2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs 1st Round, Game 5 Preview: New Jersey Devils vs. Philadelphia Flyers
by John Fischer on Apr 22, 2010 12:00 AM EDT
in Devils Game Previews
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The Time: 7 PM EDT/4 PM PDT
The Broadcast: TV: MSG+ (HD) & TSN (HD); Radio: 1130 AM Bloomberg
This is a must-win game for the New Jersey Devils. If they lose, the playoffs are over for them. If they win, hope remains alive. This means do whatever it takes to get to the Rock, watch it on TV, listen to it on radio, use NHL GameCenter to watch it, or whatever means to support the Devils. You know the saying, "Play like there's no tomorrow?" Well, that's reality for this Devils team.
I have some additional thoughts and quotes from others after the jump. Check out Broad Street Hockey for Philadelphia Flyers coverage.
Tom Gulitti Pretty Much Summed Up All the Problems with the Devils' Performance So Far: Tom Gulitti was on fire on Thursday and this synopsis of the Devils' trouble is, well, a synopsis: Read the whole thing, but here's a snippet:
They certainly won’t be able to do it [win] if they continue having trouble getting out of their zone at even strength. The Flyers have pressured the Devils on the forecheck and the Devils have not been to break out of their zone and through the neutral zone with clean passes. That was a big factor in the last two games during the times when they did skate 5-on-5 (there were 13 power plays in Game 3 and 16 and Game 4). The Devils defensemen have not been able to handle that pressure.
It's All In the Head: I still think the root cause to all of the very real issues Gulitti raised with the team's problem is the team's mindset. I'm very happy to see that some Devils, namely Ilya Kovalchuk, have remained positive about tonight's outlook. Here's what Rich Chere reported from the Devils' #17:
When I asked him today, Kovalchuk said he isn't thinking about the fact that this could be his last game in a Devils sweater.
"No. Because we're going to win tomorrow," he said.
Perhaps positive is an understatement. Still, I firmly support positive thinking by the Devils for tonight's game. A negative attitude or a defeated mindset will all but guarantee a win by the Philadelphia Flyers tonight. I firmly believe that they were root problems in the Devils' losses in Game 3 and 4.
Also, on top of all that, Lou has made his mark in letting his feelings known about the playoffs so far. Literally. Just in case the players and coaching staff needed some additional motivation. (Thanks Steve for the tip.)
Flyers Without Jeff Carter and Simon Gagne: The news is serious, both Carter and Gagne suffered foot injuries that will require surgery and will be out tonight. In fact, they'll be out for a while. Carter is out with a broken bone in his foot so he will be out for 3 weeks. Gagne has a broken toe and will be shelved for 6 weeks. The expected replacements are Ville Leino and David Laliberte.
This is a bit loss for Philadelphia. So Gagne only has 2 assists in this post season and Carter really only "awoke" with two goals in Game 4, but these are two of Philadelphia's top forwards. Gagne and Carter have averaged 18:11 and 18:10 of ice time per game, respectively. Only Honorless Captain Mike Richards has averaged more ice time among forwards. Both play important roles on the power play, as Gagne and Carter have averaged 3:42 and 3:41 of PP time per game - fourth and fifth respectively among Flyers forwards. Gagne's loss is especially big given that he's on the Flyers' second PK unit, averaging 2:51 of shorthanded ice time per game - behind Blair Betts, Ian Laperriere, and Richards.
How the Flyers will fill in all of that missing ice time remains as the big, interesting question for them. I would guess at larger roles for Claude Giroux and Danny Briere on even strength; maybe Scott Hartnell and James van Reimsdyk on the power play; and perhaps Giroux and Darroll Powe on the PK. But those are just wild guesses on my part. A more accurate guess can be had at Broad Street Hockey, and only Peter Laviolette and his coaching staff really know the answer anyway.
Needless to say, the Devils will need to strike hard at Philadelphia because this is the weakest they're going to get. Chris Pronger remains the best player in this series and to represent how the Flyers have done so far, encompassing excellent defense, tireless work ethic, dangling on the "discipline" line (caught in Game 4), and physical play. If the Devils offense still can't answer Pronger and Kimmo Timonen, then I really don't know what to tell you.
