With a flick of the wrist, it was all over.
The deafening arena, the passionate play, the visions of Alex Ovechkin warming up on that very ice seemingly too real to be just visions. But in the end, the same old mistakes that have been killing the Devils all year long came back to bite them once again.
For those of you wondering why this loss is being touted by many as the worst in Devils history, allow me to explain a few things. In 1994, during that brief period in Stephane Matteau’s career where he actually mattered, the Devils had fought back to tie that game before it went into overtime. In 2001, when the Devils had a legitimate chance to repeat as champions, they came out and played an all-around horrible game, as if they themselves had wanted Ray Bourque to win. But last night, in Game 7, the Devils both had the lead, and were playing like they intended to move on, but they didn’t. As we eulogize the 2009 Devils, let us look back at the same mistakes which they were unable to correct all season long.
1. Powerplay
Not only in this series, but throughout the entire season, the Devils’ powerplay has been, in a word, atrocious. There is no other word in the English language to describe how utterly nonexistent their powerplay was all year. Sure, Brian Rolston got a PP marker to take the 3-2 lead in Game 7, and that’s terrific; but they had more powerplay chances after that, and ONE GOAL could have put this series away for good. It’s not that they don’t score on the powerplay, it’s that they can’t move the puck, they can’t set up scoring chances, they can’t even keep any pressure sustained for more than a few seconds before they watch the puck sail away. Game 7 was just one of the many instances in this series where one powerplay goal would have secured the win. But apparently, that is too much to ask for.
2. Clearing the Puck
This ties in heavily to the first point. Failure to clear the puck while the opponent sustains offensive pressure, seemingly with a great deal of ease, has burned the Devils far too many times this year, and in this last game. The Devils had multiple chances to just find a way to clear the puck somehow, and failed. Tim Gleason, meanwhile, did show some hustle, keeping the puck alive which set up the tying goal.
3. Positioning
Another factor in the tying goal that has burned them all year. If I had every game from this season on my computer, I could post at least 15 examples where the defense was poorly positioned. Many of those will involve Niclas Havelid, even though he was a deadline acquisition. Far too many times, there were instances where 3 or 4 Devils were all concentrated in one area of the ice, very close to each other. So when the opposing player slides the puck through all of them, to a wide open teammate, it’s a goal. Specifically for Game 7, those cross-ice passes that set up the tying goal SHOULD. NOT. HAPPEN. Niclas Havelid was a terrible disappointment, and easily the worst trade deadline deal that Lou has ever made. How he decides in his head that it’s more important to take the body of a player in front of Marty, when his teammate is already doing that, instead of getting a stick on that pass is flat out unacceptable.
4. Soft Goals
I hate saying it as much as anyone else, especially given the way he bounced back this year after a down period, but Martin Brodeur, for as great as he’s been all series, let in one of the easiest shots to stop he will ever face on Eric Staal’s game winner. Staal got all he wanted on the shot, but it was more of a lob than anything, and slow enough that anyone on these boards could have stopped it. Unfortunately, beginning with last year’s playoffs, Marty has been letting in some very easy goals lately. It was originally thought to be a cold streak that every player goes through, and eventually he rebounded. But when a goal like that goes in, you start to wonder how much he has left in the tank.
5. 60 Minute Effort
If you had to identify one killer which became the downfall of the 2009 Devils it was putting forth the full 60 minute effort. In Game 4, they only showed up for the third period, and not even the entire third period. In Game 7, they played arguably their best 58 minutes of the entire season. But hockey games don’t last 58 minutes, now do they? Two bad minutes can kill you in the playoffs, and they did.
But I hate to leave this season behind on such a sour note. I’m disappointed because of the tremendous potential this team had to go on a deep playoff run, but there were too many great things that happened this year to just write it off. First and foremost, obviously, are the two major milestones that were accomplished. Martin Brodeur is now the all-time winningest goaltender in NHL history, and Patrik Elias is now the all-time team leader in points. Zach Parise also had a breakout year, making his first All-Star team and coming dangerously close to breaking the franchise’s all-time marks for most goals and points in a single season. Here is a more complete list of Devils Milestones from the 08-09 season:
10/18: Petr Vrana’s first game, first goal.
10/22: Pierre-Luc Leblond’s first game, first point.
10/29: Matt Halischuk’s first game, first point.
11/01: Nicklas Bergfors’ first goal.
11/09: Jay Leach & Patrick Davis’ first game.
11/12: Jamie Langenbrunner’s 300th career assist.
11/21: Kevin Weekes’ 100th career win.
11/23: Jay Leach’s first point.
12/17: Dainius Zubrus’ 800th career game.
12/19: Jamie Langenbrunner’s 400th game as a Devil.
12/27: Zach Parise’s 200th career point.
12/30: Jamie Langenbrunner’s 500th career point.
01/04: Travis Zajac’s 200th career game.
