second period roamed on, the game was fairly even in play - plenty of physical play, a few penalties here, a few penalties there, a few big saves by Martin Brodeur here, and a few big saves by Leighton there. And then all of the sudden - two quick goals against late in the period. For the fourth straight game, the Devils gave up multiple goals in the second period. For the fifth straight game, the Devils gave up goals at all in the second period. The first one, unfortunate for NJ. James van Reimsdyk squared up his shot and placed it perfectly. Not much shame there.
The second one, well. If you're not a fan of Mike Mottau, this goal against is another piece of evidence to justify your discontentment with the player. On a long shot from the point, Leighton makes the save and throws up a huge rebound. Chris Pronger picks up the puck and fires a perfect - and I mean perfect - pass to Scott Hartnell in the neutral zone. Colin White, like the 3 forwards, was coming up on the play. Only Jeff Carter (remember him?) snuck behind and so Hartnell and Carter had a 2-on-1. Mottau was turned to Hartnell the whole time, he committed his position and vision to Hartnell so he had no idea that Carter was with him. Yet, Mottau stayed in the middle, leaving Hartnell to thread a good pass for an easy goal for Carter. 2-2.
Parise's break, gone. Salmela's heroic effort for his goal, meaningless. All of those scoring chances and power plays prior that the Devils failed to score on, those were ultimately wasted. Devils fans, gutted. The Flyers had every reason to feel great going into the third.
From my standpoint, I was more stunned than anything else. With the Salmela goal, especially, I really thought the Devils were showing signs of turning the corner. They were winning faceoffs (indeed, they won 30 out of 50 total), they were drawing calls, and after most penalty kills, the Devils would find the man coming out of the box forcing Leighton to be great. And yet, and yet, and yet, almost in a flash, all the good work goes up in smoke and the opposition has the momentum and confidence
For some stupid reason, I tried to be optimistic. I actually thought that the Devils could turn things around . But as time passed, more and more the numbers of the game and what I saw on the ice made it bleak for New Jersey. Yes, the Devils had many more power plays - three drawn in the third period by Zach Parise alone, but the Flyers actually had more shots on net (game ended 37-30, Philly). Yes, the top 6 were looking good, but they were getting a ton of ice time with little to show for it. More and more, the Flyers were putting pressure offensively, sensing they could break this defense down, only for them to screw it up or Brodeur making an important save. And of all times, it came on the power play.
After extended pressure in the Devils' zone, the Devils miss a chance to clear it and Kimmo Timonen takes it from the boards. Mottau, stupidly, thought Gagne was going to shoot so he dived down for a block. Timonen just went behind the net, started going around, drawing Colin White down. Fine. White had to do that, respect the move. Timonen swiftly changed directions and looked for an outlet. There was Mike Richards and there was Jay Pandolfo, who was otherwise having a great night on the PK, not in Richards' way. Since Mottau went down, he couldn't recover, and Pandolfo shifted back for some reason. In that instant, Timonen had Richards right in front of the net and of course that's the goal.
I wanted to scream, but I was too busy being nervous on Rink Side Radio. Though given my performance, it would have made it more memorable and human.
After all the penalty kills, after the previous big saves by Martin Brodeur later on, after Bryce Salvador playing like he was 5 years younger and more aware in his own zone, after being the more disciplined team giving up only four power plays, it all became for naught.
The Devils scrambled to get chances in response. The passing wasn't as good as they needed to be, the Philly D stepped up and at least disrupted the Devils movements on offense. This isn't to say that Devils didn't get pucks on net. This isn't to say the Devils didn't play with fire or didn't hustle or didn't make an effort. But what they did was not enough and you weren't sure if they adjusted accordingly. But as the Devils kept feeding Kovalchuk for slapshots in the last power play of the game, one that saw the game's time run out, you knew that they were hoping for a break, a miracle. They didn't mix it up, they didn't get it together, not scoring in six straight power plays.
All I'm left now with are questions.
Why in the world did the top 6 play ever so much? Yes, they got plenty of power play time tonight and some are on special teams, but doesn't playing Kovalchuk, Parise, Travis Zajac (25:21!!!), and Jamie Langenbrunner (23:30) upwards of 22 minutes tire them out?
Yes, Kovalchuk at the point and feeding him for his hard slapshot is an otherwise sensible tactic on the power play. But why was that seemingly the only tactic on the man advantage, especially on that last power play? Did Lemaire not notice the Flyers backing off and letting him fire at will knowing the puck has to go miraculously through at least 3 people plus the goalie to go in? On an angle, no less?
Speaking of, offense, how in the world did Kovalchuk and Langenbrunner end up with half of the team's shot totals? Kovalchuk had 9 (blocked 3 times, missed 3 times, yes he attempted 15 shots -) and Langenbrunner had 6. Not that Parise, Elias, Zajac, or Zubrus were invisible, but how about mixing up the shots? I mean, Zajac and Zubrus had great nights on faceoffs, they looked decent on the ice, but how do they end up with 0 shots on net - especially considering Zajac played 25 minutes?
I'm not asking why Kovalchuk hasn't scored yet. Why his teammates think he should be the primary shooter in all situations? Why are they forcing the puck to him when they could have shot it themselves - which would have at least forced the Flyers' D to respect them and create some additional options.
Of course, let's go back to killing the power play. Yes, Devils, you got one on a fluke. Yet, despite an advantage in both time (12:01) and quantity (SEVEN POWER PLAYS), the Flyers not only managed to out-shoot the Devils across all power plays (12-8) but get the most important goal of the game - which wasn't a fluke. How can this be? How come the Devils didn't take full advantage of these chances, knowing full well it's been holding back their offense - and entire games - recently?
Why does Mike Mottau have this innate ability to be decent for the most part of the game, yet have 2 or 3 shifts where he looks like a third pairing AHL defenseman and plays a part in a goal against?
Big question for the coach, why in the world did you ice Leblond and Peters and then proceed to give 3:03 of ice time and give exactly 42 seconds to Peters? If you're not going to send them out there to beat a dude, why are you shortening your bench to 10 usable forwards right from the get-go?
After Salmela being taken out of the game, how come the Devils didn't press as hard on the PK to go forward? Did he not just prove that the Flyers are shaky on the point? Moreover, why didn't the Devils just keep going to the net, over and over and over?
