Zach Parise Nails Oilers In OT, Devils Win 2-1

by Kevin Sellathamby on Jan 12, 2012 12:18 AM EST in Devils Game Recaps

Okay, this headline has more to do with working in a Nail Yakupov joke (because the Oilers are falling in the standings and now competing for a lottery pick) than talking about what happened in tonight's game. Because tonight, the Devils weren't exactly Nailing anyone. The Oilers, despite the fact that they're missing their leading scorer, their #1 center and their best defenseman, were able to keep themselves in the game. Really, the Devils more or less went into tonight expecting 2 points, got what they wanted but they shouldn't be too proud of tonight's effort.

If you're looking for an Oilers perspective on tonight's game, check out Copper and Blue. More thoughts after the jump

The Good-I Thought This Guy Was Overpaid and Sucks

With 2 points tonight, Ilya Kovalchuk now has 8 points (5 G, 3A) in his last 4, and 38 points in 38 games. A couple of months ago, everyone was blaming him for everything. Now? /crickets. He's playing like the guy the Devils paid $100 million to a year or so ago. He was part of both Devils goals- with an individual effort on the first goal, as well as some solid passing in the OT Powerplay. He also had a few decent chances at even strength as well. Overall, he was solid tonight.

The Good- Better Goaltending

After last night's debacle, the goaltending tonight was much better. Johan Hedberg stopped nearly every shot he faced and was perhaps the biggest reason the Devils were in the game. Moose more or less stole the game for the Devils, who couldn't get much going at evens and their tendencies to take bad penalties tonight. He was the Devils best player tonight.

The Bad- Performance At Even Strength

The Devils were getting dominated at evens tonight. They finished a -20 in corsi, which isn't so great. They may have outshot the Oilers in general (25-23), but at even strength they were horrendous. There were getting completely dominated. They didn't get many chances at evens, mainly because the Oilers were getting chances left and right. The Oilers had a good minute or 2 of possession in the 3rd where they had several excellent chances, and that wasn't very great to watch.

The Bad- Discipline- or the Lack Of

To make matters worse they took a bunch of unnecessary penalties. Ryan Carter and David Clarkson took offensive zone penalties. Zach Parise and Patrik Elias, two players who shouldn't be in the box because of their penalty killing abilities found themselves in the box. They played with fire and got burned, after Ales Hemsky scored. The penalty kill might be the best in the league, but they cannot rely on it all the time. Tonight's one example why- eventually someone's gonna score.

The Bad- Taylor Hall

With Nugent-Hopkins and Eberle out, Taylor Hall manned up and came up pretty big tonight. He might have only recorded a secondary assist tonight, but he stood out. There were several occasions where he utilized his amazing speed to get past the Devils. He couldn't beat Moose tonight, but he beat the Devils defense several times tonight.

The Rest

I'm not too happy with the win tonight. I like that the Devils got 2 points. I didn't like the way they played tonight. The Oilers were the better team for 60 minutes. Think the Ottawa game a week ago where they completely owned the Devils but the Devils were up for the majority of the game. Basically tonight was just like that, except they were the guys scoring in OT. All I can hope for is that they can put up a better effort Saturday against Winnipeg.

With that being said, what do you think of tonight's game? Are you happy with tonight's performance? Leave your thoughts in the comments. Thanks to everyone who commented in tonight's gamethread.

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Comments

3 points in 389 games?

dang he is overpaid

by KenKen on Jan 12, 2012 12:39 AM EST reply actions

i’m assuming it was 38 or 39, but I don’t recall Kovy getting scratched at all. Weird.

by KenKen on Jan 12, 2012 12:40 AM EST up reply actions

He was briefly injured with a groin pull, if I remember correctly.

by Dr. Witticism on Jan 12, 2012 12:42 AM EST up reply actions

Don’t know why I didn’t think of checking SBNation’s player page before, but now that I have it’s clear that my memory served me well. From his page:

November 16, 2011 Missed 5 games (lower body injury).
November 5, 2011 Lower body injury, day-to-day.

by Dr. Witticism on Jan 12, 2012 12:56 AM EST up reply actions

the 3 stars

1: Hall: Goals: 0, Assists: 1
2: Kovalchuk: Goals: 1, Assists: 1
3: Parise: Goals: 1, Assists: 0

grumble grumble bs grumble grumble

by KenKen on Jan 12, 2012 12:43 AM EST reply actions

I was just about to post about that, It doesn’t make any sense

"Its the letter D"

by Rory B. Bellows on Jan 12, 2012 12:47 AM EST up reply actions

Hedberg!

