2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs 1st Round, Game 4 Preview: New Jersey Devils at Philadelphia Flyers
by John Fischer on Apr 20, 2010 12:00 AM EDT
in Devils Game Previews
Email
Print
The Time: 7:30 PM EDT/4:30 PM PDT
The Broadcast: TV: MSG+(HD) & TSN2; Radio: 1130 AM Bloomberg
The Official Watch Parties: Two locales for an important game. If you're 21 or over, why not watch the game with your fellow Devils fans: Rella's in Brielle and Park East in Hazlet.
The Goal: The Philadelphia Flyers lead the series 2-1. The New Jersey Devils need to win.
The Ramifications of a Devils Win: Ties the series up and makes it a best-of-3 with two games in Newark.
The Ramifications of a Devils Loss: We're praying for a repeat of the 2000 Eastern Conference Finals.
The Captain Needs to Step Up: I explain why here.
But Really, the Whole Team Except Brodeur Has to Raise their Game: For the unaware, a recap of Game 3. For those who didn't read that, let me summarize: it was a game where the Devils missed the net and were blocked twice as much as they had shots on net, a game where they went into a third period and overtime tied but came out with little-to-no effort to take the lead, and, among other facts, a game where they couldn't figure out that the refs were calling things tight despite the Flyers taking 4 straight legit calls in the first period. It was not a good performance outside of Martin Brodeur being magnificent (and if you want to be really generous, Dainius Zubrus and Brian Rolston weren't so terrible).
Why Doesn't Brodeur Have to Raise His Game? Because he already has in this series.
The Devils do have to play much better tonight. The team had a meeting on Monday to sort out what went wrong and what they need to do, per Tom Gulitti's post. Let's hope the action follows the words.
Believe it or not, I have some positive perspective after the jump.
One of the more sobering takes from Game 3 comes from Greg Wyshynski at Puck Daddy. The only part I disagree with is that Brodeur has been "maligned, and rightfully so, for inconsistent playoff performances;" but he's right. We don't know what team will show up for tonight's game between what we saw just before the playoffs, and what we saw in each of the three playoff games so far.
But let's take a step back. The Flyers won Game 1, 2-1, with the Devils pulling out a late lifeline and just couldn't get the bounce to tie it up in the final minutes. The Devils won Game 2, 5-3, with the Devils scoring a third period goal to take the lead and put in an empty-netter to ice it in the final minute. The Flyers won Game 3, 3-2, in overtime. Despite how poor the Devils have been in those three games, what they didn't do right, what they should have done better in each game, and so forth, they've all been very close games. Maybe they should have been blown out of Game 3; but they weren't. That says as much about the Flyers as it does about the Devils.
The series is only 2-1. A win will be difficult but no one is saying it's impossible. Wyshynski is right to be skeptical about which Devils team will show up for tonight and in future games; but it is entirely possible that the Devils can equalize the first round and regain home ice. Yes, tonight's important, but that fact means that nothing is decided just yet. Let's not act as if everything's lost. Thanks to a very smart man for illuminating that to me earlier on Monday.
Needless to say, in asking for a win, I want a lot. I wan hustle, I want heart, I want smart plays, I want smart discipline, I want the Devils striking hard when Chris Pronger isn't on the ice, I want the Devils to play classier than the Honorless Captain Mike Richards, I want the Actor Daniel Carcillo to get called for his acting, I want more shots on Brian Boucher, I want more scoring chances on Boucher, and I want the Devils to be able to attack through the neutral zone and actually aim a bit when they try passing or shooting the puck. I believe this is what the Devils want to see in that it could and perhaps should lead to a win in Game 4.
Let's hope we see a Devils win tonight regardless.
A Wild Guess at the Lineup: I don't think Game 3 was totally lost by the lineup, though I'd be surprised if Martin Skoula isn't back in the lineup in place of Mark Fraser. Sure, Fraser got wrecked on the second goal against in Game 3; but I think he was put into the lineup to be more physical on the blueline and he wasn't. I doubt Jacques Lemaire will make any other changes in terms of who's in and who's out; but I wouldn't write these lines down in pen for Game 4.
Zach Parise - Patrik Elias - Dainius Zubrus
Ilya Kovalchuk - Travis Zajac - Jamie Langenbrunner
Brian Rolston - Rob Niedermayer - David Clarkson
Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond - Dean McAmmond - Matthew CorrentePaul Martin - Andy Greene
Colin White - Mike Mottau
Martin Skoula - Bryce SalvadorMartin Brodeur
Yann Danis
Either way, it's a big night tonight. Will the Devils avoid death and take glory in Philadelphia? Let's hope so. Steve's off tonight, so please join me in the GameThread this evening. In the meantime, please leave your thoughts, concerns, complaints, corrections, compliments, news updates (with links), and feelings about tonight's game in the comments to this post. Go Devils!