In fact, how come Salmela going in to score that kind of a goal and getting pounded as a result didn't fire up the team to new heights? It was a shorthanded goal! By a defenseman! By a teammate who paid the price! Who made the game 2-0 and Flyers fans throughout the arena entirely quiet for a few minutes! I'm not saying the Devils had no emotion, heart, or desire out there; but there should have been some feeling of "We're going to take this game over, we're going to pour it on, we're going to avenge Salmela." Forget a fight, I wanted the Devils to pour on the misery - instead, only Devils and their fans feel miserable. And angry. And despondent. And some bizarre combination of the three.
Lastly, and worst of all, what now? I honestly have no real answers to fix the problems with this team. If I did, I'd probably be on a coaching staff somewhere instead of typing on my computer in a mix of anger and sadness. I want to be hopeful, I want to look at the big picture and say things will be OK, but with scores like this, games that go like the one we just saw, games where leads are given up - and to a rival - it's hard.
With a record of 6-10-1 since January 8, it's becoming harder. I don't even want to think about Wednesday night, a.k.a. the potential-snowstorm-killing-attendence-at-the-Rock-game. I'll be grateful for a win of any kind at this point - even an incredibly ugly one. So should the team, really.
Apologies for the ramble. I'm sure there's some analysis in there. I'm sorry that this isn't my best work, but it's what I feel and think about the coughed-up lead that we saw/heard/read about tonight. I do want to thank you all for reading and commenting, you have been the most consistent part of the Devils for the last month. And, unfortunately, it could get worse. Please place your comments about tonight's game into this post and not elsewhere. Try to refrain from writing an angry FanPost unless you have something of substance to contribute. And if you want highlights to relive how this game went and something to feel bad about, here you are.
100 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Home Cooking
Well, I am not overly optimistic. I think this team is out of gas, and just used up all its magic in November and December
I find one bit of optimism. The biggest problems in the skid are on the road. Devils have lost 8 of 9 on the road. At home, while not great, the team has not lost back to back games since the crummy start in the first 3. Even in this skid they are win one lose one. I am hoping they just need to get back home.
They simply MUST beat the Flyers Wednesday
by Devilssection21fan on Feb 8, 2010 11:06 PM EST reply actions
As a pretty big Flyers fan, I have to say I share similar feelings to all of this. (Yes I actually read it all, haha)
I seriously expected Jersey to stomp us into the ground tonight. I had faith it wouldn’t happen, but I sure wouldn’t have been surprised. I don’t really have much to add, but it was pretty surprising. Hopefully Kovalchuk stays silent in the next game, too. :P
If its any condolence, I still have bets on a Devils-Sharks Stanley Cup. Once Parise-Kovy-Elias starts firing, its gonna get nasty for Fluery and Theodore, that’s for sure. See y’all Wednesday!
Oh, and hope your guy’s alright. That was a pretty rough hit, hopefully the league doesn’t go and suspend Carter, haha.
When the flyer's fans are feeling bad for us,
you know things are bad….
by Nothinggoespast on Feb 9, 2010 3:43 PM EST up reply actions
Ouch
that hit on salmela was nasty
He went down like a rag doll.
Hope he gets better soon.
Never assume skill at bouncing a ball makes you smarter than the guy who built the court.
When there's a WILL there's a WAY
Oh and I have to say
I agree wholeheartedly with everything you said John
The guy gets decked and you let 3 unanswered goals?
If anything, play for him.
Never assume skill at bouncing a ball makes you smarter than the guy who built the court.
When there's a WILL there's a WAY
Langenbrunner
What’s his problem? (Rant incoming)
Was surprised you didn’t mention who “missed a chance to clear it” on the power play that resulted in the Flyers third goal. It was Langenbrunner. The Captain. A clear that would have breathed life into the PK and stopped the seemingly endless momentum the Flyers were gaining by the minute. A clear that would have given Brodeur a break for a few extra seconds. A clear that probably wouldn’t have resulted in a third goal. A clear that wasn’t heavily challenged or anything, just a simple dump down the ice.
This wasn’t the only thing he screwed up this game. He had a few turnovers similar to the Leafs and Rangers games. Sure, they didn’t result in any goals this time (except that PPG), but this is the captain. He cannot perform like this.
Mottau… I’m speechless. I’m tired of some Devils getting extended ice time when they clearly don’t deserve it. You can’t have a guy on the ice causing somewhere around a goal or two a game on a team that can’t score worth crap right now.
Lemaire.. I have no clue what he was really considering this game. Peters and Leblond as you mentioned were near invisible. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I have yet to see Zajac play with Kovalchuk. There is an assumption that Zajac and Parise have to be BFF’s on the ice. Zajac is questionably the best playmaker on the team.
Lemaire.. I have no clue what he was really considering this game. Peters and Leblond as you mentioned were near invisible. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I have yet to see Zajac play with Kovalchuk. There is an assumption that Zajac and Parise have to be BFF’s on the ice. Zajac is questionably the best playmaker on the team.Not to mention poor Salmela. Watching him push past the Flyers, move to the net, and put one in made me extremely glad. Seeing him blindsided by Carter, and the Devils have absolutely NO response made me disgusted. People around the league gave the Rangers some hate when they stood around and watched Carcillo beat up Gaborik. Congratulations Devils, you just hit a new low.
Lemaire.. I have no clue what he was really considering this game. Peters and Leblond as you mentioned were near invisible. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I have yet to see Zajac play with Kovalchuk. There is an assumption that Zajac and Parise have to be BFF’s on the ice. Zajac is questionably the best playmaker on the team.Not to mention poor Salmela. Watching him push past the Flyers, move to the net, and put one in made me extremely glad. Seeing him blindsided by Carter, and the Devils have absolutely NO response made me disgusted. People around the league gave the Rangers some hate when they stood around and watched Carcillo beat up Gaborik. Congratulations Devils, you just hit a new low.To give credit where it’s due, the Flyers played an amazing game. They were very quick to get on the puck, extremely aggressive on the forecheck, won a lot of battles on the boards, and in general played physical. I’m surprised the game ended 3-2. The Devils got two lucky and undeserved goals, while the Flyers played an excellent game.