Hedberg was absolutely brilliant tonight. You couldn’t ask for better goaltending than what he provided tonight.

Unfortunately, the one Oilers goal was the result of a blatant dive by Smyth. I find myself increasingly disgusted with how dishonorable the players (collectively) in this league have become. Where is the honor that players in the NHL used to take pride in?

I personally feel that the league should start to hand out one game suspensions for obvious dives. The problem of diving has become to this league, and yet the NHL brass has made absolutely no effort to stop it. Is it because of some misguided attempt to increase scoring by way of more powerplays? Are they just willingly ignoring such dishonorable play simply in the hope that more scoring will occur (or out of fear that scoring will decrease if it’s actually stopped)?

Anyway, now that my short rant is finished, I just want to end this comment by saying that Hedberg was awesome. Again. I have to say it again.

by Dr. Witticism on Jan 12, 2012 12:47 AM EST reply actions

Sorry, that should have read, “the problem of diving has become endemic to this league…”

by Dr. Witticism on Jan 12, 2012 12:48 AM EST up reply actions

I agree that it seems there are more dives now. It happened to the NBA a while ago, and soccer’s been that way for ages. Neither of those sports seem to have any way to punish players for dives, and I don’t understand why FIFA or the NBA don’t hand out suspensions after games to divers. The NHL should definitely start giving out suspensions so they cut off this problem before it ever becomes a problem.

by KenKen on Jan 12, 2012 1:19 AM EST up reply actions

as much as I hate to say it I’ve watched Parise go down a little too easy sometimes.

"Its the letter D"

by Rory B. Bellows on Jan 12, 2012 12:56 PM EST up reply actions

Not really related to the game, but I just want to throw out there that I’m starting to really like Cangialosi as the play by play guy. I thought I would hate it without Doc, but he’s doing a good job.

by undersuspicion426 on Jan 12, 2012 1:43 AM EST reply actions

very true, maybe he’s gotten into a groove or something. he’s not as bad as he was in backup, and it was hard to enjoy doc against boston.

And Kovalchuk speeds away, great moves, busting through, DID YOU SEE THAT?

by KovyisLove on Jan 12, 2012 8:23 AM EST via Android app up reply actions

He’s stepped up big cleaning up Chico’s messes.

I’m sorry, I meant Adam Resch.

by SatanicStickholders on Jan 12, 2012 8:29 AM EST up reply actions

Looking at the boxscore I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a discrepancy in terms of shots taken by certain lines. Parise, Kovalchuk, and Henrique combined for 13 shots. Elias and Sykora combined for 7. The rest of the forwards? Well Boulton had 1 and that’s it! Then for defensemen, Fayne had 3 and Salvador 1.

Strangest distribution of 25 shots I’ve ever seen.

by dkball7 on Jan 12, 2012 6:44 AM EST reply actions

The bottom 2 lines were nonexistent, which isn’t that surprising.

Driving Play - The Blog with Three First Lines

by Triumph44 on Jan 12, 2012 10:09 AM EST up reply actions

It sure was frustrating!

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 Jan 12, 2012 12:01 PM EST via Android app up reply actions

PDB needs to establish a consistant 3rd line to keep Clarksons point production going. Hes proved he can lead the 3rd line he just needs players that can actually produce as well.

"Its the letter D"

by Rory B. Bellows on Jan 12, 2012 1:08 PM EST up reply actions

As soon as I realised the pass on the 2-on-1 was to Boulton, you just knew it wasn’t going to go in the net!

Devils fan from the UK

by CD1212 on Jan 12, 2012 3:45 PM EST up reply actions

Was anyone else thrown off by the main camera feed being behind the benches instead of the penalty box?

by Marty 4 Prez on Jan 12, 2012 7:40 AM EST reply actions

Yes. I was complaining the whole game about this. The entire flow seemed… incorrect. My tickets at the Rock even face the bench so I’m really ingrained on watching from that angle.

Check out The Crash Line Blog: www.thecrashline.com

by Alamoth on Jan 12, 2012 8:40 AM EST up reply actions

Yeah, I also found it pretty disorienting. Every time there was a line change I was thinking “Where is everyone going?”

Status quo.

by nyynygnjd on Jan 12, 2012 5:20 PM EST up reply actions

Look at that GWG again. Man, what patience Elias had. He waited for the Dman to commit, held onto the puck and dished it to Parise. Nicely done Patty.