88 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I think you’re missing a key point: The Devils’ PK has been awful. Get all the shots and scoring chances you want, the Flyers are just throwing themselves in front of pucks once the Devils get into their zone and collapsing once the Devils get on a roll, then striking when they have the man-advantage. The Devils need to take out the Flyers’ PP threat and Jay Pandolfo, with all his experience shutting down elite fowards throughout his career, may be an answer
The PK has allowed 4 goals out of 15. Given how some of these were scored, I wouldn’t say its been awful. It could be better, sure. I highly doubt Pandolfo can make a difference at this point, he wasn’t even killing penalties when he stepped in for a few games by the end of the season.
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 Apr 20, 2010 7:35 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Not too worried killing penalties
What the Devils need to worry more about is staying out of the box. Sure, the Flyers have the most penalties against them so far, giving the Devils 16 power play opportunities over the past 3 games, but this is expected. What is really unexpected is that the Devils are right behind them with 15 penalty kills. Stay out of the box! And also, looking at one stat means nothing. Montreal has killed all 14 of their shorthanded situations and are behind in the series.
by NJPenguins08 on Apr 20, 2010 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions
giving up 4 goals out of 15 is a miserable percentage. A good penalty kill kills off about 85% of their short-handed situations. 4/15 is 73%. If they killed penalties better they would have been in a better position to win both game 1 and 3 even with the lackluster play around.
by freakypuppet on Apr 20, 2010 9:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Or, conversely, if they’d scored more PP goals they could have won.
Or, if they’d played stronger 5 on 5, which is their strength and their advantage, they could have won.
The PK is a part of it, but not the big thing here. Percentages are misleading, anyway. Look at the last game: technically, the Devils were 25% (2 for 8) on the PP, a success rate most teams would take without thinking about it.
I’m not sayng it’s the only problem. I’m saying it IS a problem. You can throw the pencentages out the window if you’d like, but the Flyers are still converting on their PP opportunites. If the Devils can shut the door on the PK they put themselves in a better position to win the hockey games. It takes pressure off the PP to succeed and gives them momentum. If the refs are gonna call tight games the PK needs to be better.
And notice that the only things that kept the Devils in game 3 was Marty and the PP. They lost 5 on 5, I agree, but I still think more emphasis needs to be placed on the PK.
by freakypuppet on Apr 20, 2010 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions
And I’d agree, but that’s a case of treating the symptom and not the problem.
They need to stop taking penalties.
As an aside, after so much success with it in the first two games, why did they remove Pronger as the screen on their PP… because Zach has been on the PK and they’re worried about short-handed chances?
Sometimes you can’t help taking penalties though. The refs called a really tight game 3 at times, but yes, I’d agree. What I’m saying is that, on top of that, they need to be able to kill of the penalties that they are taking.
by freakypuppet on Apr 20, 2010 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions
Tight is an understatement.
Behind the Net did a study not too long ago that showed that more penalties are called in the playoffs, which explains the 0.8 PIM increase per game for the Devils from the regular season (but doesn’t explain the 4+ PIM for the Flyers per game), and so, yes, the PK should be (as always) something to pay attention to, but I think you’re giving it too much importance in the grand scheme of things when you say it’s a “key point” or that it’s “awful.”
You can never give the PK too much importance, firstly. The main goal out there on the ice is outscore your opponent and you do that by keeping the puck out of your own net. It’s always a key point. Maybe it hasn’t been awful (I was just annoyed by it and have been exaggerting it, forgive me for that) but it can be better.
by freakypuppet on Apr 20, 2010 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions
3 of the 4 PPGA were off of deflections and one came from Pronger crashing the net. The PK units didn’t get rolled over, they didn’t get their lunch eaten. Those were the breaks.
Moreover, I don’t buy this 85%+=good PK given that only 5 teams in 09-10 finished with such an efficiency. 85% is great; but with such a small population size in the playoffs, the goals against require detail beyond a percentage.
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 Apr 20, 2010 9:55 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Ok, maybe I was exaggerating a bit. But still, you talk about breaks and bounces but the PK is successful by not allowing the team entry into the zone and clearing the puck out of the zone. The bounces and breaks happen at all times on the ice, and no, the Devils PK didn’t keep the flyers out of the zone. And once the Flyers got into the zone the Devils’ defenseman were too soft around the net, but that’s another problem entirely.
Again, I’m not saying ti’s the only problem they have, nor even that it’s the biggest problem, but it is a problem. They said this series was going to come down to special teams. Penalty killing is specal teams. Saying that the PP needs to be better and not the PK is like saying you need to score more goals rather than giving up less. I simply want the Devils to be able to keep the puck out of their zone, out of high percetage scoring areas and clear the puck when they get the chance. That’s what they need to have a successful PK and they haven’t been doing that either.
by freakypuppet on Apr 20, 2010 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Why Keep Corrente?
