It's Bleak: New Jersey Devils Decisively Lose to Philadelphia Flyers 4-1, Go Down 3-1 in Series
by John Fischer on Apr 20, 2010 11:51 PM EDT
in Devils Game Recaps
Email
Print
I said this was a must-win. The New Jersey Devils clearly didn't do that; they lost 4-1 to the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. The Flyers now have a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Devils.
I made a point out of how Jamie Langenbrunner needed to step up tonight - not just as a player, but as a leader. His night ended with 2 shots blocked, 4 missed the net, and a holding call during a third period penalty kill that led to the fourth goal of the night for Philadelphia. The goal was credited to Jeff Carter, I thought it was by Danny Briere, but that's beside the point. Langenbrunner the player was invisible at best and harmful to his team at worst. What about as a leader? Arguably even worse than that.
The Devils followed up a good first period with a poor second period and an arguably worse third. Whereas the Devils came out with vigor in the first, the team suddenly forgot how to possess the puck over the blueline for much of the second - getting pinned back repeatedly. The Devils just unraveled as time went on in terms of shooting, passing, defending, discipline, and just general energy. Langenbrunner said the team had to be more desperate tonight, per this post by Tom Gulitti. Not even close. No leadership from him or anyone for that matter.
Frankly, I'm only specifically calling out Langenbrunner here since he is the team captain. To be honest, the whole team did a great job in losing this game.
The boxscore pundits will look at this game in many ways - the refs called too many penalties, Martin Brodeur must have been bad while Brian Boucher must have been good based on save percentage alone, the Devils blew chances to win, the Flyers made more of their chances, and so on and so forth. Some will be right. Some will be wrong. They don't matter because the reality will be the same. The Devils lost Game 4. They lost it decisively. They lost it definitively. They are on the brink of elimination and no Devils fan who saw Game 3 or Game 4 could be honest with themselves and say that this was undeserved.
Martin Brodeur told Gulitti that tonight's game will "say a lot about our team." Unfortunately, it says that you can't rise above the Philadelphia Flyers. It sucks. I hate typing that. But results matter. The Devils didn't get the job done. Here's a link to the official recap at NHL.com if you'd like a quicker take. It even has links to all the stats from the game. Please read on if you'd like to read some more about this loss. I can't guarantee you'll like what you'll read.
Accuse me of making an assumption, but I'm assuming that pretty much all Devils fans on some level are angry, sickened, crushed, enraged, frustrated, depressed, and disappointed over this loss. I think that's perfectly fine and normal to feel after witnessing this wreck of a performance. That's why most of you reading this will have some issue with what I'm about to type as a recap.
THINGS YOU DON'T NECESSARILY WANT TO READ BUT HERE THEY ARE
First and foremost, do not put this game on the referees. This is a fool's game, in my opinion. Yes, the referees called a lot of penalties tonight. They called a lot of penalties in Games 2 and 3. These games have different referees assigned. While I'm sure you're upset - justifiably or otherwise - over some of the calls made, if the Devils keep getting whistled for infractions from different refs in each game, then I don't see how the problem can't be on the Devils. More distressingly, you'll find from Games 3 and 4 that the Devils have taken a lot of these calls later in the game - it means the players didn't pick up on the fact that the refs' eyes were constantly on the look out for penalties. That's on New Jersey.
Moreover, suppose the opposite occurs and the refs didn't call too many penalties. I'm almost certain people would complain about how Flyer X got away with murder on Devil Y (e.g. Honorless Captain Mike Richards laying on top of Zach Parise after a whistle and punching him in the head in Game 2) or how Devil Z should have been whistled for taking down Flyer Q (e.g. what every fan in the Wachovia Center felt every time a Flyer dived fell down tonight) and so forth. It's a silly argument. Especially in a game where both teams ended up with 8 power plays each. The Devils have been shorthanded 23 times, second most in the playoffs behind Philadelphia, who has been down 24 times. That says the Devils, a normally exceptional team when it comes to discipline (only shorthanded 239 times in 09-10 season, lowest in league), not only had their chances to really put the screws to Philly, but they've been excessively bad with their own infractions.
All of these penalties really mean that it comes down to special teams and as great as the lone power play goal scored by Ilya Kovalchuk - during a 5-on-3 - in addition to the first three power plays of the game, the Devils never took full advantage of those extra-man opportunities. Likewise, while the penalty kill has shined against Philadelphia on some occasions, they got beat too many times - twice by Jeff Carter tonight - whether or not they could do something about it is an entirely different question; but the root problem of taking calls to begin with wasn't addressed. And the players' lack of learning hurt New Jersey again tonight in Game 4.
Second and nearly foremost, all of the blame isn't on the coaching staff. Note that I didn't say that none of the blame is on the coaching staff. Jacques Lemaire and his staff didn't make the right tactical adjustments going forward. It's clear they didn't get the team fired up in either intermission. However, I must remind you all that Lemaire, Mario Tremblay, Scott Stevens, and Tommy Albelin aren't on the ice. They aren't the ones executing plays, understanding where they are on the ice, or even skating out there. It's easy to blame and fire the coaches, but the players are the ones to perform. It's the player's character that comes out in big situations and quite frankly, it's nothing good given tonight's loss.
On a night where the Devils didn't perform, you cannot just throw up your hands and say "It's Lemaire! Change Lemaire and the problems will go away."
One additional point, before you say, "If Scott Stevens were still playing..." keep in mind that Stevens was on the trip. He even gave David Clarkson a special pep talk prior to tonight. I'm sure he hasn't been with the team just to quietly observe, but I'm just guessing. Given Clarkson's night, I think it's clear how much of an effect that had. Don't get me wrong, I love Scott Stevens. He is a Devils legend, one of the best defensemen of all time, and one of the best leaders. But he's not magical. He cannot say the magic phrase that gets a player to suddenly become a superhero on the ice. He'll try and he has been; but let's not mythologize Stevens as some kind of guru who can do what the players can only do for themselves.
Third, the Devils once again lost the momentum, and the game, in the second period. Now this is just obscene at this juncture. The Devils have a good first period, they even score on a 5-on-3 power play, and excepting the final two minutes, the Devils have looked good. Yet, the Flyers come roaring out of the gate in the second period and the struggles begin. The constant "dump and change" fed the Flyers for more attacks. The Devils, out of desperation - and not the kind Langenbrunner was hoping for - attempted clearances and passes that the Flyers picked off with ease. Some serious heads up plays by the defense and Martin Brodeur prevented the Flyers from blowing out the Devils right then and there. Yet, eventually, the Flyers were able to get that one great shot to beat Brodeur. Carter got one in the circle on a power play; and then later during a four-on-four (Aside: which should have been a Devils power play except Travis Zajac apparently cross-checked someone at the beginning, so thanks Zajac) - it was Danny Briere with a laser to the corner to make it 2-1.