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.

by Cherno77 on Jan 12, 2012 9:58 AM EST reply actions

He’s an absolute magician.

I had goal bar seats for the Florida game, so I had a great view of the play as it came into the zone. The way he handles the puck waiting for just the right moment (especially on Kovy’s goal) was sick.

There aren’t many players like him in the league.

by HouseRich on Jan 12, 2012 11:19 AM EST up reply actions

Does Pete Have A Pair?

I’ve been a leading advocate here for Hedberg receiving at least equal play time to Marty based on his having out-performed in win and save percentage for the past year in a half as a devil. Hedberg was a major force in the victory last night. He made several key saves at important points in the game that were better than average. Now the question: Does Pete Have a Pair? Will he alternate H and M instead of always giving Marty the overwhelming majority of starts even when Hedberg has consistently had the better of play? Up until this point in the season he has done his best to play marty whenever he can. But with the Marty’s struggles and Hedberg’s more consistent play, lets hope Pete gives Hedberg and Marty and equal number of starts. Hedberg may not be the answer, but he has been a better answer than marty. hedberg’s not great, but he has been better, and that should mean something. if you cant handle that fact you need to face your man-crush on marty and overcome your fear of asking him on a date, because hedberg has been unequivocally better for the team.

by max16s on Jan 12, 2012 10:01 AM EST reply actions

When Marty’s on, he’s better. When he’s off, look out. He follows up a streak of 5 GA in 3 games with the stinker vs Boston. Too bad he can’t warn Pete ahead of time—hey, I’m gonna suck tonight. You better play Moose.

by Felon on Jan 12, 2012 10:21 AM EST up reply actions

Too bad he can’t warn Pete ahead of time—hey, I’m gonna suck tonight. You better play Moose.

Exactly. We can’t tell the future before each game. We don’t have Tim Thomas to make our goalie issue easier to figure out.

I’m waiting for someone to say, “Why don’t we put a blocker and pads on Sestito?”

by SatanicStickholders on Jan 12, 2012 10:46 AM EST up reply actions

Hahaha. Unfortunately, energy can’t stop shots….or the other team. Or sucking at hockey.

Advertisement: Sestito Energy — when you’re all out of choices, we’re you’re only choice!

Anyone else have some good taglines for my new energy company?

by Dr. Witticism on Jan 12, 2012 2:42 PM EST up reply actions

I don’t know, I keep getting notices in the mail about having the right to choose my energy provider, even though JCP&L will still be my deliverer. Usually with some BS aobut clean or green…

Sestito Energy: Cleaner, Greener, from Albany to Newark and back?

(i know, I stink)

I’m not going to lie to you. It felt good and I’m going to do whatever is in my power possible to stay there as long as I can. - Petr Sykora on playing on a line with Elias and Parise.

by Murdoc on Jan 12, 2012 2:52 PM EST up reply actions

You don’t stink. I like it! Now we should write the movie.

by Dr. Witticism on Jan 12, 2012 9:52 PM EST up reply actions

Sestito – for when you don’t want to dress responsible forwards like Zharkov.

Sestito – a tall man’s Stephen Gionta.

Sestito – because he can…hey, look! A helicopter! Look at the whirlybird!

by Marty 4 Prez on Jan 12, 2012 3:49 PM EST up reply actions

“a tall man’s stephen gionta” haha

by JTdevs on Jan 12, 2012 8:03 PM EST via Android app up reply actions

Sestito Energy — when all else fails, Sestitio Energy prevai…well, it’s there.

by Dr. Witticism on Jan 12, 2012 9:08 PM EST up reply actions

After the Pittsburgh game everyone was apologizing for not trusting in Marty, then Marty has a bad game and he’s washed up. Moose comes in last night and plays a great game, and suddenly he is Moose the Messiah.

What’s going to happen when Moose gives up 4 or 5 goals in a loss in the next week or two? Do we apologize to Marty again? This constant goalie debate is exhausting. How about we ask the defense not to leave our netminders out to dry half a dozen times per game? Or how about we ask for a more consistent forecheck/possession from our forwards?

John as well as other ILWT members match everyone’s outcries with stats and logical reasons for why things happen (or don’t happen) on the ice all the time. We should listen.

by SatanicStickholders on Jan 12, 2012 10:40 AM EST up reply actions

Among goalies with 10 or more starts

Marty is tied for the sixth lowest SV% in the NHL. This, after having one of the worst years of his career last season.