A Wild Guess at the Lineup: You know, I can't help but think that if David Clarkson doesn't start doing something soon, he could find himself on the fourth line. He hasn't provided much positive all series long, but plenty of negatives in terms of penalties. Will he? I doubt it.
The fourth line is a mish-mash but I don't think changing out Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond for, say, Jay Pandolfo - who doesn't kill penalties anymore - is necessarily going to be a big difference maker. You may feel otherwise, but such is my guess at the lineup.
Zach Parise - Patrik Elias - Dainius Zubrus
Ilya Kovalchuk - Travis Zajac - Jamie Langenbrunner
Brian Rolston - Dean McAmmond - Rod Pelley (3A)
Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond - Rob Niedermayer - David Clarkson (3B)Paul Martin - Andy Greene
Colin White - Mike Mottau
Martin Skoula - Bryce Salvador
As usual, check with Chere and Gulitti during the day for any updates.
Shadows of 2008?: Ultimately, this first round has turned out something like the 2008 first round series against the Rangers all over again. Match-up against a hated rival who did extremely well against the Devils in the regular season. A head coach constantly changing lines. (I leave it to you to determine whether this was worse than Sutter's extreme commitment to line matching regardless of situation) The Devils not only unable to figure out how the Rangers were approaching at them and not adjusting to their tactics. Most of all, they played the entire series with some kind of mental block on the ice. Not to name drop, but I remember conversing with Greg Wyshynski (yes, the Greg Wyshynski) in a bar after Blogs with Balls one last year and he just put it plainly: "The Devils just played that whole series with the 'yips.' That's pretty bad considering the opponent."
That could be used to sum up this series should it truly end tonight. I was at both games and I expect the reaction, should there be a loss, to be similar. Upset that it happened, but no one at the Rock would truly be surprised.
What (I'm Pretty Sure) We Know: Of course, should the Devils finally figure it out and get a win, there's reason to believe to, well, believe. I want to believe. There will be 17,625 fans, myself included, screaming their hearts out for something to believe in. We know what the players have said. We know how Lou feels about this series. We know that the Flyers are now down two important forwards and they still have a largely untested goaltender in net named Brian Boucher. And as per Jacques Lemaire, per Gulitti, the Devils have yet to play a fully complete game - Lemaire says all season, I disagree, but it's definitely a true statement for this series.
We know what has gone wrong. But. We know what this team is capable of doing on the ice. We know that their backs up are against the walls. We know that a confident Ilya Kovalchuk is a very good player to have for the game. We know that Martin Brodeur is still the man. We know that the defense can hang with anyone in the league. We know that the Devils have done the improbable before - even against Philadelphia. We will still hope and pray for victory that will come through improvement.
At a minimum, I personally want the Devils to give the Flyers one hell of a fight (metaphorically, not literally). But I think I speak for all Devils fans that we don't care how it happens, we want a win. Just a win. Should the Devils play their hearts out tonight, they should have the best chance to win Game 5 tonight.
Let's Go, Devils.
Thanks for reading. I'll be in my usual seat in Section 1, Row 16, Seat 5, bringing the noise in the hopes that I'll be able to sit there later this spring. Steve's working; so in comes ILWT user Space Weed to take care of the GameThread duties, so please behave for him. The GameThread will be up at 5 PM EDT. In advance of the thread, please leave your thoughts, feelings, and words of support in the comments. Let us not choose Death, let us choose Glory.
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screw it...
let’s go devs. crazier things have happened.
A bit of advice for my Devils
PP advice: (Let this guide your actions when that time comes. “Basic strategy focuses upon manipulating the enemy, creating the opportunity for an easy victory, and then applying maximum power at the appropriate moment…”
Remember when you think about fighting or find yourselves confornted with a Flyer strength: "Avoiding a strong force is not cowardice, but wisdom, for it is self-defeating to fight when and where not advantageous.’
Qoutes taken from: The ART of War
GO DEVILS INDEED!!
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 22, 2010 2:12 AM EDT reply actions
The Devils did it to the Flyers in 2000. Lemaire did it not once but TWICE in Minnesota in 2003. Being down 3-1 is nothing new to this team. All three of the other Eastern Conference Series have one team leading 3-1. Out of all of them, this is the series that will see the comeback victory.