How the Devils were only outshot 12-8, I'm not certain. But it took nearly half the period until the Devils got a shot on net. It took even longer before the Devils could even keep the puck in the Flyers' half for some length of time. Yes, half, not zone, but just their half.
Yes, the game was winnable after then and how the Devils just fell apart was horrible. Yet, the second period was where the game was lost. The Flyers got the crowd roaring and crowing, they dominated the run of play during even strength, and they broke through with the lead. In retrospect, it crushed the Devils' confidence. Should you want one part of the game to point at, the correct answer, from what I saw, would be the second period "performance" by the Devils.
Fourth, Brian Boucher continues to not be tested My one big beef with the usage of statistics have to do with the reliance on save percentage for how well a goaltender plays. It doesn't take into account the types of shots, whether it was a good chance or not, and so forth. Brian Boucher was named the second star of the game for his performance of making 27 shots out of 28. Boucher played well. He moved well within his crease. But he wasn't that tested since a significant number of those saves he made were shots right at his chest or were easily stopped. Outside of the first, it's been what we've seen in Games 1 and 3; Boucher isn't getting worked over.
Do not let the shot totals fool you. In fact, take a closer look and you'll react with a word: "Oy." (A second word would be "vey.") The Devils put 31 shots on net, but were blocked 25 times and missed the net 18 times. More shooting attempts that didn't get on net compared to how many that did. Maybe the scorer was generous, but cease the complaints about how the Devils have all this offense on paper, how it's not resulting. You want a reason, there it is. I'm aware that you miss 100% of the shots you don't take, but putting only 42% of shooting attempts on net isn't going to lead to many goals either. That's exacerbated when the Devils are shooting right at Boucher. Not shooting low and hard enough to force rebounds. Not trying to get him moving too much. Not trying to pick corners (well, maybe those 18 misses were). Quite frankly, any goalie in the league could have put in a similar performance tonight with the way the Devils were shooting.
Once again, that falls on the players' execution. Boucher and the Flyers did well to prevent New Jersey from rolling through the zone and dictate play. This leads me to:
Fifth, let's be fair, the Flyers played well. They did. They had a better understanding of what was going on with the game, even as they continued to take stupid, avoidable penalties. They showed great resiliency when something didn't go their way in the game, not letting an early deficit get to them. The Flyers sensed that the Devils weren't as intense in the second period, decided to take the game right to them, and never looked back. Brian Boucher isn't forced to be great, the defense has been strong, their penalty killing has been largely successful; and their offense has forced errors and mind-boggling great saves from Martin Brodeur - and still finding ways to beat them.
I know, wasn't this the team that barely made the playoffs? Well, in it, they're playing as well as they need to be. They've earned their series lead. They've deserved it. I hate typing that. Especially about a rival. Especially about a rival with the type of garbage they pull in games - if it's not illegal moves, it's dives; if it's not diving, it's complaints to the refs for calls; if it's not complaining, it's abusing Devils from behind, etc. This series has proven their reputation.
But it's the truth. They have been the better team.
Sixth, do not put this game on one Devil. Because cases can be made for most of them contributing to the team's downfall tonight. Here are 5 I'm sure some people will bring up:
1) Ilya Kovalchuk. Honestly, his night wasn't so bad. One of the few Devils to fire, fire, and fire away; he's shooting was inefficient - 6 shots on net, 7 blocked, 3 missed - but he did score the one goal in the game and he at least was trying to do something. I'm sure some may say he was trying to do too much and ended up with little accomplished. I'm sure some will say this will cause him to not be re-signed as if that was the point. I'm sure some may suggest the trade backfired (where is Atlanta again?). Kovalchuk could have shot better tonight, but at least he got the message from Game 3 to attempt more.
2) Martin Brodeur. The goal, the third of the game for Philadelphia, given up to The Actor, Dan Carcillo was soft. I'm loathe to criticize the guy who gave the Devils a chance to win Game 3 and absolutely robbed the Flyers in their early second period salvos of offensive supremacy. But it was soft. The other 3 goals allowed were at least perfectly placed shots on two of them and one rebound. I'm sure some moron will claim Brodeur didn't do enough or that he lost the series. No. That only excuses the other players on this team and ignores all of the other important stops he made tonight. Not unlike Game 3, he never got the goal support those saves deserved.
3) Jamie Langenbrunner. I've made my case for him before the jump. But he's not the only man on the team with a heart or a mouth. Others could have stepped up.
4) Martin Skoula. Honestly, he was on the ice for only one goal against, the first Jeff Cater goal. I'm not sure what you would have wanted Skoula to do on that shot. Drop down so Carter can skate around him? Rush at him and let him make an easy pass to a wide open Flyer during their PP? He didn't lose the game just because he was there
5) David Clarkson didn't even get a shot on net - only 3 missed and was often being within chaos instead of causing it. Sure, the scorer gave him 4 hits, but he wasn't raising too much hell out there. He was effectively quieted by the Flyers. Still, he wasn't the only player who could be big that didn't do much.
And so forth. The team as a whole made gaffes at one point or another, but most of all they didn't rise up to play well together. The general level of intensity from them was low. Therefore, all four lines didn't have the hustle the Flyers had. All three defensive pairings were more frantic compared to the more composed Flyers defense. They were playing as if Martin Brodeur had to be near-perfect, and that's always a dangerous game plan.
This was a team loss. The players collectively failed on a night where they could have turned everything around.
Seventh, it is what it is - accept it. This was a bad match-up from the beginning. I didn't want the Devils to play the Flyers and unfortunately the reasons for that have held up. The Flyers have been motivated by their regular season success and have carried on play from then on. While I initially thought about it first, not tanking the final game of the season remains the right call. The Devils didn't tank for Mario Lemieux in 1984. They didn't tank in other seasons where they could have had something to gain. They weren't going to tank then. Tanking is not in Lou's vocabulary and it damn well never should be.