I don’t get the logic if Corrente is going to play another game as a forward. His future in the organization is that of a defenceman and now the Devils needs goals, so it would make more sense to me, if we see a Zharkov on the 4th line as a winger in game 4 or as suggested by freakypuppet, a return for Pandolpho would also make more sense.
I don’t think Corrente has played bad, but he also did wasted a good breakaway chance that I don’t think a natural forward would have wasted in the same way. I am saying that Pandolpho or Zharkov would have scored, but at least I think they would have forced the goalie to make a save.
Also Parise, Zajac and Langenbrunner have been good together all year, so way not put them back together. The current lines have done nothing but fail. Elias, Kovalchuck and Zubrus was good together in the start and also Rolston have shown some good chemistry with Kovalchuck, so why not try that, perhaps with Elias in the middle.
Then again, is Zharkov really going to be any help? Corrente may be a defenseman playing the wing, but is that really going to affect him? Plus, Zharkov has as many goals as Corrente, despite Corrente playing less games and out of position and with better talent (Zharkov played with Patrik Elias for a period of time)
Cheers, Complaints, homerism and bashing of mediocre pop musicians in 140 Characters
"DO NOT get stuck behind Kyle Wellwood in the buffet line. This isn't really etiquette, but it will prevent you from starving to death"- Down Goes Brown on Etiquette for Jason Spezza's wedding
by Kevin Sellathamby on Apr 20, 2010 7:21 AM EDT up reply actions
alot better…from watching all the games, Zharov is a good player despite fact he hasnt scored, he creates plays and is strong with the puck along the boards which makes him a perfect Devil. He is a good player and Corrente is worthless out there as a foward. It is not good to have two guys (Corrente, Leblond) who have no real chance of scoring or contributing outside a penalty or a hit
by centralnj devfan on Apr 20, 2010 7:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Isn’t Zharkov injured? Otherwise it’s a good suggestion.
However, Corrente has been generating scoring chances on the 4th line. Zharkov is a great foward but he hasn’t shown that he can light the lamp any better than Corrente can. Corrente has the edge in size (slightly) but I agree that Zharkov (or Pelly) would be a better choice.
On that note: whatever happened to Pelly? He was playing great down the stretch, why isn’t he playing now?
by freakypuppet on Apr 20, 2010 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions
He didn’t waste a breakaway in game 3. Krajicek hooked him down.
I fail to see how Zharkov would provide any answers. Yeah, his CORSI owns, but its led to very little production. Again: he’s got no goals this season.
Also, Jay Pandolfo is never an answer for more offense. Adding him would do little in my opinion.
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 Apr 20, 2010 10:01 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I agree, but Pando might help the defensive side of things. Though he does work well with Rob Neidemayer
by freakypuppet on Apr 20, 2010 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Corrente and leblond bring nothing to the table. “toughness” is that really important, the games as you have seen have included no actual fights and are being called very tight. These two guys games are only a liability with how closely the games are being called. I do not think Leblond has been called for a penalty in the series but he has also done nothing of value. You put pando and zharkov out there and at least you have a guy who can skate and works well along the boards and cycling which is the Devs game in zharkov and with pando a guy who is good defensively and can kill penalties a sore spot for the devs right now save the short handed goal by parise. Corrente having the edge in size what does that matter when he is less skilled skating wise and puck handling wise then zharkov.
by centralnj devfan on Apr 20, 2010 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Wants/Needs...both
Hell of a list of wants John. Sure would be nice. I’ll take an ugly win. I’ll take a defensive shutdown 2-1 win. I’ll take a wildly offensive 7-5 win. Don’t really care at this point. It’s gotta be a W. I know…I know…down 3-1 isn’t technically the end of the series, but in the VAST majority of situations it is.
I’m confident that the Devs can pull out a win tonight. I have a feeling it will be desperate and emotional the way game 2 was, but with a bit of experience taken from that game to limit the bad penalties. Winning my 3 or 4 goals isn’t out of the question. Well, as long as someone gets to JL and tells him about the Flyers trouble with offensive teams and to loosen the grip on that lease a little.
shakes the magic 8Ball
This series is going 7 games.
Devs tonight and home team wins out the series.
Kovy breaks out in this series with a 4 point night at some point during this series.
We’ll see Pando in the lineup before we’re done with Philly.
Agree with Corrente what about Leblond???