Move up Rolston to the second line with Zajac/ Elias and Kovy, put together Parise, Elias/ Zajac and Zubrus (rotate the centers if they hit a rough patch) and let the likes of Langenbrunner, Clarkson and the enforcers get a garbage goal or two. Also, White could you pound that punk Carcillo at least once please?
Devils take it to them in Game 5. Marty steals one for us in Game 6. Devils squeak out a close one at home in Game 7. That’s all that needs to be said.
What have we got to lose now? GO DEVILS!
Pronger
Pronger has played very well this series as mentioned above. Why not try Ken Daneyko’s advice, since he played the position. Instead of going one on one with him, chip the puck into his corner every time and go dig it out. The man plays a half hour a game, you will wear him out or more likely he will take a few obstruction penalties.
And for God sakes take some shots from within a few feet of the goal, every shot is from a mile a way at his chest aiming for that stupid “P” logo I guess. The Flyers except on a few occasions this series have beaten Brodeur in close despite how good he has played in my opinion.
I think just take it one game at a time, I know we can do it, but we need to see a total team effort, and the Devils and the people in attendence try to silence any Flyer fans quickly.
Lets Go Devils.
by Padraic Jenkins on Apr 22, 2010 9:24 AM EDT reply actions
physical game
w/ the flyers up 3-1, they too have nothing to lose. the goon squad is going to be out in full force tonight, and if clarkson and PL3 dont exert themselves early, its gonna get ugly quickly.
as for lines, id like to see:
parise-zajac-zubrus
langenbrunner-elias-kovy
clarkson-mcammond-rolston
PL3-neidermeyer-pandolfo (pelley would be acceptable. corrente hasnt done what he was supposed to do)
martin-skoula
white-greene
salvador-mottau
EthanM
No, No, No, No, No!
The Devils have spent four games playing the way the Flyers want to play. They’ve tried to be physical, they’ve played dump and chase, and they’ve been taking long shots into fallen defenders. Insanity is defined by doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
The Devils have a sizable edge in goal, even if it hasn’t shown in this series. With Gagne and Carter hurt, they may have something of an advantage in skill up front. For Pete’s sake, use it! Carry the puck and create off the rush. If the Flyers want to play the goon, sucker them into penalties…. the crowd at the Rock (of which I will be one) needs to be on the referees every bit as much as the fans in Philadelphia were. Make the Flyers skate up and down…. if it means Marty has to deal with 3-on-2 and 2-on-1 opportunities, so be it…. so long as Boucher has to do the same. Get traffic in front of the net and force Boucher to move and create rebounds. Make the Flyers decide early if they want to play that way, or if they’d just as soon wait for Sunday night.
As for lineup changes, I want Zharkov in there for PL3. If Zharkov isn’t healthy enough to play, I want Halischuk or Palmieri up from Lowell. I can live with Pandolfo, but I don’t know that he could contribute what I (we) want at this point.
If the Devils are going to lose, stop losing by giving the Flyers what they want and expect. Make them earn it.
I agree mostly with your line combinations. The D looks good, but what I would change with the forwards is to give Rolston a chance on the second line with Elias and Kovy. Even apart from his Game 3 goals, he has not been totally invisible like Langenbrunner has so far and he also had a good stretch of games with Elias this season. Parise and Zubrus need to be together they usually show some good chemistry with each other. Also, I wouldn’t mind see Pando getting some time; that experience of 2000 might be important here. I’d like to see Pelley in the lineup too because I think for the minimal amount of ice time he got last game his line had a couple good forechecks which led a a good scoring chance.
GO DEVILS!
I cant get that Brodeur save out of my head.
And, I really hope it’s a series highlight, after game 7, when we win this thing.
First I just wanted to say, very good preview for the game tonight Fischer, it has really pumped me up.
Second, I think you are exactly right with how the Flyers will fill in on the PP and PK. Each of the times we lost Gagne, and then Carter, those were the players we had filling in on the PK and PP. It should make things better for your PP if this is another penalty fest like the last game.
Being I Flyers die hard, I hate to say it, but I think Brodeur will steal the game tonight. He has come close, but tonight I think he will do it. Just completely shutting the door on us. It’s going to be a great game either way though.
Good Luck tonight guys!
"Chris Pronger sneaked in the back door...banged it home."
Flyers Television Play-by-Play Man: Jim Jackson
by Psy09 on Apr 22, 2010 10:34 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Finally!