Were we to believe this was a team set for a deep playoff run, then we need to accept that the match-ups are going to suck sometimes. It is totally unrealistic to think it'd be easy all the way through. The Devils were able to beat Washington, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, and numerous other playoff-caliber teams; we have witnessed several times how well they could have played. They played really well going into the playoffs. So to sit there and say, "Hey, the Devils should have lost to Buffalo because they can't beat Philly" shows a lack of confidence and no real respectability.
The Devils definitely could hang with Philly in a playoff series - even beat them - had they play well as they have been. There was no reason to believe that the Devils playing their way and their kind of hockey meant that there was anyone who could just decisively defeat them over and over.
Yet, that is what precisely happened. The could not repeat or come close to repeating any of those performances in this series so far. The Devils merely responded. The one game where the Devils attempted to do things their way was the one they won. In Game 3 and Game 4, that initiative only lasted for the first period. Again, the Devils only responded to Philadelphia in the second and third periods and that's where the Flyers earned their success. Who is to say this couldn't have happened against Boston or Montreal?
They drew Philadelphia and for one reason or another, did not prepare or respond to their game plan appropriately. They did not play well enough. Change the opponent but not the performance and you'd likely get the same results. It is what it is, it sucks, it hurts, it's hard, but it happened. Accept it.
It's miracle time for New Jersey, given the series. I'm aware of the 2000 Eastern Conference Finals, but that requires three straight wins. The Devils haven't even scored three straight goals all series. I apologize for not believing right away.
Thanks for reading and please actually read the whole recap. Maybe I am typing all of this out for my own sake, but I do hope my points are at least conveyed. Please leave your thoughts in the comments. Below are the highlights from tonight's game.
78 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I’ll be honest, I’m tired of the “blame Mottau first” people. As you pointed out, John, basically the whole team was AWOL tonight after the first period. But all I seemed to hear on Twitter was “Of course the Flyers got a goal. Mottau was on the ice.”
Also, I hate that I’ve had to defend Mottau so much, considering how much I criticized him earlier this season.
Honestly, I felt White had a pretty lackluster game tonight. Mottau definitely played better than he did.
by undersuspicion426 on Apr 21, 2010 12:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Again
Outside of the first period, the only Devils player tonight that came to play and seemed like he wanted it was Zubrus. Where has Zajac been this series? Parise had one good game. Langenbrunner? Hello, anyone? At least Kovalchuk hasn’t been completely invisible.
I really think the biggest difference in this series has been the fact that the Flyers have a fantastic defense. Pronger, Timonen (he had a pretty rough night tonight but he’s usually excellent) and Coburn are great. They’re a very similar group to what won the Ducks the Cup a few years ago. You combine that with a good group of forwards in Carter, Richards, Giroux and even their role players like Asham and Carcillo are far outclassing the Devils players in almost every way. A lot of it has to do with the fact that the Flyers defense is outstanding (thus leading to the quality of opportunities on Boucher not being very good at all) but a lot of it is that players aren’t just grab the puck and driving straight towards the net outside of Zubrus. The Devils players are all playing a perimeter game, allowing the Flyers to easily block shots and passes. Force them to do things like take guys down who are driving to the net. And on the penalty kill, fake that damn point shot, adjust and throw a wrister in on goal and look for the rebounds (although that’s one thing that Boucher has been doing exceptionally well).
I’m really frustrated looking at another first round exit in Marty’s twilight years. I honestly felt like the Devils would’ve made a decent run this year with Kovalchuk on board and some more offense in the holster.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Apr 21, 2010 12:32 AM EDT reply actions
Briere said it best here
"I thought we forechecked really good when we were able to stay out of the box," Flyers forward Daniel Briere said. "We kept the pressure on their defensemen."
Our defensemen can’t handle the forecheck very well whereas the Flyers defensemen get the puck out seemingly every time. They likely won’t against a team like Pittsburgh who forechecks much harder than the Devils do, but this is where coaching comes into play. I’m not asking Lemaire to change his system, but in order to relieve some of the pressure on guys like Mottau, White and Skoula who might be coughing up the puck on that relentless forecheck, the best defense is to keep the damn puck in the Flyers zone.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Apr 21, 2010 12:36 AM EDT reply actions
no, please change the system. It’s part of the reason why we’re in a 3-1 hole in round 1 of the playoffs. The system is great against 90% of the league. The Flyers are part of the 10% that have the size and skill defensively to eat our lunch. In order to achieve that ever so elusive “keep the damn puck in the Flyers zone,” there needs to be a shift from passive Devils hockey to something far more aggressive, even if it’s only for the remainder of this series against this opponent.
Down 3-1 is a massive hole to climb out of and if the Devils keep playing like this, we may not even see a Game 6. I’m hoping, HOPING, that a return to the Rock at home can rejeuvenate this team and we can rally from there. I agree with the all of the general points everyone is bringing up. It’s so frustrating and dissapointing to see a team with SO much talent to be playing like this.
But you know what? There is still another game. I know as I type this how difficult it is even for a team at the top of their game to win 3 in a row in the playoffs, let alone an under acheiving team (as statistics show, it’s not very likely). But stranger things have happened. I know it’s not looking good; with their play in the last two games everyone will probably think I’m out of my mind. But this is our team and as lack luster as they have been playing lately, it’s time to dig deep and keep the faith. GO DEVILS.
so far Brian Boucher has done everything the Flyers have asked of him. With their strong defensive core, Philly doesn’t need Boucher to win the series for them. All they need him to do is not lose the series for them, and he’s done exactly that. As far as I recall, he’s only allowed one soft goal so far in the series (I believe it was the 2nd Devils goal in game 2). The guy’s doing is job and playing with a lot of confidence right now, and that’s certainly not helping the Devils.
It takes 4 wins to win a playoff series, not 3, so this is still far from over, but if the Devils are going to make a comeback they’re gonna need Marty to steal one.
Trying to be as optimistic as possible (mostly to keep my sanity), the Devils really need to get a solid win at the Rock, and use the momentum to go back to Wachovia. It’s not impossible. The Devils have shown in the past 3 games that they CAN play dominant hockey if they actually want to.
I don’t care if it’s solely his fault or not, but something has to change with Langenbrunner. The guy’s invisible. In fact, he’s harming the team. Make an example of him, and NOW. Strip him of the C. Give it to someone that will ignite the team, NOW. The worst thing that could happen is Langenbrunner gets butt-hurt over it, and thats been happening since Lemaire benched him for a day. Boo-freakin-hoo. Dare I say it’s time for Parise?