Lemaire.. I have no clue what he was really considering this game. Peters and Leblond as you mentioned were near invisible. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I have yet to see Zajac play with Kovalchuk. There is an assumption that Zajac and Parise have to be BFF’s on the ice. Zajac is questionably the best playmaker on the team.Not to mention poor Salmela. Watching him push past the Flyers, move to the net, and put one in made me extremely glad. Seeing him blindsided by Carter, and the Devils have absolutely NO response made me disgusted. People around the league gave the Rangers some hate when they stood around and watched Carcillo beat up Gaborik. Congratulations Devils, you just hit a new low.To give credit where it’s due, the Flyers played an amazing game. They were very quick to get on the puck, extremely aggressive on the forecheck, won a lot of battles on the boards, and in general played physical. I’m surprised the game ended 3-2. The Devils got two lucky and undeserved goals, while the Flyers played an excellent game.The only positive thing I see about this game, is that Brodeur played spectacular. Haven’t seen these saves in a long, long time.
Lemaire.. I have no clue what he was really considering this game. Peters and Leblond as you mentioned were near invisible. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I have yet to see Zajac play with Kovalchuk. There is an assumption that Zajac and Parise have to be BFF’s on the ice. Zajac is questionably the best playmaker on the team.Not to mention poor Salmela. Watching him push past the Flyers, move to the net, and put one in made me extremely glad. Seeing him blindsided by Carter, and the Devils have absolutely NO response made me disgusted. People around the league gave the Rangers some hate when they stood around and watched Carcillo beat up Gaborik. Congratulations Devils, you just hit a new low.To give credit where it’s due, the Flyers played an amazing game. They were very quick to get on the puck, extremely aggressive on the forecheck, won a lot of battles on the boards, and in general played physical. I’m surprised the game ended 3-2. The Devils got two lucky and undeserved goals, while the Flyers played an excellent game.The only positive thing I see about this game, is that Brodeur played spectacular. Haven’t seen these saves in a long, long time.Kovalchuk shot what, 8 or 9 shots? All from the blueline. All from the same spot. All with the same effect. It’s not quantity, it’s quality, and all of our shots were simply lacking in quality.
Lemaire.. I have no clue what he was really considering this game. Peters and Leblond as you mentioned were near invisible. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I have yet to see Zajac play with Kovalchuk. There is an assumption that Zajac and Parise have to be BFF’s on the ice. Zajac is questionably the best playmaker on the team.Not to mention poor Salmela. Watching him push past the Flyers, move to the net, and put one in made me extremely glad. Seeing him blindsided by Carter, and the Devils have absolutely NO response made me disgusted. People around the league gave the Rangers some hate when they stood around and watched Carcillo beat up Gaborik. Congratulations Devils, you just hit a new low.To give credit where it’s due, the Flyers played an amazing game. They were very quick to get on the puck, extremely aggressive on the forecheck, won a lot of battles on the boards, and in general played physical. I’m surprised the game ended 3-2. The Devils got two lucky and undeserved goals, while the Flyers played an excellent game.The only positive thing I see about this game, is that Brodeur played spectacular. Haven’t seen these saves in a long, long time.Kovalchuk shot what, 8 or 9 shots? All from the blueline. All from the same spot. All with the same effect. It’s not quantity, it’s quality, and all of our shots were simply lacking in quality.
apologies
somehow my formatting got messed up, as you’ve probably figured out after the second repetitive paragraph.
As for the Langenbrunner thing… I forgot to mention, I think it’s time for a change. I’m not saying it’s his fault, but a change in captaincy can bring something back to the team. He’s been playing subpar lately, and giving the C to Parise (the future of the team, anyway) or Elias might help.
I CAN’T BELIEVE I FORGOT THAT. YES. LANGENBRUNNER BOTCHED THE CLEARANCE
Why I didn’t mention that is beyond me.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Feb 8, 2010 11:20 PM EST up reply actions
So wait....
Do you know what Lemaire was considering this game?
/jk :)
Never assume skill at bouncing a ball makes you smarter than the guy who built the court.
When there's a WILL there's a WAY
Not enough heart.
I don’t think there’s any other explanation. Sure, Mottau sucked, as usual. And the puck is still refusing to cross the goal line for the most part. But we had a 2 goal lead. It used to be that opponents could never come back on the Devils once we had a lead. We got a break (Zach’s goal). We got a shorthanded goal and then the scorer of said goal got leveled. Marty was on his head and made some brilliant saves. All of these things should have fired up the team. but this team, for some reason, (with the exception of a few players) just isn’t playing like they want to win. And how is it that one of the top three offensive players in the league comes here and all of a sudden can’t score either? Is there some kind of bad karma or chi surrounding these guys? What else could it be???
And why didn’t anyone payback Carter for taking out Salmela???
trust me
when your team is in a slump, it’s a major hit to the confidence… I know because I’ve played on winless teams for the past two seasons… what the devils need is a blowout win to improve their confidence. That will start them on a streak, I guarantee it.
so, when is our next game against the islanders again??
by Nothinggoespast on Feb 9, 2010 3:50 PM EST up reply actions
I think some people on this board need to stop freaking out. You all sound like a bunch of turncoats.
Yes Langenbrunner is playing horribly.
Yes Kovy has not scored.
There is a month and a half left in the regular season. The Devils will be fine.
by they can take a player but not the core on Feb 8, 2010 11:19 PM EST reply actions
Well, I apologize if I am freaking out a little bit. Honestly, I would agree – but not right after the game and not after some sleep.
I’m sure Kovalchuk will score, Langenbrunner, Mottau, et al will play better, and the Devils will win some games.
I’d just like to see it now.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Feb 8, 2010 11:21 PM EST up reply actions
I hope more than anything that you're right!
This just seems to be very long for a “slump”. And if bringing Kovy in didn’t turn things around, what else possibly could?
I’m anything but a turncoat, BTW. I LOVE this team…proabably too much since when they lose for so long like this it really affects my life and can make an otherwise perfect day turn to s**t.
every year the devils struggle at some point,when it ends ill say to my self next year when this happens ill try and stay calm.not working at the moment but im doing the best i can.
by Imperator_Celtic on Feb 9, 2010 11:53 AM EST up reply actions
The Devils always come around — they could field 5 Avery’s on the ice and still lead the Atlantic, it’s just a matter when.
It’s just frustrating to watch these games when we know of the rather insane amounts of potential on this current squad. Mr. Lou put together this squad, and made the rather ginormous moves that he did, because he wants to win and now. I don’t like the idea of going into the olympic break on a bad slump.