Why play either one of them, they barely played in the third and Corrente took a dumb penalty. Look obviously there isnt going to be any actual fights (see first 3 games), do we really need “tough” guys in the lineup with limited skills. These two guys have limited skills and Corrente is a defensmen playing wing it is stupid. Play Zharkov and Pandolfo guys with some skills. I get Zharkov has not scored but he is not bad. Please dont try to make excuses for Leblond and Corrente just use your eyes they are useless in the series, and Pelley did not play that bad either. Suprise noone has called out these 2 guys as being mistakes out there. Lemaire what are you doing!!
by centralnj devfan on Apr 20, 2010 7:21 AM EDT reply actions
I’m not going to be able to see the game tonight, but I just want a win. I could really care less about who scores. But if the Devils can get any sort of momentum going tonight, I’d gladly enjoy it
Cheers, Complaints, homerism and bashing of mediocre pop musicians in 140 Characters
"DO NOT get stuck behind Kyle Wellwood in the buffet line. This isn't really etiquette, but it will prevent you from starving to death"- Down Goes Brown on Etiquette for Jason Spezza's wedding
by Kevin Sellathamby on Apr 20, 2010 7:26 AM EDT reply actions
God give us game 4
How can we continue to play down to this goon style of hockey? The third period and overtime of the last game was a train wreck, has anybody asked them why they were so damn tired. Everybody on the team was skating slowly and repeatedly making regrettable plays leading to turnovers. This NEEDS to change or this team doesn’t have what it takes to get out of round 1.
Marc R.
hey
hey devilssan2 i know its all about the devs tonight, but I remember you posting that you met Shane Doan and talked to him about what the Devils are like on the ice. I was just curious what he said, if you dont want to post it or something, my email is kirkb6767 at yahoo…thanks either way
by centralnj devfan on Apr 20, 2010 7:46 AM EDT up reply actions
He just told me that they’ve always been a tough team to play, but I met him a week after they had beat us 4-3 so he was pretty high on his team. I guess when I was speaking to him I gave up a “come on, you guys aren’t that good” attitude seeing as it was only half way through the season, and they hadn’t yet emerged as a real contender. He didn’t elaborate too much when I tried to ask him about the Devils, seeing as they only play once a year, but he did say that they are stingy defensively (of course) and always come with a clean, competitive game. Overall he was the nicest athlete I’ve ever met though; he really didn’t seem bothered by my imposition, and was willing to talk about anything. Here’s a pic.
Marc R.
GOD Dosen't Take Sides
Didn’t you watch AVATAR?
Creed: (Play well-Win=Praise) (Play Well-Lose=Praise) (Play Lousy-Win=Criticism) (Play lousy-Lose/Bandwagon Jumpers=Off with thier heads!)
Any violation of this creed is BLASPHEMY!
by LoNJDTechnology on Apr 20, 2010 7:50 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Way To Put Everything Back Into Perspective John
freakypuppet, its not the Devils PK thats the problem its thier ability to score during thier PP. This was a problem before the current series. i am concern about this but not worried. Despite this flaw in the Devils performance they have managed to stay competitive. If they can set up and maintain a PP zone and if Parise or Zajac can stay in front of the net after a shot attempt is made, I
think this would greatly increase their PPG%.
Also, did anyone read the New York Daily News sports section (April 203h Ed.)? There is an article about the Devils titled “Lemaire Puts Blame on Kovalchuk’s Line.” It’s a pretty interesting read. You will be surprised by what “JL” has to say.
The Devils know what they have to do. They’ve been here before. I think Salvatore, Zajac, Fraiser and Niedimeyer need to be a little bit more cognizant and aware of their surroundings because, as much as i hate to say it, they are slacking.
Besides, these Flyer and Pengiuns Fans are starting to get out of hand with th trash talk.
devilssan2, I would also like to know what D had to say about what it was like to skate against the Devils.
Creed: (Play well-Win=Praise) (Play Well-Lose=Praise) (Play Lousy-Win=Criticism) (Play lousy-Lose/Bandwagon Jumpers=Off with thier heads!)
Any violation of this creed is BLASPHEMY!
by LoNJDTechnology on Apr 20, 2010 8:23 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Correction
Despite Zajac’s lack of goal production, he has put himself in goal scoring situations. Boucher has just been slamming doors on the net. So remove Zajac from the list.
Creed: (Play well-Win=Praise) (Play Well-Lose=Praise) (Play Lousy-Win=Criticism) (Play lousy-Lose/Bandwagon Jumpers=Off with thier heads!)
Any violation of this creed is BLASPHEMY!
by LoNJDTechnology on Apr 20, 2010 8:45 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
The PP is actually producing. Remember, a good PP scores about 20-25% of the time. The Devils went 2/8 in game 3. I’d call that good PP production. However, the PK has only killed 73%. That is not good production.
So I must disagree: The PK needs work. Whatever about the PP, the PK NEEDS work.
by freakypuppet on Apr 20, 2010 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions
As I noted above, the PP production from that last game is a perfect example of how stats can be misleading. 25% sounds great, and going into any game there isn’t a team not named the L.A. Kings (who were absolutely unstoppable last night) who wouldn’t take it, but 2 for 8 is terrible.