What pissed me off more than the game, are the people posting about Brodeur under-performing in these playoffs. My response to them was to quit being boxscore [expletive]‘s and to actually watch hockey, as if the Devil’s were to somehow make it past the Flyers, Brodeur should definitely be considered for Conn Smythe with this level of play. The guy has stood on his head for the past two games. His magical save today has got to be the best save I have ever seen in my life, and I’m not exaggerating out of homerism.
GO DEVILS GO. You did it last time with Doucher in net, you can do it again. You just need to wake up, smell the coffee, and give Langenbrunner a solid kick.
I’d like to see ZZZ back together in game 5, please.
by undersuspicion426 on Apr 21, 2010 1:24 AM EDT reply actions
admitedly I only got to watch parts of this game cause I was at work but the parts I watched were in a word DISHEARTENING. what happened to playing with desperation and urgency, I thought we had that in the 1st half of the first period but after that they seemed to lose it. I have to agree with John the only player who can’t be blamed is Marty. the offense was non existent (31 shots or not). I’m supprised the total was that high very few if any of the ones I saw were from dangerous spots, and for the love of god can we please get someone in front of the net. I want to be optimistic my heart says we can still do this, but my head finds it hard to believe we’ll even get to game 6 let alone game 7 and a seris win. one thing is certain if something doesn’t change and we play the way we played tonight and Sunday my head will be right.
(1) it was the offense after all (2) our slump never ended (3) reconstitute the team
I agree with all the major points made in the recap. It kills me that we got the flyers first round. It seemed everyone was castigating me for wanting the Devils to loose that last game against the Sabres, but with fate in your own hands, I didnt see the shame in saying, lets go to Boston, a team we took three of four from.
Also, agree, the coaching staff cannot take the brunt of the blame. Coaching I think is always overrated by comparison to the players playing in nearly every sport. Having said that I am not at all happy with the way Lemaire has handled the offense this year. And admitting that offensive is our problem, I am also admitting that I was wrong back in March. In march and even Feb I was one of those saying our D was not talented enough. I honestly couldnt see what problem we would have offensively after acquiring Kovy. I thought the first two lines will be set, they get their chemistry in the last 6 weeks, and boom, goals scored, but what about our D? It turns out our D, while not skilled or great in terms of offensive contribution, held their own down the stretch, while it is the offense that never came together. And I have to put some of that on Lemaire with this incessant juggling of lines. There is way too much offensive talent on this team for the production its getting. Lemaire will have to go if we exit first round.
But It cannot just be Lemaire. The fundamental chemistry of this team needs to change. For whatever reason this team as currently constituted lacks something by way of motivation. They always seem to need to have their backs against a wall to produce even an above average team. I for one was never convinced we came out of that “slump” which began a few weeks before the break. We all talked like we had come out of it with a good game here or there. But a team that didnt win three games in a row during the whole second have of the season (I think since Dec???) cannot be said to have gotten out of its slump and on a role. And that is what makes the task ahead so insane. we have to win three in a row now, something we havent done in literally 5 months.
So if we are out in one and do not do something miraculous in the next three games my argument will be for a massive personel overhaul on the ice. And my feeling is the best way to proceed is to pick those players worthy of staying. I think there are two who are all time Devil greats and still productive that should stay and two who are young offensive talents that should stay. Those players are Elias, Marty, Parise and Zajac. Literally every other player we should be letting go via free agency or actively trying to trade to reconstitute the team, obviously trying to make it better, but also simply getting new blood in there because again, the current players dont gel and dont (collectively) have a heart.
Having said that, as fans we have to root for THIS team at least one more game, and lets follow through on that, and hope for an awakening from. If we can beat philly handely on Thurs we can get our confidence back; then the pressure goes back to them to win at home in game 6. if we can get them feeeling that pressure for the first time in game 6, maybe that will misstep, and we can get a toss up at home for game 7.
Disgusted
Another playoff, another choke job on the Devils. This is not a good team. We have good players but but as a whole its not the sum of its parts. I said this last year after the first epic choke job. CHANGES NEED TO BE MADE. What other convincing do you need Lou?
You're Next!
Physically, Mentally, and Emotionally Exhausted
That pretty much describes how I feel. For the first time all season I turned off the game. It boggles me that one more than one occassion, the differences between the First, second, and thrid periods can be so dramatic.
I won’t blame one guy. I won’t blame calls or non-calls, acting, diving, or dirty tricks.
Our guys just aren’t doing what it takes to put the puck in the net. They aren’t playing as well as we all know they can play. They Flyers are playing better than anyone thought htey could. I don’t know if its a system vs system thing and we just can’t skate with Philly. I don’t know if its a lack of desire, heart, or chemistry. But there’s a glaring lack of consistancy, in play, line structure and discipline.
There’s one game left. Not three. One game. It’s clear that playing the game the Devs have played in this series isn’t going to win it. Something has to change. Systemically perhaps? What about personnel? Pando and Salmela in?
I’m not convinced that Max’s call for a complete overhaul of the team is the answer in the offseason. This was supposed to be the first of a few rebuilding seasons before the Devs starting winning. I do agree with his assessment that we can still take this thing to 7 games, but not without coming out on thursday like friday is the end of the world. If Philly isn’t crushed there’s no way this thing goes to 7.
See you guys at the Rock tomorrow. I’ll be telling the guys that weekly “Beer Night” is cancelled in favor of “Devils Night.” We’ve got to show up at the Rock, keep out the sea of Orange looking to witness the series ender. We’ve got to rock the place, loud. Let the boys know we didn’t give up on them.
We’re here for the series boys. Crush them good on thursday and keep it going.
No Words
Can describe how I’m feeling right now. I watched last nights game and literally thought to myself “Is this the #2 Flyers vs the #7 Devils?” Kept the faith for Game 4 but after viewing the heartless effort by my team I’m finding it very hard to hold on to the faith for Game 5.
Maybe some positive posts can help me, although I can’t think of any postive things other fans can post.
Yet another great regular season and Atlantic Division Title wasted.
SOS!
UGH! Another horrible game by the officials (for both sides), another uninspired effort by the Devils!
I really can’t understand why so many penalties are being called, probably better for the Devs anyway because at even strength we were totally dominated again.
Devs looked great again in the first period and really could have forced the issue against Philly and maybe take them out of their game. But then the second and third periods roll around and PFFTT, flat as a pancake!