We get frustrated because we know they can be much better. No harm in pointing out the issues we see, is there? I hardly doubt Lemaire/Lou are scouting this blog for strategies/ideas anyway.
hows about 2 avery's, a crosby, and 2 ovechkins?
then we might be in 2nd….. possibly…..
by Nothinggoespast on Feb 9, 2010 3:53 PM EST up reply actions
Plain and Simple...Bad Coaching
As a posed to analyzing each player’s faults and poor play (Which if anyone is the problem, its Kovy. 1: He’s not hitting the net 2: His intimidating presence of talent is making the Devils rush the puck, and sucking the confidence out of his teammates 3: And lazy un-Devil like defensive zone coverage is a terrible example). Anyway, like I said, to not analyze any particular player but the team as a whole, we must address the coaching. Okay, Im gonna say it, sorry, is Lemaire going senial?? What kind of new strategy is he implementing. What happened to the slowed down defensive gritty and stingy hockey that has worked for the past 20 years?? In the neutral zone, Devs seem to be running some pathetic modified trap. Stingy in the neutral zone is whats brought Jersey Cups!!! And this new brake out? What, now since we have super stars we put our wingers on the far blue line for a breakout pass? Guess what, that’s only creating turn overs and odd man rushes. Two terms as a devil fan I’ve prided myself in virtually removing from my vocabulary. Chemistry… hmmm, I see almost none. Maybe if the same 3 guys could stay together for more then 4 shifts we would see less tape to tape passes…To the other team! Has Kovelchuk’s presence changed who and what the New Jersey Devils stand for??? Did Lou sell his soul to the Devil? I believe not, which is the only reason there is still hope. In Lou I trust. I wouldn’t mind seeing him take the bench for a little and get things turned around. Either way, our organization is spinning down the drains if drastic measures aren’t taken very soon. (And I’ve thought this out, no Im not over reacting about a couple of losses. This is bigger than that). Lou, please save us.
The Devils just traded for Ilya Kovalchuk. With the condensed NHL schedule, how many practices (not morning skates, but actual practices) do you think they have had? 1, 2 or 3? Im betting 2 max. (this is not based of facts by the way, just assuming they dont practice on game day, and i know an optional skate was just held)
Hes the focal point of the team when hes on the ice. Imagine an NFL team trading for Peyton Manning at Week 11 of the season. Would he throw 4 interceptions at first? Id bet so. But I bet you would leave him, and who ever hes going to be playing with a little extra than usual.
Why? Because despite going 6-10-1 in the last month or so, youre still in second place… and youre letting them gel. Trial by fire. When the Devils are rocking a complete roster come early March, and they continue to struggle…. panic, until then….. Ride the wave of an NHL season. Better lose now than later.
by they can take a player but not the core on Feb 8, 2010 11:43 PM EST reply actions
What is going on?
I’m sick of the devils play as of the past month like everyone else. There’s some things that im just getting sick of (small rant coming if you think its inaccurate in what im saying its just from what i see, my opinion.)
Im sick of the bad play of Mottau and sometimes white, error after error whether its clearing the puck or making a bad pass or being in the wrong position. They need to get it together, and that goes for the rest of the defense as they haven’t been playing too well either.
Im sick of the Power Play. Now they did connect tonight on the first one on a somewhat lucky goal by Parise. But i believe they had 7 Power plays and about 4-5 of them the Devils could barely set them up. They would either dump it in and lose it or try bringing in with inaccurate passes that lead to clearings. The Power Play NEEDS to get going and score some goals. I believe there 4-48 or around there on the power play which is abysmal.
Im sick of Lemaire putting the wrong lines or combination’s of players out at the wrong times. I mean putting out Neidermayer and Roloston probably the 2 slowest guys on the team(more so Neidermayer) instead of Parise and Zajac in the last 30 secs of the game when we could tie it up on a POWER PLAY is beyond me. I know they were probably tired but come on Parise can put half a effort into his play and still have more then Neidermayer. This leads to the next thing im sick of…..
I’m sick of Rob Neidermayer and his effort he puts on the ice. Now i’ve said this many times already but he’s still doing the same thing. His effort on the ice is little for the most part. There’s so many times where he could easily get the puck or skate faster if he would put some effort into it. Like someone said awhile back he “floats” on the ice. We need more effort from him!
I can’t wait till after the Olympic break when hopefully we’ll have Martin and Clarkson( and now Samela i guess) back and will be healthy and go back to our winning ways. Now im sorry for the rant or “freaking out” about this but like John said i just want to see some wins now. Now im defiantly not being a Turncoat. I agree with Jezebel, that’s the same way i feel. The Devils just need a small string of wins to boast their confidence.
Honestly I think it’s come down to sitting players and bringing up a few AHLers. If they’re not gonna play, fine. Let the kids earn their ice time. In particular, I think we all would love Mottau to be sat and bring up Ekford or Corrente.
Even sitting Nieds and putting in Sestitio could be a good idea now.
Agree completely
A good injection of some youth could bring some energy and something new.
by NJDevilsSteve on Feb 8, 2010 11:55 PM EST up reply actions
AGREEE
Totally agree with that too Salmela got a broken nose a few teeth knocked out and maybe a concussion and no one stepped up at all my god.(brother told me that he got a broken nose and some teeth knocked out is that 100% true? i just want to make sure)
I am....
unable to even think straight about this team right now. I know Kovi will score but i am sick of seeing every single puck passed to him. Not getting any goals and constantly being set up for shots is probably making his game worse. We need him to just be him and start passing to everyone on the team and allow people to take shots.
Man I hope that we do get our losing out now and come around cause I am really getting tired of losing.
Maybe if we get these crappy losses out of our system now we will prevail in the playoffs.
by CaramelCoveredXMas on Feb 9, 2010 1:55 AM EST reply actions
PP
“Yes, Kovalchuk at the point and feeding him for his hard slapshot is an otherwise sensible tactic on the power play. But why was that seemingly the only tactic on the man advantage, especially on that last power play? Did Lemaire not notice the Flyers backing off and letting him fire at will knowing the puck has to go miraculously through at least 3 people plus the goalie to go in? On an angle, no less?”