Sure, 25% sounds great before the game and six months later, but the fact is there were 6 missed opportunities. No one expects anyone to score every time, and over a long period of time the statistics will bear more relevance, but only 2 out of 8 is a case of not getting the job done.
yes, but basically giving up penalties in 2/5 chances (I’m counting Carcillo’s GWG as a PPG here, but only because it was the result of the penalty. The penalty had expired 3 seconds before the goal and I don’t think Clarkson was in the play yet) that’s not great. If you limit the Flyers # of PP’s and also the quality of those chances the Devils have a better chance of winning the game. All I’m saying. Yes, the PP isn’t perfect, but neither is the PK and if you ask me the PK has been worse.
Also, it’s easier to work on the PK than it is to work on the PP. It could be a matter of simple adjustments out there on the ice that will keep the Flyers from scoring on the PP. Just once I’d like to see te Flyers go 0/3 or so on the PP and see the Devils really get some momentum from it.
by freakypuppet on Apr 20, 2010 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions
The simple fact of the matter is that people are basing percentages off of to small of a sample so the values are going to be inflated one way or another.
Quoting Mark Twain “There are three types of lies: Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics”
by devilstuckinkansas on Apr 20, 2010 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Need this game
Hate to be a bummer, but if the Devils don’t win this game I don’t think they can come back. They have looked really good in this series and tepid at other times. So far, Philly D has matched up pretty well against our forwards. That has to change in order for us to win. The Devils don’t camp like they should in front of Boucher nearly as much as they should mainly because the Philly D keeps on the outside. We need to start doing that.
You're Next!
i never thought i would say this, but...
i hope martin skoula is in the lineup tonight. though is this a possibility: can peters play yet? if so, he can go on the 4th line, and corrente as the 3rd D-pair. although i wouldnt mind seeing salmela as the 3rd D and/or zharkov on the 4th line
also, in a game that close where the devils lacked physical play, im surprised PL3 wasnt on the ice more
EthanM
I’d personally rather see Pelly that Leblond, but I agree. The entire 4th line needs to be used more
by freakypuppet on Apr 20, 2010 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Pelley played well in Game 1, and he’d been playing well down the stretch. I don’t understand why he got scratched so a D-man could play forward.
If Andrew Peters ever plays again it will be too soon.
by LangsForPres on Apr 20, 2010 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Pelley Sucked in Game One.
Because of his size (195w 5-11h) Pelley got thrown around in game 1.He also lost alot of battles for the puck along the boards. With that said, i will say that he improved in game 2 and managed to stay effective in game 3 but i think he should use his strengths a lot more namely his speed, puck control and cutting ability. i dont know why but he seemed to be a step behind in game 1.
Creed: (Play well-Win=Praise) (Play Well-Lose=Praise) (Play Lousy-Win=Criticism) (Play lousy-Lose/Bandwagon Jumpers=Off with thier heads!)
Any violation of this creed is BLASPHEMY!
by LoNJDTechnology on Apr 20, 2010 10:42 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
He didn’t play in game 2 or 3… unless I just missed him…
by freakypuppet on Apr 20, 2010 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions
i dont recall seeing Pelley in game 2. My bad.
Creed: (Play well-Win=Praise) (Play Well-Lose=Praise) (Play Lousy-Win=Criticism) (Play lousy-Lose/Bandwagon Jumpers=Off with thier heads!)
Any violation of this creed is BLASPHEMY!
by LoNJDTechnology on Apr 20, 2010 11:14 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Maybe you're thinking of somebody else
Or maybe we weren’t watching the same G.1. I’m not saying Pelley was a phenom out there, but he played well. He’s been playing well since they put him on the wing. As far as his size, he is of a height and weight with Parise, Greene, McAmmond, and only slightly shorter (but heavier) than Mottau. Its not really a factor.
My point is why switch him out for a natural D-man? Imagine Pelley in the place of Corrente on the breakaway where he got “hooked” down (it was borderline, but as tight as the refs had been calling the rest of the game, it should have been called, but I digress). He’s faster than Corrente with superior puck-handling. He would have at least gotten a shot off.
If Andrew Peters ever plays again it will be too soon.
by LangsForPres on Apr 20, 2010 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions
No It was The Same Game
But I see your point and stand corrected in that regard. .
Creed: (Play well-Win=Praise) (Play Well-Lose=Praise) (Play Lousy-Win=Criticism) (Play lousy-Lose/Bandwagon Jumpers=Off with thier heads!)
Any violation of this creed is BLASPHEMY!
by LoNJDTechnology on Apr 20, 2010 12:10 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I wonder if Pelley will be back next year. I just don’t think he is very good.
You're Next!
by thatguy011071 on Apr 20, 2010 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions
PETERS?! Are you out of your freaking mind?
If Andrew Peters ever plays again it will be too soon.
by LangsForPres on Apr 20, 2010 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Ditto. Peter’s playing would be tragic
by Devilman3030 on Apr 20, 2010 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Just a few points about tonight...
1. I have a good feeling about it, its in my gut and i think if its 3 close games and the devils aren’t firing all cylinders, we can be optimistic that its going to click into action.