The difference is the Flyers are getting solid play from all four lines, the Devils are not. Devs are basically playing with one line everyone else is sucking beyond belief.
Where is Pandolfo?! Why are Pelley and Lablond playing?!
I give the Flyers credit though they are out hustling the Devs, blocking shots, clogging up passing lanes, and really shutting down the Devs from getting into the offensive end of the ice.
SOS year after year; are we becoming the Sharks of the east?!
…are we becoming the Sharks of the east?!
No, because the Sharks are expected to win at the start of every year.
The officiating was absolutely terrible
on both sides. Honestly, I miss the days when a guy could crosscheck the hell out of the opposition in front of the net during the playoffs. Now if you breath on someone after eating onions, you’re in the box. In this way, I really HATE the new NHL.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Apr 21, 2010 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions
One of the two seeds loses every year to a seven seed, on average. Heck, both might lose this year. Chicago cannot penetrate the Nashville defense, and don’t seem to have an answer to Shea Weber slapshots. (Is there one?)
As a sabres fan, i’d have liked you to lose that game against us. You wouldn’t even have had to lose on purpse, just resting Marty would have been enough. Of course, theoretically, you’d be scoring even less against the Bruins, but they probably wouldn’t put up four goals a game either.
Not even the Toronto Maple Leafs could kill my optimism
Tyler Ennis: Freed from Portland!
Losing the game to the Sabers, by sitting Marty
I agree with. It’s the logical thing to do. Not to say you throw the game, but you don’t play Marty unnecessarily, knowing that the Flyers lurk behind door one if you win, and they have pulled our cards the ENTIRE year.
As a fan, looking objectively, the Flyers were the only team I was afraid of round one, and I’m not suprised we’re getting tossed around the Ice right now.
Philly owns us this year.
by Drew95.00.03 on Apr 21, 2010 9:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Wish I was wrong
2 weeks before the playoffs started and it was looking like the Devils would get Boston, Ottowa, Philly, Montreal or the Rangers, I told everyone I don’t care who we face as long as it isn’t Philly. (picked them as my dark horse to win the cup). Look at our records for every other team that made it:
vs Washington 3-1
vs Sabres- 2-1-1
vs Pittsburgh 6-0
vs Ottowa 3-1
vs Boston 3-0-1
vs Montreal 3-1
Like the Rangers had our number that one year it was the Flyer this year, the way it ended up sucks for our first round. HOWEVER thats no excuse for an early exit we have the better team, but its clear the Devils have in their minds they can’t beat this team.
So many things could have prevented this (one that keeps playing in my head is just keeping the 2-0 lead ONCE in the two games they came back to win and the flyers wouldn’t even be in) This is the price we pay for letting an underacheiving regular season team that is actually very talented sneak into the playoffs. We had the chance to keep this from happening and now we are paying for it.
by NJDEVIL4LIFE on Apr 21, 2010 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Look, if we are going to talk about facts then...
the facts of the matter are:
Yes, the Devils played like crap. They didn’t jump on loose pucks. They didn’t attack the net agressively enough. Thier PP was still-born. They got thrown around and bitch-slapped. They incurred dumb penalties. They didn’t give Marty enough support; They played like they were intimidated by the Flyers in Games 2 3 & 4. The list goes on and on. Aside from Parise, Elias, Marty, Zajac, Zubrus, Greene, Kovy, Clarkson and two or three others that i can’t recall at the moment, the rest of the players are expendable.
Second, I honestly can’t believe that most of you, as Devils fans are giving the refs a free pass. The blown calls and bogus calls HAD A MAJOR IMPACT ON THIS SERIES IN THE FLYERS FAVOR. To say that the refs made bad calls but the Devil’s poor play did them is a slap in the Devils face. Critical points were scored and games were won as a result of the officiating and to give the Flyers credit for that and condemn the Devils for that is a BENEDICT ARNOLD move for real and a disgrace to the HORNS & FORK TAIL LOGO! and if you are going to continue to ignore that, TAKE IT OFF!! This series will always leave a bad taste in my mouth for this reason and this reason alone.. bad play can be corrected. Bad officiating can always monopolize the momentum of a game no matter which team is more skillful.
The only plus in all of this is the fact that the series isnt over. There is still more game to be played and i think it highly unlikely that the Devilsswill let the Flyers come back in to our house and do us in. The Devils will win the next game. BELIEVE THAT!!!!
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 21, 2010 10:24 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
In the interest of fairness i will say...
that the Flyers are a good team. They play excellent defense and Boucher has made some brilliant saves.
However they made mistakes that would have cost them the game and got bailed out by you know who. Devils aren’t a good team? unbelievable man; unbelievable.
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 21, 2010 10:33 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
sorry man, but you need to take off the red glasses. have the refs been bad? yes. have they blatantly favored the flyers? absolutely not. they’ve been making very weak calls and missing obvious ones both ways. take the devils first goal. it was scored on a 5 on 3 because of a crosscheck called on pronger, which, let’s be honest, was a dive by zajac. and considering how much philly has dominated 5 on 5 play in this series, i’d say the whistle happy refs have helped the devils if everyone. both teams have gotten a ton of powerplays (warranted or not) and the devils have only managed to sustain offensive pressure with the man advantage. if you’re honestly blaming the refs, then you’re not being realistic and just looking for an excuse. so far in this series, the devils have been getting beat by a better, hungrier team.
We’re not exactly giving the refs a free pass, but the bottom line is that the Dev’’s haven’t done enough of the work themselves to win games. Yes, penalties, some of which were questionable, were called. Others, that were clearly infractions, went uncalled. And yes, there were times when these penalties, called or uncalled, occured at times that directly impacted the outcome of a game.
The difference is that the Flyers score on their opportunities created by the calls or non-calls. The Devs do so less frequently and have been solidly outplayed 5-5. Hence, the 3-1 hole they find themsleves.
To sit here and blame the refs for the current hill to climb is ignorant. None of it would matter if the Devils managed to score on more of their opportunites, or managed to get even some semblance of pressure in the Philly end even strength. If they managed to come out and play 60 minutes of hockey, this series would be over by now.
And yes, I STILL BELIEVE! This thing is gonna go to seven games. In my dreams, we don’t even recognize the Devils that come out to play on thursday. Philly gets destroyed. Not in our building! The cost may be heavy and we may need our positional depth to continue. And then the ride the wave to the second round.