01/06: Mike Rupp’s 300th career game.
01/10: Zach Parise’s 100th career goal, Brian Rolston’s 1,000th career game.
01/11: Bobby Holik’s 200th goal as a Devil.
01/21: Colin White’s 100th career point.
01/29: Johnny Oduya’s 200th career game.
02/03: Bryce Salvador’s 500th career game.
02/06: Patrik Elias’ 400th career assist.
02/11: Patrik Elias’ 800th career game, Brendan Shanahan’s 1,500th career game.
02/13: Zach Parise’s 300th career game.
03/01: Martin Brodeur’s 100th career shutout, Jamie Langenbrunner’s 200th career goal, Brian Gionta’s 300th career point.
03/10: Bobby Holik’s 1,300th career game.
03/14: Patrik Elias’ 700th career point, Brian Rolston’s 300th career goal.
03/17: Martin Brodeur’s 552nd career win, Patrik Elias’ 702nd career point.
03/18: John Madden’s 700th career game.
So while this season ended on a sour note, this season also brought a lot to cheer about for Jersey’s Team. All the injuries, all the new faces forced into the lineup who came through for the team, all the milestones. After all the obstacles, the Devils only finished with 106 points and their 8th division title. There are some tough decisions to make over the summer, and ones that may bring some new faces to Prudential Center. Despite the trade for Niclas Havelid, who hopefully will never be seen in a Devils uniform again, I have faith in Lou Lamoriello to rebuild this team and make the 2010 season one for the ages.
I’ll be posting my own thoughts on that matter in the next couple of days, but first, I really need some time to come to grips with the fact that the season of infinite potential is actually over.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Devils In-Depth - Rd 1 Gm 6 Recap
Jamie Langenbrunner was rusty and the rest of the Devils played uninspired in a 4-0 loss to the Hurricanes, forcing a Game 7 Tuesday night in Newark.
Even if the Devils had showed up with some fire, intensity, and a desire to end the series while they have Carolina on the ropes, it’s hard to match the intensity of a team with their backs against the wall. That’s not an excuse, however, because the Devils came out looking as if they would much rather win the series on home ice. They got off to a fine start, but Dainius Zubrus taking a bad penalty set the tone for the rest of the game. Two of Carolina’s goals came on the powerplay, and the Devils never really mounted any serious pressure on Cam Ward after that first penalty.
This blog will be short because it does not take a novel to describe their efforts tonight. The Devils were lazy, bored, rusty…call it what you will. They are flat out lucky Marty Brodeur came to play. With the kind of help he was getting, he cannot be blamed for any of the Hurricanes’ goals. The point is that the Devils had better come out with an otherworldly effort on Tuesday. They had their foot on Carolina’s throat and let them get up, and now Carolina has the opportunity to do the same. Only they actually have the guts to step down hard.
I am flat out disgusted with the Devils’ “effort” in Game 6, and I hope they decide that on Tuesday that playing hockey is more important than playing golf. Clearly, they’re more interested in summer vacation right now.
Three Stars
1st: Ray Whitney
2nd: Eric Staal
3rd: Tim Gleason
Series Tied, 3-3
Friday, April 24, 2009
Devils In-Depth - Rd 1 Gm 5 Recap
Anyone who has ever complained about how boring low scoring games are has obviously never watched a 1-0 playoff game. Game 5 between the Devils and the Hurricanes was one for the ages, another chapter in an already classic series.
From the Devils’ perspective, the storylines heading in were tremendous: How will Martin Brodeur, fresh off his first career public meltdown, bounce back from a game in which the winning goal was scored with 0.2 seconds left in the game? How will Andy Greene play after being inserted into the lineup to replace the injured Bryce Salvador? Can the Devils play their way back into control in this series?
Both teams came out firing in the first period, but tonight would prove to be a goaltending duel. Martin Brodeur and Cam Ward both stood tall, including some spectacular highlight reel saves. As has become a common occurrence in this series, the first period was a physical one, including both goaltenders getting run over. Chad LaRose’s collision with Brodeur not only sent LaRose’s skate into Brodeur’s ankle, it also knocked Brodeur’s goal stick across the ice, resulting in a wacky moment which saw a stick-less Brodeur diving across the ice to stop a wide Carolina point shot.
The second period was much of the same, minus the goalie abuse, until the 11:22 mark, when the game’s only goal was scored. What a time for the Devils’ powerplay to click, as it entered the game 1-for-19. Andy Greene, a healthy scratch inserted into the lineup when Bryce Salvador went down after Game 4, had played a solid game so far, but really made his presence felt on the play. Greene threw a shot at the net that David Clarkson deflected home. Clarkson has become quite the clutch performer of late, having also scored the tying goal in Game 4.