He’s turning 40 this year. A decline like this is hardly surprising. He’s played so much hockey over the years, I think it’s doubtful he turns back the clock and becomes a consistently outstanding goalie. Marty will still have his good games here or there, but the consistency won’t be there… and consistency is the name of the game when it comes to goaltending.

Oh pissing blimey there's jam coming out of the walls!

by TWilliAM on Jan 12, 2012 10:51 AM EST up reply actions

Exactly. I don’t get why we all love stats on this site until we look at Marty’s. No man is above the facts.

by Dr. Witticism on Jan 12, 2012 2:36 PM EST up reply actions

indeed

This constant goalie debate is exhausting. This constant goalie debate is exhausting. This constant goalie debate is exhausting. This constant goalie debate is exhausting. This constant goalie debate is exhausting. This constant goalie debate is exhausting.

"It's magic, it's tragic, it's a loss, it's a win"

by Elektrostal_Kid on Jan 12, 2012 11:15 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

this ^^^^

by JTdevs on Jan 12, 2012 11:30 AM EST via Android app up reply actions

its not just what happened in the last game, week, or month. hedberg’s body of work as been better for the whole year in a half he has backed up marty, by the numbers.

by max16s on Jan 12, 2012 11:36 AM EST up reply actions

Exactly. Any goalie can have an “on” game every once in awhile, but the fact is you have to go with the goalie who is consistently good, not the one who is occasionally great and otherwise oscillates between mediocre and awful in all the other games.

Good goaltending can keep you in a game. Truly bad goaltending will almost invariably cause you to lose (see: Flames game, and no, I’m not saying Hedberg was any better in it, just an example of how bad goaltending can cause a loss). It’s just not worth it to take the chance.

You know what they say: slow and steady win the race. Maybe not always, but you have a better chance at winning if you go slow and steady instead of sprinting all out. You might have a better chance at winning if it turns out your body can handle sprinting all day in that given race, but it’s more likely you’ll just fall apart and wish you had gone with the slow and steady approach.

At the end of the day, the stats show that Brodeur has been consistently below average, while Hedberg has been consistently average. Them’s just the facts.

by Dr. Witticism on Jan 12, 2012 2:33 PM EST up reply actions

right so start the guy who is consistently decent rather than the one who is consistently below average

by max16s on Jan 12, 2012 2:37 PM EST up reply actions

I guess you missed another goaltending-related thread where I pointed out that Marty and Moose have near-identical numbers the last six weeks, and that neither is particularly appetizing. Neither goalie has been particularly wonderful the last several weeks taken as a whole. Moose generally has less variance in his game, while Marty is more prone to being spectacular (or craptacular).

Is this the “standard” by which we should determine the “hot goalie” that PDB should ride? One game is enough to make Hedberg the consensus choice as #1 goaltender?

I just want to make sure we’re all on the same page here about what makes a goaltender “the guy”, regardless of the name on the back of the jersey. Because if last night is enough to justify Moose getting significantly more playing time, I’d like the same courtesy extended to Brodeur when he has another game like the two he put up against Pittsburgh.

by acasser on Jan 12, 2012 6:00 PM EST up reply actions

Noooo, and sorry if I have been unclear. I believe consistency should be the determining factor. But you’re right about it being hard to decide upon who has been more consistent considering the recent past. I guess the only way to determine it — if it can be determined at all at this point, and you make a good case for such a determination being impossible right now — is to look at the season as a whole, or at least go back a bit farther.

Also, I did miss your post. I’ve been very busy, but I will definitely check it out tonight. Thanks for the heads up.

by Dr. Witticism on Jan 12, 2012 8:38 PM EST up reply actions

Dear Acasser, no worries buddy, you dont have to waste your time warning me to compensate for your lack of confidence and poor arguments. You can just go ahead and keep being your insecure self and defending marty like he is your mother. Hedberg has a better save and win percentage. thats undebatable big guy. and he has been more consistent, over a year in a half of play. on most teams that would get you more starts. your just going to have to swallow that pill tough guy. or you can compensate by warning me again, in which case, oh gosh, i hope, like you, i dont have more than one user name on this site.

by max16s on Jan 21, 2012 12:52 AM EST up reply actions

by elesias on Jan 12, 2012 12:48 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs

Look, I know the horse is dead and bloated at this point, but the unfortunate fact is that the debate continues to be relevant as long as Deboer continues to treat Hedberg as the backup. It sucks, but it’s true.

by Dr. Witticism on Jan 12, 2012 2:34 PM EST up reply actions