Reality? I sure as hell hope so, and will be supporting the guys as best my throat will handle. They’ve got to come out and play like they want it. Like they need it. And for all 60 minutes. I think they can. We have to wait until thursday to see if they do.
Not getting a pass.
I’m not giving the refs a pass. I’m having a hard time swallowing this to because I feel the Devils have gotten the shaft when it comes to the calls. I’m not talking about the # of calls. Its the type and time of them or lack of them.
Now that said. After the 1st period last night I kinda felt a little redemption. Not that the flyers didn’t deserve the penalties. But I felt that maybe it had been evened up a bit.
Then I it went back again as the game went on…..overall It just makes me wonder how the games would have turned out being called better. I feel the refs have been so so bad. That I’m sure if the Devils where winning 3-1 flyers fans would be saying the same thing.
Choke
merriam-webster.com has choke defined as to lose one’s composure and fail to perform effectively in a critical situation.
So have the Devils lost their compuser? Have they failed to perform effectively in this critical, do or die, win or go home situation we like to call the Stanley Cup playoffs?
Well this Devils team is averaging 6 minors a game in the playoffs which is double from what they averaged in the regular season. They are allowing 3 goals a game which is incredibly higher than the 2.27 they allowed in the regular season. We have also taken an early lead in both games 3 and 4 but failed to get a win in either.
In my eyes this team looks to be choking. I don’t about anyone else but we are definitely not playing good hockey
I agree with you. By definition of the word, this is what it is happening here.
You're Next!
by thatguy011071 on Apr 21, 2010 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions
A typical response from the disillusioned
Its funny how whenever a fan brings up the the bad officiating the we wittnessed in this SERIES; fans who always want to throw out facts in the forms of statistics and percentages argue that these elements are the wholelistic reason why the games turned out the way that they did.
They problem is had the refs called the too many men on the ice in the first game Maybe the Devils would have one in ovetime.
If the refs had of not called that bogus in overtime in game 3 maybe the Devils would have score first at even strength. (by the way: the Flyers had too many men on the ice when that penalty against Clarkson was called and many Flyer fans who were at the game agreed that the devils were wronged. just read the blogs at BSH.) i cant link the supporting blog because it am typing on my cell.
You just admitted yourself that the officiating decided some of the games of this series and them you say the Devils played poorly. It can only be one or the other within the context of this particular discussion and since you already conceded to my claim any other opposing claims you use to advance you argument are deemed irrelevant.
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 21, 2010 11:26 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Irrelevant?
“They problem is had the refs called the too many men on the ice in the first game Maybe the Devils would have one in ovetime.”
Maybe…
“If the refs had of not called that bogus in overtime in game 3 maybe the Devils would have score first at even strength. "
Maybe…
If the Devils had managed to score on more of their PPs, or managed to put a puck or two more in the net at even strength, then bad calls or non-calls become less important. If they’d managed to score another goal in regualtion, there wouldn’t have been an OT, and the call on Clarkie wouldn’t have been made.
Play better and score more, and there’s no need to harp on bad calls or non-calls. To call out the refs for having the greatest effect on the outcome of the series is, frankly, stupid. The terribad play of the Devils in the second and third periods and the inability of pucks to get behind Bouche is the major contributing factor, it’s only compounded by a few questionable calls or non-calls at really, really bad times during the game.
hahahahahahahhhaha. yeah, my correct claims are deemed irrelevant because you don’t want to admit that you’re wrong and you intentionally misunderstood what i said. try reading what’s written, not what you want to see. your argument is that the devils are losing because of the refs and i said nothing to support that. while i agree that the refs have been bad, they are nowhere close to the reason why the devils are losing. the devils are losing because they’re being dominantly outplayed. the flyers are the most penalized team in the playoffs so far this year. how is that helping them win? two games in a row, the devils were given huge chances to take a big lead early with powerplays. and it’s not like they were all obvious calls. you think every call that favors the flyers is a horrible call and every call that favors the devils is correct, but that’s to be expected from a fan. from a neutral perspective, it’s been very even. maybe if the devils scored on more than 1 of every 6 poweplays, and didn’t let the flyers powerplay run at a clip better than 1 of 4, things would be different. to blame the refs for this series is being ignorant to the truth.
Is this a debate or an arguement?
Well, first of all the fact that the refs had a direct impact on the outcome of the game is a fact. so to call ME “stupid” or "ignorant "for bringing that fact to the forefront dosen’t make me look “stupid” it makes you sound “stupid.” This is a reasonable debate. Usually when a party to a debate starts to hurl insults at the opposition, it is because feelings have been hurt due to the fact that thier ignorance has been exposed. I have already conceded that the Devils played poorly. Maybe you need to read my blog again. The Flyers are not an elite team. they are good at best and sometimes a GOOD team needs to committ penalties in order to prevent a capitalizing move from taking place as a result of a mistake that THEY made while playing an elite team. Am i talking to Devils fans? Despite the fact that they Devils as you say “played poorly” these games were still close and victory was still within reach and the officaiting place the decisive advantage is the favor of the Flyers. Period!
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 21, 2010 12:12 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
where did i call you stupid? i didn’t use the word once. nice try though buddy. i didn’t throw any personal insults. what did i say that insulted you. i’m sorry, i really didn’t mean it. my simple point is that for every bad call against the devils, there has been an equally bad call against the flyers. the difference is the flyers capitalized and the devils didn’t. the end.
Noted.
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 21, 2010 12:47 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Selective memory is a.....
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 21, 2010 12:51 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I’m sorry, i guess I don’t see what you’re getting at. I reread my posts and confirmed that I in no way called you stupid or insulted you in any other way. I did use the word “ignorant” but only to use the same word you threw at me. I said that you took from my comment was not what I was intending to say, but I was not implying that you are stupid because of it. That’s just not my style.
I understand
i was responding to two comments at one time. I believe that it was Murdoc who actually said it. i guess in this case we can agree to diagree but after last night I am a little testy right now. i just think my team (Devil of courseP are being misrepresented and getting the bad end of the stick.
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 21, 2010 1:20 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
i see what you’re saying. i’m looking at the point of view that devils fans are watching through red glasses and flyers fans are watching through orange glasses. you guys think you’re getting screwed by the refs, and flyers fans think they’re getting screwed by the refs. look at the all of the early penalties called on them in two games. some of the calls were good, and some were terrible, but i think the terrible calls and missed calls both ways tend to even out. it looks worse for new jersey right now because the philly has been able to capitalize on their breaks much more often than the devils have. overall, i just wish the refs would put their whistles away and let the teams play. in past years, you couldn’t buy a powerplay in the playoffs. now you give a guy a weird look and you’re sitting in the box for two minutes. there’s absolutely no reason why two teams should have a combined 47 powerplays through 4 head to head games in the playoffs. i want the old nhl back.