AMEN
I have respect for most sports fans with 2 exceptions: NY Ranger fans who grew up in New Jersey, and Dallas Cowboy fans who can't name the capital of Texas.
Just letting you know...
… that was the constant idea here on the powerplay too. Kozlov to Enstrom to Kovalchuk… hold… Kozlov, Kovy, shoot, blocked.
Our PP was top ranked at the start of the season, but after about 10 games once everyone and their mother figured it out, it plummeted. Now that they’re being forced to mix it up it’s getting better again. Whatever you guys do, don’t let the “pass to Kovy” plan be your main one… everyone knows it.
BTW, I saw that hit on Salmela… not cool, and I hope he recovers fully. I liked him, but we couldn’t use him like he needed to be utilized – I’m glad he’s back somewhere that can.
Reporter: There`s a "stamp out the Beatles movement" underway in Detroit. What are you going to do about it?
Paul McCartney: We`re going to start a campaign to stamp out Detroit.
It’s strange how different things have become as the year as progressed. Originally we would begin games horribly and end them with a huge burst of passion. Now, we’ve been starting games actually pretty good but basically stop playing by certain points of the 2nd and 3rd period.
I’m glad I’m not the only one that’s sick and tired of Langenbrunner giving up horrible passes in his own zone, huge giveaways and sometimes game changers, and just playing overall bad hockey for the past month. he had an huge year last year and was playing pretty well in the beginning of this year (hence the olympic captain nod) but has dropped his game considerably. I would be far less concerned about Jamie if he wasn’t the captain of the team. But since he wears that C, he needs to lead by example. If he plays bad, it’s very noticeable.
It sucks to seee Salmella go down because it looks like he was finding some kind of groove with the rest of the Devils and his position. I’m a fan of the grittiness that he displayed in driving to the net and scoring that goal. I can’t say we have any other defenders who have shown that kind of tenacity in a long time (Greene used to but has fallen off the cliff significantly).
I don’t know if Brodeur’s play has been a reflection of the team’s horrible defense, or the other way around. It’s probably both. But Marty has not been playing good lately. He’s been giving up key goals that deflate the team. Some of these goals, I would blame on horrible positioning by the defense.
Perhaps we were all wrong in believing that all it took was one explosive forward to help propel this team into a contender. It appears as if the entire team has several flaws that are becomming more and more glaring as the year progresses. There is no doubt in my mind that we’re still two top four defenders away from having at least a competent defense. Martin will be one of those when he returns, but this defensive core is just not very good.
Is there something to be said about the beginning of this year’s success being attributed to the youth we placed in significant roles? And perhaps one of the reasons why we were doing so bad lately is because most of this youth has been replaced by veterans who are just not playing good? I have no idea what to think anymore. All I know is this season will continue to slip away if we keep playing like we have in the past 30 days.
"We aim above the mark to hit the mark." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson
I have no more words on the Mottau situation. I’m not the only one who sees what’s happening here, but one person that will never seem to is Jacques Lemaire. I can’t and will never figure it out. Even Tortorella would have been smart enough to cut this hack’s ice time and put the younger, smarter, feistier kid Fraser in instead. This is third grade hockey here…you replace the people playing bad with the people playing good. Maybe someone should tell it to him in French, then he might finally get it.
Players Currently in My Doghouse: Mike Mottau, Andrew Peters
Changes need to be made, whether Lemaire is ready to accept that or not. The Mottau experiment is a failure and really needs to end. We have much more eager, intelligent defenseman in the minors that can capably play the role that Mottau does. If this tailspin doesn’t end we are going to be in some hot water. Lets nip in the bud now before its too late. I just don’t understand why he keeps getting ice time. If we can see it, the coaches must certainly see it as well.
by thatguy011071 on Feb 9, 2010 8:34 AM EST up reply actions
Disgraceful
Where exactly was the reaction to Carter’s elbow to Salmela’s head? I can understand the referees either missing the call, or deciding it was only worth two minutes and therefore voided because the Devils scored on that play (don’t like it, but I understand it). What about afterwards? The Devils of old would have cleaned Carter’s clock at some point. You have two “tough guys” in the lineup last night…. if Lemaire won’t put them out to exact a pound of flesh, how about someone like Fraser, Salvador, White, anyone smearing this guy and standing up for a teammate? Do you honestly believe that would have gone unanswered in the days of Stevens and Daneyko?
If the NHL doesn’t step up and suspend Jeff Carter for at least Wednesday’s game at New Jersey (and I doubt Colin Campbell will have the stones to do it — he didn’t suspend Mike Richards for the dirty hit on David Booth earlier in the season, and he has a long and storied history of being anti-Devils), someone has to pummel the living daylights out of him. I don’t care if it costs the team seven minutes of shorthanded play like when Jim McKenzie whaled the stuffing out of Tie Domi several years back after a similar cheap shot (and Domi went all turtle like a sissy), but someone has to step up and demonstrate this kind of behavior will not be tolerated and will not be allowed to stand without some sort of response.
As for the power-play, it is so obvious that teams are keying in on Kovalchuk and doing everything they can to stop the one-timer or the slapshot from the point. That’s how Zajac was so wide open on Friday night to tie the Toronto game and McAmmond had an easy cross-ice pass for Zajac to simply hit the net…. and that’s what the Devils need to play for. Let everyone key on Kovalchuk, and it opens up for the other players as long as they don’t go out of their way to try and force things to Ilya and try to make him the panacea for their ills.
Much agreed on Mottau, he is definitely regressing and starting to hurt the team. I’m still going to bang the drum on Rob Niedermeyer like I have for the past few weeks and make him Scapegoat #1. For the love of Pete, can we bench or banish this guy already? I’m sick of seeing him take penalties, play lazy defense (that first goal he could have prevented with a little hustle, instead of standing and watching the Flyers skate into the zone and score), and why oh why is he out on the power play with a minute to play when he is a waste of space offensively? Can we please put Zharkov or Pelley or someone from Lowell into the lineup in his place already?
Maybe noone went after him because it wasn’t a dirty hit. Head down coming through in front of the net. You’d better be prepared to get popped. And give the elbow bit a rest. Watch the replay in slow motion. He got him with the shoulder. His elbow comes up after the follow through. He got hurt from hitting the ice more so than Carter’s actual hit.
What is with everyone these days wanting to kill someone after every clean, hard hit?