A Flyers fan who understands reciprocal respaect. Thank You psy09! May the best team win.
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 22, 2010 11:46 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
My compliments to Psy09 as well!
These discussions are a lot more interesting and informative when the comments are… interesting and informative. And when they don’t degenerate into junior high school name-calling and other silliness. Support your team (Go Devils!) and root against the enemy (Boo Flyers!), but – please – keep it on an adult level.
Thanks Gentlemen (or Ladies, don't want to offend)
I was just trying to add some perspective from my side of things and I hope it helped.
BTW, check out the lines that we have for tonight on BSH. Your forward lines should be able to have a field day with ours. The only hope I have now for this game is that somehow your team comes out with zero will to win, which I doubt will happen. Or maybe a hat trick by Laliberte, HAHA. AHL player to first line NHL player, FANTASTIC!
"Chris Pronger sneaked in the back door...banged it home."
Flyers Television Play-by-Play Man: Jim Jackson
In can be done
If Brodeur plays like he should, he has let a few soft goals in this series, and I think it deflates the team.
If the defense skates with authority, no grazing back to get the puck….MOVE. The Flyers forecheck is exposing the average defense, make them pay for being aggressive and make the long passes.
Shoot the puck low. With all the bodies that the Flyers use on the net, stand there with them and hope for a rebound/screen/deflection. High shots will just get blocked.
If McAmmond and Neidermayer play like the players they are not. Lets face it, no ones fears them, if hey catch the flyers off guard hey can do it.
Someone needs to score a cheap goal…Give the Flyers and Boucher doubts and set it up nicely in Philly.
Rolston must have another big game. He is been a bust in terms of the hype when he was signed. Make him earn the salary.
What soft goals has Brodeur let up that has cost the team? Ill grant you Carcillo’s in during Game 4 but the Devils were playing like the game was over prior and after.
Also, the forecheck has been an issue, but when did the Devils defense magically become average? Overworked and undersupported by an inconsistent-at-best offense, perhaps. But they aren’t average.
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 22, 2010 12:25 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
They are just average in the sense that are not game changers, the only one with that capability. They played solid as a unit, but if you compare to Stevens, Neidermayer, Daneyko, I know you would choose the three over anyone on the current team to start hands down.
Brodeur hasn’t cost the game, but some of the goals seem to have hurt the emotional aspect of the team. Carcillo was one, the unscreened shot by Richards in game one. These are all goals that most likely would have been stopped a few years ago.
The team is still human, but you know the thoughts of last year will creep into their heads if they see something like that.
Sorry, still not buying it. The unscreened shot by Richards in game 1 maybe should’ve been stopped but do you really think it hurt the team emotionally? They battled back and almost tied that game and then won game 2. More importantly, did you even watch game 3? Marty made incredible save after incredible save in the 3rd period. Without him, we would not have even sniffed overtime in that game.
So far we have identified two “questionable goals”. What about the game four goal from Carter. So half the game have had a questionable goals. If your the Devils are wondering if it will be the Brodeur that stuns or is average. While this is not Brodeur Bashing, I want him to Steal a game this series. That builds confidence. Not letting in a soft goal or two. He is still one of the best, but stealing a game will help out the confidence of the Devils and hurt the Flyers. There is nothing to “buy” into. I simply stated he needs to be the leader and win the game.
I will give you that
The rest of the team feeds of of Brodeur. When Brodeur is not on his game; 80% of the time the rest of the team follows suit. There have been times when the rest of the team wasn’t on top of thier game and Brodeur came through. And then there were times when the rest of the team were on thier game and Marty didn’t come through. I will admit that i am surprised that Marty has allowed this many points in this playoff series but I will take Brodeur over any currently playing goaltender any day without question. We have seen Marty go from one end of the spectrum to the other in terms of play but dosen’t every goalie.
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 22, 2010 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Whats more concerning is the conplete lack of support by those should lead. I feel the missing piece would have been an upgrade over McAmmond/Neidermayer as a center. Someone who is great at finding the guys who can shoot. That is why Gomez Gionta worked well….Gomez only passes and Gionta only shoots. Or possibly a stronger D-Man with a little more offensive talent.
This Flyers are exposing the mobility and defensive only mind set of the Devils D.