Agreed
I think it’s the fact that the bad officiating has hurt the Devils much more than the Flyers.
1)Game 1 They scored with too many men on the ice
2)Game 3 Clarksons OT penalty(bogus) while the Flyers had too many men on the ice(for a LONG time)
3) Last nights call on Nieds he was slashed by asham, then hit by asham(but asham being a flyer of course went down) and Neids was called for interference) Flyers tie it 1-1
4) Zajacs ridiculously bogus crosscheck last night. Flyers take 2-1 lead.
5) we got called for too many men twice (one was legit .5 seconds) thats a slap in the face for the two non-called too many men for the flyers
So i actually agree with both of you. The refs costed the Devils Games 1 & 3 in my eyes. They seem to screw the devils over at the worst possible times. However, i see the other point that can’t blame the flyers for capitilizing on the crappy calls. But I def agree most of flyers penalties were legit (actually many noncalls that were legit lol), many of the devils werent (felt like the philly crowd was calling many of the devils penalties)
by NJDEVIL4LIFE on Apr 21, 2010 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions
“But I def agree most of flyers penalties were legit (actually many noncalls that were legit lol), many of the devils werent (felt like the philly crowd was calling many of the devils penalties)”
because you’re a devils fans. ask a philly fan and they’ll say the exact opposite (actually, i already did and my point was proven correct lol). although i believe the refs have been way too whistle-happy, that’s how you know that as a whole it has been called evenly for the most part.
cuz your a flyers fan
you don’t see our players acting like they get hit in the face with a stick, or our crowd crying and moaning when our player falls down on their own. I’m not one to blame the Devils losses on the refs. But I’m sorry Games 1 & 3 were lost with a lot of help from the refs awful calls. I wont be naive the flyers got a few bad calls like the Pronger crosscheck last night. But you can’t say that most of the flyers penalties weren’t legit or that they get away with much more than the devils. Again not sayin it’s all the refs fault the devils are losing 3-1, because it is by no-means true. Just seems like the refs feel becuase the flyers take 8 penalties a game (prob 6 legit ones) they have to give the devils a lot of penalties as well
by NJDEVIL4LIFE on Apr 21, 2010 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions
my bad you're a pens fan.
now i know why you are routing for the flyers lol
by NJDEVIL4LIFE on Apr 21, 2010 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions
what makes you think i’m rooting for the flyers? the fact that i’m being realistic and see things how they are? the devils aren’t the perfect team that can never do wrong. no team is perfect. the there have been plenty of legitimate calls against the devils and they’ve gotten away with a lot too (especially in terms of interference). they seem to have developed a sudden obsession with hitting players who don’t have the puck. the refs aren’t calling penalties to screw the devils over. however the devils (and flyers as well for that matter) need to realize what the refs are calling and be able to adjust.
Most of the Flyers penalties are around their net/on a odd man rush/a breakaway/when the Devils offense is really clicking: These are considered “good” penalties. Most were legit penalties (massive hooks, holds, trips) Some was questionable like you said (The Pronger one was a weak call, but by rule a penalty). Most of these calls were made by the closest ref/linesmen. Easy calls if ask me.
Most of the Devils penalties are on open ice/in the neutral zone/no real threat by the Flyers when in our end/even on a Devils PP. Devils have had a lot of penalties in their own offensive zone! “Bad penalties” if you will. Also, some (maybe most, not all) calls have been made by a ref/linesmen with the line of sight of the call, but most certainly not the closest one. (Greene interference). Because there was no real threat or not during an important part of the game (minus the Clarkson penalty in OT), it was more of the surprise of the whistle other than the call.
We can all agree the refs are calling every tom, dick, and harry of a call. Is it unfortunate that the Flyers did score all their GWG on or right after penalties? Yes. Were the calls questionable…(I’m biased, so I’ll say maybe/possibly) They were able to capitalize on them (questionable or not), and the Devils weren’t.
The worst thing about this is it kills the flow of the game (Devils very much like a good pace of the game, a whistle every few minutes just kills it (See game 2). What can you do? These refs know the rivalry, they don’t want to get the game out of hand instead of managing the game like the old timers (Doc was talking about this..Refs used to talk to players between stoppages and explain calls, explain the type of the game they are looking for). These refs don’t want to hear a thing. They go by the book yes, but that fact they they are missing big calls, and calling questionable ones (each on both sides), just makes me seem they are calling what they want, and not “managing” the game.
by Matthew Ventolo on Apr 21, 2010 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions
good points
but i never said the devils could do no wrong. the devils have taken stupid penalties but in my opinion the devils have had more bs penalties called on them than the flyers have, and the flyers seem to get away with more (maybe its their broadstreet rep that allows this idk) of course as a devils fan I am biased. but I do try to remain fair, i’m just saying what I am seeing. ( the fact that you have acotrs like carcillo, and douche bags who knock of the net on purpose liek cobrun doesn’t help either) But as i stated before the refs are in no way the sole cause for this 3-1 hole.
by NJDEVIL4LIFE on Apr 21, 2010 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions
It's always about matchups
it’s difficult to discuss the intangibles of this sport because you obviously can’t see them. But when the Devils won Cups – they had good 1st Round matchup. Every time the Devils won a series in the 1st Round, I felt they should have won that. When you draw a team that has played you so tough for 3 straight years, a lot of it is mental. With the players’ confidence levels, etc. If you’ve played the sport; you know what I mean.
At U of Dayton, we played D-II Club and always went to Kentucky to a sold out Sat. night crowd of drunks. Every year the goal was to beat UK and we couldn’t. Yeah it’s a basketball school, but those fans PACKED that building for a D-II Club team.
So, it’s mental. Matchups no matter how you spin it, matter A LOT with the mentality and karma of the team’s attitudes, leader’s perceptions and how coach’s handle the palyers behind the bench.
Momentum can change all that though. We can now point to Robinson’s tirade in 2002 as one of those moments. They’ll need something like that here. I thought it would be good to have Kevin Smith come to the game with his posse and sit in the cheap seats. The place would be energized . . . but it wouldn’t help the players.