Head down coming through in front of the net. You’d better be prepared to get popped.
Always easy to say when its not your team’s guy laying unconscious on the ice.
Should the situation ever be reversed, we’ll see if you’re still so readily dismissive.
The question of someone going after Carter after the hit is more about the statement than any judgment about the cleanliness or dirtiness or the hit.
Exactly. I remember a hit in the playoffs years ago on some guy named Lindros.
And as for going after guys, that’s my point. Are we going to have to fight after every hard hit now? It seems to be the trend. I’m all for the players policing the game. But come on, if it’s a clean hit, lesson learned, you move on. It’s getting to the point where you can’t check someone hard at all without fear of retaliation.
Whoa, you can’t compare this to the Lindros hit. I know a lot of Devils fans pretend that Stevens was an angel, but I’m not one of those people. That said, Stevens hit Lindros from the front, more like the hit on Elias last month, not from his blindside.
And clean or not, “his elbow comes up in the follow through,” because he intended to hurt Anssi, no matter what he says, and SOMEBODY, ANYBODY should have stepped up. At the very least, it should have light a fire under their collective ass.
If Andrew Peters ever plays again it will be too soon.
There is a variation of Godwin’s Law that I just made up that states that:
As a discussion between a Devils fan and a Flyers fan grows longer, the probability of the Flyer fan mentioning the hit by Scott Stevens on Eric Lindros approaches 1.
HA
how true, we’ll call it Lindros’ Law.
If Andrew Peters ever plays again it will be too soon.
Even as a Flyers fan, who at first viewed the hit as dirty but after watching replays settled on excessive but clean, I am still surprised that no one on the Devils went after Carter. Maybe they really didn’t think Carter had any intent other than to hit the guy really hard. Which I do think was his intent, and so they decided not to put themselves in a penalty killing situation. But I am with you though in that you usually will always see team mates stick up for their team mate after he just got hit like that. I too was surprised nothing happened either immediately following the hit or at any point later in the game.
Not at all. I’m just assuming you’re a die-hard Devils fan, as I’m a die-hard Flyers fan, and the comparison of how two different people see the same event, and draw completely seperate conclusions from it.
I’m assuming your memory sucks.
Lindros was going forward and had he have his head up, he would have Stevens coming easily.
Salmela’s head was up the whole way, but instead of scanning the rink, he had the puck and figured he’d try to score. Which he did. As quick as it was, Carter had full control of his whole body and had no reason to drive his shoulder into Salmela’s blindside. He didn’t have the puck and it was after the goal.
No elbow, sure, but entirely late and unwarranted. Very different from the famous hit you’re implying. To connect the two is not a difference in perspective, but revisionist history that frankly insults one’s intelligence.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Feb 9, 2010 12:01 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I’m assuming your eyesight sucks.
Look, I’m not trying to get into a pissing match here, but watch the video. His head is down. Simple as that. He had just looked down to find the puck in his skates. “Entirely” late? “Unwarranted” Come on. That was a split second late. If the puck doesn’t go in and comes back out and Carter doesn’t make the hit, he’s leaving a guy open on the doorstep. I’ve played hockey for 23 years, and going to the front of the net is just like going into the corners. Be prepared to get hit.
As for the Lindros hit, I wasn’t comparing the two. I was replying to elesias reply to my post. As a Flyers fan, I saw that hit as an elbow to Lindros’s jaw. There was a huge blow-up on the back page of the Philly Daily News the next day that showed the actual contact. However, I’m guessing most Devils fans saw it as a clean hit. Just showing how 2 people can see the same thing and arrive at different opinions.
First, I am a Flyers fan, second, I am a realist, third, Lindros is, was and will always be a piece of sh*t and I was glad Steven’s destroyed him.
Now, onto last night. Salmela’s head did not just go down to try and locate the puck…it was down for a while. And when that happens you are always leaving yourself open for a blindside hit. It happens. I don’t think Carter’s hit was late. If it was it was by a fraction of a second. If that puck hadn’t gone in then Carter would have done what anyone else would and should have done. Taken the guy off the puck to prevent him from possibly knocking in a rebound. The fact that the puck went into the net, a split second before he hit Salemla was just happenstance really.
Do I think the hit was a bit excessive when a lesser hit would have served the same purpose? Absolutely I do. It did not look to me like Carter lowered the shoulder to hit Salmela…Carter is just a bit bigger…shoulder to head is about where they match up in height. I think what really did the damage wasn’t so much Carter hitting Salmela the way he did but rather Salmela’s head smacking off the ice.
At the end of the day though, when a guy is carter off the ice, the fans of that player/team are going to be defensive and in some cases want blood for blood. Is it right? I don’t know, maybe. But its the product of the sport we all seem to love. If that had happened to a guy on the Flyers I would probably have the same reaction. But I really don’t think there was any intent to injure, nor do I think it was a dirty hit. Definitely excessive.
Well said, except Carter is listed as 6’3 and Salmela is 6’1, so there’s not that large a discrepancy in size.
I don’t think the hit was dirty either, for what it’s worth. I think it was excessive, and I think he aimed higher than he needed to, but it was a split second decision.
It’s unfortunate Salmela got hurt, but I’m left to wonder if anyone would much care if he hadn’t been.
That being said, he was and that often bears a lot of weight in Campbell’s decision (often being the key word), and it is the second similar incidence the Flyers have been involved in. If the league truly wants hits to the head removed, a line is going to have to be drawn in the sand somewhere and some examples are going to need to be made. The question is whether or not this is where that begins.
If Carter is suspended I don’t think it would be the most egregious thing ever. I don’t think it has to happen. And although it isn’t the first time a Flyer has taken someone out with a somewhat questionable hit, it is the first time Carter has done so. That should be taken into consideration. Don’t punish the player for what a team is perceived to be.(somewhat wrongly IMO)
Now, I do agree that hits to the head to need to be removed from the game, they are dangerous and unnecessary. If the line in the sand has to be drawn here then so be it. It has to start somewhere. You never want your guy to be made an example of but sometimes that’s just the way it is.
If the situation was reversed, you know you and your fellow Flyers fans would want retaliation.
And ti would be expected.