Tonight is the night.
2. Marty is playing UNBELIEVABLE in net.
3. Zach and Kovy are going to be so fired up, they’ve been too quite for their own liking .
4. Phily are going to be over-confident…
Ireland? An Ice Hockey Team?
You'd better believe it...
Typo
I meant “quiet”
(anyone else thing you need a 30 second edit time for posts? John???)
Ireland? An Ice Hockey Team?
You'd better believe it...
Hit Preview before your post.
That’s your only option here.
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 Apr 20, 2010 11:10 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Kovy and pp
I would really like to see him shoot more, just throw it at the net and see what happens. Also on the power play as a team JUST SHOOT, does lemaire know you dont have to wait for the perfect shot that it is ok to just shoot and maybe you get a deflection. They set up these “perfect” shots and you know what sometimes the goalie makes a great save then you just wasted 30 seconds for one shot instead of throwing it on goal and taking your chances. Sorry just fustrated in the power play and in general haha
by centralnj devfan on Apr 20, 2010 10:48 AM EDT reply actions
problem with “just shooting” all series has been that there always seem to be 6 Flyers on the Ice. They lay down to block shots (something I only noticed the Devils doing in Game 2, not saying it didn’t happen in the others, only noticed it in 2). They force you to the outside and then swarm the boards. It’s hard to shoot when your fighting for control of a puck. There’s always more than one guy in front of the net to bail out their goalie on rebounds. Just shooting the puck against Philly results in missed nets, blocked shots and one-shot rebounds that are carried out of the zone by a 6-6 monster our forecheckers bounce off of.
They way to score is to fight for front of the net position, avoid blocked shots by faking shots or shooting 12" off the ice, get deflections or clear one-timers.
I agree it’s frustrating, and find myself yelling SHOOT!! during the pp, but sometimes it isn’t the right move. I even found myself wishing there was a shot clock in the last game. A shot clock ffs. Whatever happened to the three passes and shoot powerplay scheme?
Should be a good game. I feel pretty good about the chances for the series to come back to NJ 2-2.
I think, instead of shooting, they need to move the puck quicker and more accurately. They also need to move their feet to get the open shot on the PP. Too much standing around watching and not fighting for net position and creating a net presence in front of Boucher. And the passing, all-around, needs to be better
by freakypuppet on Apr 20, 2010 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions
The PP is where you want to set up a great shot. I agree that the puck movement needs to improve. My whole beef with the “just get some shots on net” is that the Devils attempted 60 on Sunday but got 19 on net. 21 were blocked and 20 missed. The Devils aren’t even attempting adequate shots, much less great ones.
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 Apr 20, 2010 11:14 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I feel like this has been a problem all year. We are ripping shots, we just keep throwing them wide.
If Andrew Peters ever plays again it will be too soon.
by LangsForPres on Apr 20, 2010 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Kovy's shot and the PP
Is it me or does his type of shot not really mesh with how the Devils PP usually constructs goals? He likes to shoot in very tight areas (corners, between the arm and body, above the pad) which usually results in a missed shot or a cover up and whistle. His shot rarely gets a rebound off if it makes it past the crowd in front of the goalie. Devils like to get rebounds, thus shooting low is ideal. Deflections also need low type shot. Kovy’s shot just isn’t made for the Devils PP.
If there is a big screen in front, those shots are a great idea (see Rolston’s goals Gm 3), but when there is a lot of traffic, he tends to pass it. I think his passing ability is much more valuable than his shooting (see the Greene PP goal).
by Matthew Ventolo on Apr 20, 2010 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree with you whole heartedly here. When the Devils do manage to establish thier PP zone, there have been roughly 4-5 times when i have seen Ilya in the perfect position to shoot but instead he skates backwards towards the blueline and dumps the puck off to the puck off. I theorize that the closer you are to the net when taking a shot the better.At a closer distance there is likely to be greater velocity on the puck making it more difficult for the goalie to the stop the shot. Even Marty (God bless his ability) has difficulty with these sort of shots. Kovy is said to be a hard shooter so i think it is a mistake fo him not to take a close range shot when the Flyers concede one to him; or any other Devil for that matter.
Creed: (Play well-Win=Praise) (Play Well-Lose=Praise) (Play Lousy-Win=Criticism) (Play lousy-Lose/Bandwagon Jumpers=Off with thier heads!)
Any violation of this creed is BLASPHEMY!
by LoNJDTechnology on Apr 20, 2010 11:38 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
The only problem with close shots is if the goalie has the angle cut off. Unless you’re in the low-slot, the closer the shot the worse the angle you have to shoot. Also, getting the goalie to move side-to-side is the best way to beat him, cause then he can’t set up. Maybe Kovie is thinking too much and Boucher is in his head and that’s making him think things need to be perfect.
by freakypuppet on Apr 20, 2010 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Anyone else...