I was half kidding, there. The Devils need something. Scott Stevens doing a 300 battle cry? Who knows?
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.
Sorry for the typos
and I meant Robinson in 2000
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.
At least its not a sweep.....not that makes it sound any better
I felt this situation coming.
All we can do is hope they band together and fight harder than ever. They should declared in one voice: “We will not go quietly into the night!” We will not vanish without a fight! We’re going to live on! We’re going to survive! LOL
It's not over
So let’s not make it sound like it is. Hopefully a rejuvenated Devils team shows up on thursday and sends it back to Philadelphia so we can slowly work our way back into this. Carter and Gagne will be out for game 5 so their team will lack some of the offensive punch we’ve seen so far in this series
Marc R.
Don't want to..but it is 1-3
Nothing is over. Till its over. However, they have to really have a mental and phyical change. They need to bring that gun ho mentallity with them through out the game. I felt there were strong for the fitst goal and a few mins after. Then, they jsut fell apart. I’ve been a fan long enough not to give up on my team. Yet, last night was sicking to watch.So I will still cheer Let’s Go Devils!, till the end. Even though, realaisticly, the end may be thrusday
by Devilman3030 on Apr 21, 2010 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions
How sad...
The past two posts have brought Devil fans on this site at each others throats over ridiculous and petty slights ranging from “who’s at fault” these losses are to the use of vernacular.
I understand everyone is frustrated and upset, but why are you lashing out at one another? Lets be honest here, not a single one of you are on the ice or in the locker-room and you can’t have any impact on the players performance, refs, or really anything that transpires on the ice. So quit arguing over it while the series isn’t yet done. You’ll have plenty of time for that if things go the way they’re looking.
The only thing we can affect is the atmosphere and let the players know we’re still behind them. So do your jobs as fans and the only thing you can do.. show them your support until it’s really over. Be it the Rock, your house or a local bar. You guys start abandoning the team now, what are they playing for then?
I see your point
The present situation is a hard pill to follow and considering how we got here…. Beside Game 4 just put me on edge man.
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 21, 2010 12:40 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
awe dammit, I was in the middle of writing more out of same anger and frustration we’re all feeling. Zele’s right, and we’ll be there with our red on and our voices loud!
Fighting makes us feel better when we’re like that.
I love you man. Seriously. manhug
lol
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 21, 2010 1:24 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
this is the positivity I needed.
Let’s Go Devils!!!
by NJDEVIL4LIFE on Apr 21, 2010 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Well thats good news...
You can’t all those shots that were blocked over the last 4 games had not outcome
by Matthew Ventolo on Apr 21, 2010 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions
wow type-fart
can’t say** no outcome**
by Matthew Ventolo on Apr 21, 2010 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m tired of the Devils lack of aggressison when it comes to shots on net. All I’ve seen them do is pass, pass, pass and when they do shoot, it’s either missed or right into Boucher’s glove. The Devls are making him look like Roy out there. He’s not that good. I’d like to see Parise, Lags, Zajac and Clarkson come alive in Game 5. They have been AWOL for the most part and we can’t win with Kovi and Marty alone.
Also, I hate that Philly is pushing us around. Where’s Clarkson? Put LeBlonde out there. I want to win in the worst way, but if were gonna go down, at least lets kick some ass on the way down.
Congrats John
This review was featured on NHL.com in case you did not know.
by CaramelCoveredXMas on Apr 21, 2010 2:54 PM EDT reply actions
Thanks
I hope there will be future posts to be featured there.
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 21, 2010 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Well.
Maybe we have a shot at game 5, or at least more so.
Carter and Gagne are both out for game 5 at least, with Carter possibly out longer.
Why is everyone giving up?
Here are a few things to be hopeful about (to preserve your sanity, if nothing else):
1. The Devils have done this before. They have climbed out of a 3-1 deficit to the Flyers. Who was in net for them? None other than Brian Doucher.
2. The Devils have shown they can play dominant hockey against this particular Flyers team. The problem comes when the buzzer sounds to end the first period. If they can find the solution, NOW, to that problem, they will have a good chance.
3. 2 of the 3 possible games are home at the Rock. If they can somehow use the next game to gain momentum going to Wachovia and bring game 7 back to the Rock, they’ll have a very good chance.
4. Martin Brodeur, regardless of what boxscore #$%^&‘s are saying, is playing out-of-this-world Vintage Marty style of play. He can steal games for us, but he shouldn’t have to. Let’s hope the rest of the Devils decide to reward him.
5. Gagne and Carter are both out for atleast game 5. While they have been quiet for most of the series so far, they’re still very dangerous threats, and the Devils should be glad they’re eliminated.
Can probably come up with more, but those should be enough to give you some hope for more. What I DON’T want to see, are Orange t-shirts and jerseys for Game 5. GO to the Rock, and support the damn Devils!
I am too drained to post today...so I am re-posting what i wrote a few days ago..it sums the series up for me
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.
git' yer butts to the Rock tomorrow! it'll be a hooot!
Have some beer, do some cheering, and enjoy the game. Support the home team and have a good ol’time. What do we have to lose? The fan fest is fun outside so get there early, and get ready to cheer these boys on. Maybe we’ve got one game left (maybe 3), but hey, we just need to win the next game right now. We don’t need to win three games in 1 night. It’s one game at a time so come on down and enjoy some Devils hockey. Don’t give up. Lord knows I was about to post a sob story on here (DELETE), but then I realized I need to get some positivity. My favorite time of the year (hockey season) could be over soon (for my team – and who gives a crap about any other stinkin’ team). Come on down. I’ll be in an red Elias jersey wearing my glasses (reading), and sportin’ a shaved head. Say hi and then at the end of the night, let’s say, “and it’s 7-1 NEW JERSEY!!” ( I hope )
Go Devils!!!
Don't mess with the Devils, buddy. We're number one, we beat anybody! We're the Devils! The Devils!! Aaaaaa!!
by Devil_Hard_Core on Apr 21, 2010 4:00 PM EDT reply actions
Guys did you hear?
Carter and Gagne are out game 5…guess they both injured their feet while engaging in Incessant Diving!
hope they get matching pink casts
Don't mess with the Devils, buddy. We're number one, we beat anybody! We're the Devils! The Devils!! Aaaaaa!!
by Devil_Hard_Core on Apr 21, 2010 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions
That can’t be right, Carcillo is still healthy.
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 21, 2010 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions
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.