Last month when Elias was knocked out by that Avalanche player, the Devils kept retatliating. And (because I was watching the game on Center Ice and saw the Colorado broadcast) I heard the Avalanche announcers say that even though it was a clean hit (and it was a much cleaner hit than Carter’s was as it wasn’t from behind and Elias actually had the puck), their player was of course going to be a marked man and that was expected.
Flyers fans live to see blood to compensate for the lack of talent in their organization. You can’t honestly say that if the situation was reversed, you and your fellow fans wouldn’t expect payback for your player. The media would cry for it, too, there. I grew up right outside of Philly (down the street from Bobby Clarke, actually), so I know exactly what I’m talking about regarding the Flyers, the media and their fans.
At the end of the day though, when a guy is carter off the ice, the fans of that player/team are going to be defensive and in some cases want blood for blood. Is it right? I don’t know, maybe.
Like I said right there, I can see it from your perspective, and I can’t say that there aren’t Flyer’s fans, better yet, HOCKEY fans that wouldn’t have the reaction that you just described. Wanting blood for blood. I understand the game of hockey because I played it for a long time. I was on the receiving end of some vicious hits and i was on the giving end of some vicious hits. I understand what happens when you take and make those hits. Your team is hopefully going to stand up for you. That’s part of hockey. As dirty as that may sound, that is what keeps the game for the most part, clean.
I do however disagree with your general statement regarding Flyers fans:
Flyers fans live to see blood to compensate for the lack of talent in their organization.
I think maybe you should spend sometime over at Broad Street Hockey and see what the fans there are like. They aren’t all blood hungry war mongrels as you claim they are. You may have grown up right outside of Philly, just like I did, but you don’t know exactly what you are talking about regarding the Flyers, the media and their fans. Yes, the Flyers absolutely of 30 years ago, were a skilled goon squad and they ate it up, but that is not who they are now. You can throw a name at me like Dan Carcillo and say he is a goon, but he isn’t. Does he take penalties? Absolutely. A lot less than he used to though. Does he drop the gloves? Absolutely. But has he ever cheap shotted anyone? Not once. He gets a bad rap because he takes a lot of penalties, and maybe that makes him an idiot but that doesn’t make him a goon. Personally, I think Danny Briere is the biggest cheap shot artist on the team but even he isn’t a goon.
I think you should really think about your words before you make general statements about groups of people.
You signed up to this blog to defend a player no one was really attacking (which is telling unto itself), and immediately bring up a player and an event that is a decade old and been hashed and rehashed a million times, never mind that it bears no comparison.
That is trolling.
Or, at least that’s my separate conclusion.
Well, in the original post by acasser, he said someone needed to “smear” Carter, pound the flesh, suspend him, and in the next game between us “pummel the living daylight out of him” That constitutes attacking him.
I shouldn’t have brought up the Lindros hit. I wasn’t comparing the two, but made an ill attempt at humor originally. My mistake. As for signing up for this blog, I just wanted to see what the other fans said and thought. I’m not out looking to attack anyone on their “turf”, just get reactions from both sides.
Largely taken out of context, so good on you for adding disingenuous to the list of personality traits we know about you.
Also, you don’t have to sign up or post to a blog to read it and see what other fans say. I recommend going into the archives at Litter Box Cats and reading the responses to the hit on Booth for some perspective of the reaction here.
i really belive
that when march rolls around the devils will be steam rolling in a simular fashion to what the capitals are right now.it seems like the devils are unfocused and not practicing much.for this fan it is all about the playoffs,i really dont care what place they are in just need playoff series wins.
by Imperator_Celtic on Feb 9, 2010 11:59 AM EST reply actions
“how about someone like Fraser, Salvador, White, anyone smearing this guy and standing up for a teammate”
“If the NHL doesn’t step up and suspend Jeff Carter for at least Wednesday’s game at New Jersey”
“someone has to pummel the living daylights out of him. I don’t care if it costs the team seven minutes of shorthanded play”
I see your point. Obviously taken out of context. Kudos on being able to characterize my personality traits after an hour of posts. My girlfriend’s been trying to do that for 5 years. If only we communicated strictly through e-mail, we would have a better understanding of each other.
Use the reply function, it makes it easier to follow if it’s all part of the same conversation.
how about someone like Fraser, Salvador, White, anyone smearing this guy and standing up for a teammate
Again, this isn’t about the perception of the legality of the hit, it’s about responding to having one of your teammates get knocked out. Hockey is a game of emotion and momentum, and often times one fuels the other.
The quote isn’t so much about destroying Carter as it is responding as a team to say, “You can’t push us around.”
If the NHL doesn’t step up and suspend Jeff Carter for at least Wednesday’s game at New Jersey… someone has to pummel the living daylights out of him. I don’t care if it costs the team seven minutes of shorthanded play…
You conveniently left out the rest of the sentence:
but someone has to step up and demonstrate this kind of behavior will not be tolerated and will not be allowed to stand without some sort of response.
Again (again), it’s about responding in general as a team to show that that precedent is not something the team will stand by and allow.
I thought I had hit the reply button, my apologies.
By saying “this kind of behavior will not be tolerated and will not be allowed to stand without some sort of response”, it seems to me it’s being labeled as a dirty hit. If that’s not what you’re labeling it, it goes back to one of the original points I made on here. Which is, it seems everyone is out for blood after every hit anymore, regardless of its legality.
You’re looking at it in too narrow a view. It won’t be tolerated as in guys hitting Devils players, regardless of who it is or the legality of the hit.
As to being out for blood, it’s not unexpected when a guy gets hurt. If that were Carter laying on the ice, you can bet there’d be a vocal few calling for retribution. I think this response has been rather subdued.
Regarding the Carter hit. After watching the replay Salmela’s head was down but even if it was up Carter came from behind and Salmela probably wouldn’t have seen him anyway. I’m all for hitting someone hard if they come at you with their head down but coming from behind and throwing a hit like that is just excessive.
Also Carter could have prevented the goal if instead of going for the big hit he went after the puck. Salmela dangled the puck right in front of him but Carter wasn’t paying attention at all and was just looking for the hit.
Now if we could only transfer the passion in these forums as of late to our team...
Intervention anyone?