Nervous as all hell about this game. I really believe we will win but then the thought in the back of my mind that this could be the second to last game of the season really makes me sick. Come on Parise and Kovy show me something amazing… I think someone like PL3 or clarkson really needs to step up and show everyone else they are in it to win it. Overall LETS GO DEVILS
by CaramelCoveredXMas on Apr 20, 2010 12:49 PM EDT reply actions
Yeah, I am nervous. I am worried about the officiating more then I am about the Devils being able to rise to the occassion. I have a feeling that we will be alright though.
Creed: (Play well-Win=Praise) (Play Well-Lose=Praise) (Play Lousy-Win=Criticism) (Play lousy-Lose/Bandwagon Jumpers=Off with thier heads!)
Any violation of this creed is BLASPHEMY!
by LoNJDTechnology on Apr 20, 2010 1:10 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
i got my own game to play in tonight so i wont be able to watch till the end.
if the devils play like they dont care like the last half of game 2 we can expect to see a sceen simular to the game 5 loss to the rangers to years ago.the rock will be sold out,but to flyer fans ala 2008 loss to the rangers.i hope they decide to play but im not optimistic.
by Imperator_Celtic on Apr 20, 2010 12:51 PM EDT reply actions
expect a big game from Clarkie tonight..
he had a chat with Scott Stevens this morning. Not that Stevens is a wizard, but if there’s anyone on this team I trust to take his advice to heart and have a monster game, it’s Clarkson.
Clarkson is now going to do a reenactment of the Lindros hit from 2000 on Scott Hartnell.
by undersuspicion426 on Apr 20, 2010 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions
how storybook would that be?
Clarkson lays a huge hit, which ultimately shifts the momentum of the entire series. That would be beautiful.
If Andrew Peters ever plays again it will be too soon.
by LangsForPres on Apr 20, 2010 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions
I think I felt it move
when I read that statement by Clarkson. Sounds like he wants to go out there and win the whole damn thing himself. Still saying Devs tonight in a big way, then rest of series goes to the home team. Devs in 7.
Some problems I see in my opinion
1) The power play- ITs been garbage. They seem to be a ble to get it in front of the net. Then, start passing for waaaay to long. I understand you jsut cant shot with out a reason but set it up so someone can respond to a rebound. There has been plenty of times this season this gose to hell. they seem to be taking tooo long to make a shot.
Shooting- I already mentioned most of shooting in the Power play but too many wide shots are out there. Lets get alitle more Aim Guys!
2)Defense- Not sure if its me but I feel they seem to always let too much traffic in front develope. Allowing more goals on Marty than should be. I also feel there are times they pass in such strange ways. I’ve seen sevear times where they are trying to clear the puck on a PK and send it right into the hands of the oposing teams player. OR iThey pass it behind them selves with out ever checking to see who is behind them. I find that too be very foolish jsut to be stylish.
Turnovers- More often I see them get a setup in front of net. THen as soon as its passed to a winger he loses control and it ends up on our side. I understand this can happen but seems to me alittle bit much latly.
Kovy- I really had hopes the guy would bring more scoring. Dont get me wrong he is getting points but..we did bring him in to score?..right!. I get that feeling he cant seem to gel with the team. I hope he explodes but I dont see it. Also how he has been playing
is reminding me of how Holik did in 2002 Canes Series( Dragging through and waiting till off season)
Lemare- Ok, I know I will never know as much about hockey as this guy. However, What good is it to juggle the lines if there really is no problem? Kinda wonder what Lemare is trying to do. I mean he keeps changing..seems like an enigma to me.
Well, a few thoughts on my end
For real?
Really? I mean, c’mon. For real, for real? You popped on our site, dropped that and bounced? Who’s the loser here?
If Andrew Peters ever plays again it will be too soon.
by LangsForPres on Apr 20, 2010 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Win what? Which Flyers? 4-1 in goals? 4-1 i fabricated calls? 4-1 ratio of willfully dense fans?
You kind of suck at this kind of commenting, truth be told.
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 Apr 20, 2010 3:18 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I'm overhelmingly impressed...
with your insight and analysis for the game tonight. Your whole argument was thorough and was well constructed to make a very valid point. Even your conclusion of the argument was able to sum it up entirely, which is very hard to do with such a complex, long discussion. I just hope this wasn’t plagiarized with your lack of sources to back up everything, but overall, I’m very impressed.
by Matthew Ventolo on Apr 20, 2010 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Really? Please take your crap to another blog outside of SB Nation.
by keeperdude2209 on Apr 20, 2010 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions
shooting
every time the devils got a good shot off in game 3, it went in. the problem was, there were only 2 of those. what they need 1stly, is make boucher work. 2ndly, rolston at the blue line and zubrus screening is a great PP combo. i think zub should be the one double shifting the PPs, not kovalchoke (not a typo; it was between that and kovalsuck, but he is a good player, just not now). bottom line is they need to throw pucks at the net, like the barrage that got them the GWG in game 2.
