One and Out: 3 Years in a Row

Face offs, hits, PP, PK, Passing, Turnovers; You name it, the devils have had many issues to deal with this series. We can all pick apart little things that were done, like the line shuffling or the choice of who plays who sits. We can probably go on and on criticizing after the fact. But there is one thing that stands out to me more then anything; the lack of heart this team has.

It started 3 years ago being knocked out in the playoffs by the new york rangers. I specifically recall Parise getting his front teeth knocked out by cross check to the face. Not one of his teammates went after the Ranger who did that, Not ONE!

Last year against the Carolina Hurricanes we suffered a heartbreaking loss in the final minutes of the series. The Hurricanes were all over Brodeur. No One protected him. The Team did not protect him.

If you asked me what type of game last night was from watching I would have said pre-season. The fact that they were fighting for their playoff lives was not apparent. After being down 1-0 after the first, I would have taken Leblonde aside and said "As soon as the puck drops, whoever you are standing next to, I want you to beat the crap out of that flyer. I don't care if you get a game misconduct."

Leblonde played maybe 2 minutes last night. We were out hit, out played and had no aggressiveness. Why have a player that can fight and bring some fear to the ice? He wasn't used and he wasted a spot for a more seasoned player like Pandolfo.

This series was pathetic. If we lost because we tried I probably wouldn't make a big deal. However, last night down 3-1 in the series. The team didn't even show up.

With Vanderbeek's comment seeming like he didn't even care, how can you expect your team to care. "It's just a game" Thanks Jeff.

I am now asking the team to refund my money for last night's game too.


For now I'm out.
Til next season, or the draft party, Ross Out!

Devils D Strong: But still got the Loss

One of the stars for the devils that stood out was Martin Brodeur. There were a few turnovers that resulted in a Flyer scoring chance. Marty made some amazing plays to keep his team in the game. Problem is, even with good play, Marty needs some offensive support. Boucher is not as good as the Devils made him look last night. Shoot the puck, keep it low. Boucher mishandled a lot of low shots resulting in rebounds. New Jersey needs to keep up the pressure even if they aren't quality shots because anything thing can happen in front of the net. We saw that a lot this season.

Powerplay: Like I stated in my preview we will get Powerplay opportunities. Going 0-5 obviously did not help us last night including a 4 min PP with only 2 shots on goal. We only had 3-5 shots during all those powerplays. Shoot the puck. Create traffic in front and snatch up the rebounds.

The team played aggressively at times not the whole way through. Pronger was all over Parise. Guys like Clarkson, Salvador, White and Pelley should not allow that to happen. The team needs to be aggressive for 60 minutes. The third period the Devils shut down the Flyers offense who only got 2 shots on goal. The only problem was that it was the third period. Zajac got one goal late and looked like the Devils could have possibly tied it.

Kolvachuck: I still believe that Kolvachuck will make a lot happen; we saw the magic that he can create when he broke loose through 3 Flyers in the second period. He needs to shoot as often and early as possible in this series. Make the flyers mark him man to man or more. Use Kolvachuck to draw attention [maybe he will even get a goal or 2]. Then after game 3, he should start thinking pass more than shoot.

One big plus for grabbing Kolvachuck from Atlanta by the trade deadline was his presence. Teams have to be scared of him and this should free up other players driving to the net.

Mottau was also one of the strongest players last night. He made some late pinches to keep the pressure and broke up some timely plays.

The Devils are the better team. Good Luck tomorrow Night! Go Devils!

-Ross

Rivalries Revived: Playoff Preview

Devils vs Flyers one of the great rivalries revived. This series is set up to be a great one. Many are speculating a 6 or even a 7 game series. My personal hope is Devils in 5 maybe 6. The Flyers aren't the same team they have been in the past. Obviously the first question is their goal tending. Second their penalty minutes. This team has been up and down all season as far as offense and defense. They have had 5 goaltenders see ice time this season; primarily a rotation of Leighton, Boucher, and Emery.

The devils need to get pucks to the net. With a shaky goaltender; the devils offense needs to put the pressure on early. If the Flyer's net-minder can never get comfortable the games will be one-sided.

Another point is the devils defense. Between Marty and the Devils Blueliners, the team won another jennings trophy. Also, in the past 7 games they have 3 shutouts and have only allowed a total of 7 goals. Heading into a series with strong defensive play can only lead to good things. This is another advantage for the devils.

I believe that the unsung hero for the devils in this year's playoffs will be Kolvachuck. He seems to be hungry and energetic. He now has a supporting cast that can be stars on their own teams. The sole pressure will not be on him, which can allow him to find the open ice. If you are the opposing team you have too many to watch for. Elias, Parise, Tzajac can all burn you if they aren't watched closely. Pronger can't cover everyone.

PowerPlay: this will make a huge difference if the devils can keep up the scoring on the pp. The flyers have one of the highest penalty minutes in the league. They will take penalties and Will give Jersey's Team opportunities. The Devils have to cash in.

3rd and 4th lines will make a difference. Mchammond has a lot of playoff experience with Ottawa. Clarkson's role will be more to jam up the middle and get in front of the goaltender. Expect at least one of the games to be won by a 3rd or 4th line goal for the New Jersey Devils.

Let's Go Devils!


Ross