Looks like a Long winter
Given that nobody really gave this team respect preseason, and we really werent even expected to make the playoffs this year…maybe we did overachieve first half. We have hit a wall of late, and I honestly don’t see us coming back around. Our defense looks tired and coughs up pucks for a living. If I have to watch another 2-0, 3-1 lead diminish I might be sick. We will be lucky to finish the season as a 5th seed. We look awful, and I dont see how Kovalchuk, or getting martin and clarkson back is going to spark us. At this point, we’d get swept first round.
after the break the devils are gonna focus,and start stomping teams down
you will see,i do think a salvador type deal before march third is nessesary the devils d looks a little weak in the defencive zone.
by Imperator_Celtic on Feb 9, 2010 2:17 PM EST reply actions
positive thinking…but I think we’re burnt out. Everything is forced with Kovy, marty looks good for a period or 2 then tired and gets burned from the point every game. the devils that once would never give up a lead now look like they are getting paid to give up leads. Its pathetic.
every year they slump
the devils have always been a streaky team,if u want proof look at there record for the last 30 games from 99/00 prehaps the best devils team yet.i think they won 5 of there last 30 games.
by Imperator_Celtic on Feb 9, 2010 2:22 PM EST up reply actions
I could be overreacting, but It’s just jeckle and hyde right now. I’m goin to the nashville game on Friday, replacement tickets for the Lightning game where the lights went out…yea i was at that haha, so I’m just hoping for the best I guess, but thinking the worst. I don’t see us winning tomorrow night, and Nashville is better than the teams that have been embarassing us lately (Leafs, Rangers, Islanders)
just checked out of curiosity...
99[[COMMENT_CHILDREN_TOKEN]]0 season ending, They went 14-14-2, miles better than 4-10 the last 14. pathetic.
not as bad as a remebered
but i gues it was the last 14 i just know by the time the playoffs were over i had given up.and this season is the first time i havent given up.any season of devils (except 02/03 and 00/01)had slumps i always say im not falling for it again and i do.it just seems that the devils all get hot and all get cold at the same time i dont know why.
by Imperator_Celtic on Feb 9, 2010 2:35 PM EST up reply actions
thanks for checking i really should have looked before i posted.u got my point i hope.
by Imperator_Celtic on Feb 9, 2010 2:36 PM EST up reply actions
my replacement tickets were for the kings game
like many i have watched latley i thought the devils played ok and still lost.
by Imperator_Celtic on Feb 9, 2010 2:38 PM EST up reply actions
kings game
left my livign room at 2-1 to get some food, checked my phone halfway thru dinner and score was 3-2 final LA. lost my sh**. I just dont think a team can have as many demoralizing losses as the devils have lately and bounce back strong before the break. I think we’ll limp into the rbeak.
well I think the pens have 3 more games, as do we, and we’re 2 up right now. So I think 5 pts will lock it for us. If we get 4 pts, the pens could end up tied with us in the atlantic if they win their next 3.
Nashville is better than teams that have been creaming us lately. Carolina has been playing better than us, and we’re on the road. And Philly just beat us. I dont think ANY opposition at this point is favorable for us haha.
They are all winnable games. So too have the last few been, true, but if your team is struggling and looking to get back on track, you couldn’t really ask for a better situation.
I look at it like this. If I’m second in the East, and have the 4-5th best points in the NHL, EVERY game is winnable. Granted, we should be murdering some teams, and instead go home with our tails between our legs. Oh well….Lets go Devils…hope for the best. I really wish more people would show up to the games…guess being second fiddle behind the Rangers in this area doesnt help….
not enough time in the offensive zone.
I think the major problem is we are not dominating the puck in the offensive zone like we used to. We are spending to much time in our own zone. Also we need to start taking some shots from closer to the net. Too many slapshots from far out and when we get rebounds there is nobody in front. Too be fair the defense was shorthanded last night so I do not blame them as much as other people do. Also Marty needs to start out playing some of these no name goalies he has been losing to lately..
Donald Vasquez
Marty is the least of the Devil's problems
Devil’s have been scoring 1.00 goals per game less than at the start of the season, and are at around 1.80 (mind you, this is recent play, for the slump). I’m sorry, but no goaltender is going to save you when you aren’t scoring two goals a game.
Great Article.
Yea I wasnt really blaming Marty at all, but he has been getting beaten a lot from the point. Marty is the last of my worries though….I think the offense is definitely part of the problem too…but, you cant really blame the whole opposing team scores 2-3 goals in 2 minutes thing on the offense…thats just lack of focus and poor defense.
Especially when you see the goals themselves.
In this day and age, where you can view every goal scored though NHL.com, there’s no excuse to not see how those goals happened. This way one can see whether the goalie had a legit shot at making the save and should have made the stop, or whether he could see the shot, the shot was tipped, the goalie was hung out to dry, etc.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
to me the whole team seems cold,broduer elias rolston parise everybody.
by Imperator_Celtic on Feb 9, 2010 7:38 PM EST up reply actions
Once again.
I am not blaming Marty. All I am saying is he has been losing to a lot of no name goalies lately that he usually beats. Sure the offense is not scoring but it is hard to keep momentum going when your goalie is consistently allowing multiple goals late in a period.
Donald Vasquez
This:
he has been losing to a lot of no name goalies lately
is directly related to this:
the offense is not scoring
You can’t win if you don’t score more than your opponent. You can blame Marty if you want, but the only goal I think that could be hung on him recently is the first one in the Flyers game. There isn’t a goalie, named or no named, that’s going to get many wins with that kind of play in defensive zone play in front of him.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on In Lou We Trust
Related FanShots on In Lou We Trust
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- NHL investigates Coyotes; Shane Doan explains tense Game 5 handshake with Kings’ Brown
- NHL Playoff Beard Watch: Blood, Sweat and Beards of unsung unshaven heroes
- Devils guarantee they’ll downplay 1994 conference finals for Game 6 vs. Rangers
- Dodger Stadium Winter Classic; 10 worst NHL fans; ‘While The Men Watch’ debate (Puck Headlines)
- Lightning GM Yzerman suggests he won’t be trading for Luongo, strengthens position for Luongo trade
Latest stories and headlines from NHL.com
- Torts expects best from Rangers in must-win game
- Tortorella comfortable and confident that Rangers will be at best in must-win game vs. Devils
- Shawinigan wins, advances to Memorial Cup semifinal
- Cataractes romp to 6-1 win, eliminate Oil Kings from Memorial Cup
- Despite loss, Phoenix Coyotes build solid foundation in the desert with run to West finals