EthanM
No don’t whine about calls, that’s what Philly fans do. Devils are just inferior to the Flyers this year. Clarkson plays like a vag. Kovalchuk sucks the most, whats he shooting at? Going to the game, later losers. 4-1
I realize you're new at this
but you need to stop. I don’t mind Philly fans posting on our boards, provided they have something halfway intelligent to say, like ToddtheFox did in this post. Having a heated discussion with a rival fan is acceptable. Sometimes fun. You throwing up trash talk like a 13-year-old band-wagoner is just stupid and embarrassing to your fellow Flyers fans (which is saying something considering that pool of people).
Since you may be a 13-year-old band-wagoner, I’ll give you a tip. Google or Wiki the word “troll.”
If Andrew Peters ever plays again it will be too soon.
by LangsForPres on Apr 20, 2010 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Please don’t lump this guy in with the posters of BSH.
Your stereotype of Flyers fans, however, has been noted.
by keeperdude2209 on Apr 20, 2010 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh no, YOU’VE BEEN NOTED LANGS. You better watch out.
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 Apr 20, 2010 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions
I feel like I’ve been threatened in a White Goodman kind of way.
If Andrew Peters ever plays again it will be too soon.
by LangsForPres on Apr 20, 2010 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions
The Squeal
Usually I dislike follow up articles because they tend to be very akin and just parroted. But I’m extremely impressed (once again!) in the fact that you have been able to take the same overall topic from your first post and bring in a whole new dimension to your argument. It’s always good to be more detailed the 2nd run around. The specifics you go into are so elaborate, I honestly had to read this one twice to fully understand it. Your use of similes are also brilliant. I mean it’s very difficult to depict people using non-hockey-related objects (and use non-hockey-related verbs too) to make the reader understand the validity of your argument. Also, your ability to use an interrogative sentence to imply someones ability is remarkable. Conclusions can be tough sometimes, but because used that type of relationship from the 1st and 2nd articles need, it was simply a great read.
by Matthew Ventolo on Apr 20, 2010 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
When a team isn't team...they do not win.
Everyone here is making fantastic observations about what when who where is/isn’t working etc etc with our NJ Devils. Although I think the continuous overlying problem (for most of the season/playoffs) of this “team” is that they are not just that…a “team”. It seems to be there in the sense the players have adopted a responsibility defensively all year. (Jennings Trophy) A “team” mentality seemed to be there (miraculously) in the injury riddled early part of the season as well. Although somewhere along the line the concept has gone missing. Is it the injuries? Is it Lemaire’s constant line changes? Is it the addition of a “star” player…and the loss of “key” players? Is it the downward spiral of a captaincy? Perhaps all of these combined …perhaps one more than the others…we may never know. What I do know is that any group of players at this level who come together and play as a team are capable of winning in the playoffs. We see it in almost every sport almost every year…you can have all the super stars you want but it does not guarantee success. Sadly it may be too late for our NJ Devils to find such cohesiveness…I really do not know. But when I watch them play I still just see players and do not see a TEAM.
The TEAM element went missing when Kovy arrived. I dont think he will be back. However, if the Devils lose and he feels that he is responsibile for that, he will be back.
Creed: (Play well-Win=Praise) (Play Well-Lose=Praise) (Play Lousy-Win=Criticism) (Play lousy-Lose/Bandwagon Jumpers=Off with thier heads!)
Any violation of this creed is BLASPHEMY!
by LoNJDTechnology on Apr 20, 2010 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions
My Keys to victory
1) Screen the goalie
- Especially on Power Plays. That’s how Rolston got his 2nd goal.
2) Don’t leave your a flyer by himself on the opposite side of the net
I never want to see 4 Devils and Brodeur covering the same area and leave a guy wide open on the other side of the net.
If we do this, I think we’ll win.
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
Rolston scored both his goals with Zubrus placing his huge body in front on Boucher
by freakypuppet on Apr 20, 2010 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions
catching a plane to Newark tomorrow.
I will be in Newark tomorrow afternoon. I want to see game 5 in person. Hopefully the Devils will win tonight so they are not facing elimination Thursday night. I see them winning tonight in a toughly fought battle.
Donald Vasquez
MSG is airing an old game from the late 70’s where Montreal, featuring Lemaire and Robinson, visited the Garden.
An omen?
I’m not superstitious, but I will say that the movie Philadelphia was on TV before Game 3 on Sunday…
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- The Chicago Blackhawks’ seven-game losing streak is bad for everybody
- According to NHL, here’s why Dominic Moore escaped suspension for Fedotenko hit
- How Mats Sundin’s no-trade clause controversy made fans reconsider loyalty in NHL
- Nordiques Nation invades Hockey Day in Canada
- Youth hockey coach, parents clash over alleged tirade over 9-year old’s 200th goal puck
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