I see the logic in your argument
I have often said the same to myself. The reality is this: Despite this current state of the affiars regarding the leadership of the Devils (or lack thereof) and the need for “a stronger D-Man with a little more offensive talent” we have gotten to this point as a result of the personnel exchange and management of the NJ Devils organization and the performance of the NJ Devils players. There are a lot of other NHL teams who would like to be in our position despite the fact that we are down 3-1. The Devils have a very good defense when every one is at the top of thier game and the offensive has managed to produce enough points to push us into the playoffs. This is what we will have to work with tonight. I agree with John about Marty though. The rest of his team really let him down (despite what I think about the officiating) and I think that they owe him a game. Marty IS a game changer and had the Devils won game 3, I dont’t think we would be having this disscussion right now. But you have made some valid points in my opinion and shed some light on an crittical aspect of the Devils armor which will definitely have to be addressed during the offseason.
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 22, 2010 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Brodeur absolutely stole a game. It was Game 3. Problem is, the rest of the guys in front of him couldn’t figure it out and remained flat for 23+ min. whilst the goalie did everything possible to keep the game alive.
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 22, 2010 3:39 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Exactly. Brodeur did everything but build a brick wall in front of the net in that game. The rest of the team forgot how to play hockey during that period.
To me that game hurt the most, even more than game 4, because we SHOULD have had that one. We played well in the first, mediocre in the second, then fell asleep in the third. I couldn’t believe that game even got to OT. It did because of Brodeur.
If Andrew Peters ever plays again it will be too soon.
by LangsForPres on Apr 22, 2010 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions
broduers been good in this series to me
not as good last year,but still good enough it should have been a win.2008 that was a different story.to me i dont know if broduer was having personal problems or mabey avery just got him off his game but that was by far the worst playoff series i have ever seen him play(in my opinion).
by Imperator_Celtic on Apr 22, 2010 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Brodeur made the best save
I have ever seen in my life in this series.
He’s playing just fine, outside that one soft goal.
by Drew95.00.03 on Apr 22, 2010 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions
thank you
thank you john, and everyone on this message board, for giving me a reason to be pumped up tonight
EthanM
Not. In. Our. House!
Soon as the boys take a lead. Not in Our House!
Let them know that they will not take this series in our house. Remind them of it at every hit, every pass, every shot, every save. They will know that now is not their glory-time.
We’re tired of watching the enemy celebrate in our house. We will not lay down and let it happen again. Not for one game, not for one period, not for one shift, not for one second. For too long have we allowed the weak to inflate their egos at the expense of our blood. For too long have we fought their fight and tasted the tears of our fans.
This is our house. This is our fight. You will come to our doorstep expecting the same hospitality we have shown in the past. Playing by your rules, giving you exaclty what you expect. No more!
This is our house. We’ve built these bricks of blood and sweat and pain, made one by the voices of the faithful. We will not retreat. If you want it, you will have to take it. But do not expect to succeed. A common man defending his home is to be feared more than a skilled warrior, and make no mistake, the defenders of our Home are not common men. And when this fight is won, and you retreat to familiar walls, we will persue you like a storm of fire and ice.
DUDE great post!!!
I’m already pumped for tonight because how can you not be pumped to go to a hockey game—but that just put me over the top!!!
Gonna re-read this a few more times, uh uh, for sure, right on!
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 22, 2010 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions
im starting to think this might turnaround for the devils here.
by Imperator_Celtic on Apr 22, 2010 3:11 PM EDT reply actions
Proud Fan
I am at the game tonight with my wife and two kids, and I am looking forward to it.
I just want to state this going in – I am proud to be a Devils fan, and I am going to look back on this season fondly regardless of the outcome. I have had a great time at the games with my family there. We have built fun memories. We have a goalie who is one of the greats in game history, and he put his mark this year on whatever records he didn’t already have.
When you are a fan, there are moments of disappointment – there are going to be more of those than championships. That is what makes actually winning a championship so glorious and special. This is still a great organziation that deserves respect and there are alot of players on this team that have done alot of great things
That being said, I think they are going to get it done tonight. Go Devils!
by Devilssection21fan on Apr 22, 2010 4:49 PM EDT reply actions
My last post before heading to the Rock. Kick some arse Devils!!!
Hope to hear the Devils’ Army loud and proud.
The comeback starts tonight!
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 22, 2010 4:57 PM EDT reply actions
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