The third period did not begin with a Devils’ effort to lock down the game, but as the clock winked down under the four minute mark, it became obvious to the Devils that this was going to end 1-0 as long as they could hold it down. That’s not to say there weren’t some great scoring chances throughout the third, including Cam Ward’s ludicrous glove save on Zach Parise.
Undoubtedly, however, the unsung hero of the third period was Jay Pandolfo, who had the guts to call himself out for not blocking Carolina’s game winning shot last game, and responded by blocking a couple of shots, including one late which could have potentially tied the game. But Marty stopped what got through, Brendan Shanahan cleared the puck once and for all, and the Devils helped Marty earn his 23rd career playoff shutout, tying him with Patrick Roy for the most all-time.
So why wasn’t this the 1-0 game everyone thinks of? Well for one thing, the final shot totals were 44-42 in favor of Carolina, and many of those shots for both sides were quality scoring chances which could have gone in. And in reality, it’s the scoring chances, more so than the goals themselves, which make for excitement within hockey games.
Well, now that that’s over, where does this series go from here? So far, the teams have taken turns winning games, so undoubtedly the early advantage goes to Carolina on their home ice, with their backs now firmly against the wall. It will be up to the Devils to finally break the trend, win one more game on the road, and advance to the second round. It is a task they are certainly capable of, but will not be easy by any means.
Regardless of what happens in Game 6, however, the omens which hang over this series are monumental. The team which has won previous matchups between these two teams has gone on to reach the Cup Finals all three times, but with last night’s Devils win, a new omen has emerged: Tonight’s was the Devils’ fourth 1-0 playoff victory in their history. The other three came in 1995, 2000, and 2003…if you know your Devils’ history, you can find the significance in that for yourself.
Three Stars
1st: Martin Brodeur
2nd: David Clarkson
3rd: Andy Greene
Devils Lead Series, 3-2
From the Devils’ perspective, the storylines heading in were tremendous: How will Martin Brodeur, fresh off his first career public meltdown, bounce back from a game in which the winning goal was scored with 0.2 seconds left in the game? How will Andy Greene play after being inserted into the lineup to replace the injured Bryce Salvador? Can the Devils play their way back into control in this series?
Both teams came out firing in the first period, but tonight would prove to be a goaltending duel. Martin Brodeur and Cam Ward both stood tall, including some spectacular highlight reel saves. As has become a common occurrence in this series, the first period was a physical one, including both goaltenders getting run over. Chad LaRose’s collision with Brodeur not only sent LaRose’s skate into Brodeur’s ankle, it also knocked Brodeur’s goal stick across the ice, resulting in a wacky moment which saw a stick-less Brodeur diving across the ice to stop a wide Carolina point shot.
The second period was much of the same, minus the goalie abuse, until the 11:22 mark, when the game’s only goal was scored. What a time for the Devils’ powerplay to click, as it entered the game 1-for-19. Andy Greene, a healthy scratch inserted into the lineup when Bryce Salvador went down after Game 4, had played a solid game so far, but really made his presence felt on the play. Greene threw a shot at the net that David Clarkson deflected home. Clarkson has become quite the clutch performer of late, having also scored the tying goal in Game 4.
The third period did not begin with a Devils’ effort to lock down the game, but as the clock winked down under the four minute mark, it became obvious to the Devils that this was going to end 1-0 as long as they could hold it down. That’s not to say there weren’t some great scoring chances throughout the third, including Cam Ward’s ludicrous glove save on Zach Parise.
Undoubtedly, however, the unsung hero of the third period was Jay Pandolfo, who had the guts to call himself out for not blocking Carolina’s game winning shot last game, and responded by blocking a couple of shots, including one late which could have potentially tied the game. But Marty stopped what got through, Brendan Shanahan cleared the puck once and for all, and the Devils helped Marty earn his 23rd career playoff shutout, tying him with Patrick Roy for the most all-time.
So why wasn’t this the 1-0 game everyone thinks of? Well for one thing, the final shot totals were 44-42 in favor of Carolina, and many of those shots for both sides were quality scoring chances which could have gone in. And in reality, it’s the scoring chances, more so than the goals themselves, which make for excitement within hockey games.
Well, now that that’s over, where does this series go from here? So far, the teams have taken turns winning games, so undoubtedly the early advantage goes to Carolina on their home ice, with their backs now firmly against the wall. It will be up to the Devils to finally break the trend, win one more game on the road, and advance to the second round. It is a task they are certainly capable of, but will not be easy by any means.
Regardless of what happens in Game 6, however, the omens which hang over this series are monumental. The team which has won previous matchups between these two teams has gone on to reach the Cup Finals all three times, but with last night’s Devils win, a new omen has emerged: Tonight’s was the Devils’ fourth 1-0 playoff victory in their history. The other three came in 1995, 2000, and 2003…if you know your Devils’ history, you can find the significance in that for yourself.
Three Stars
1st: Martin Brodeur
2nd: David Clarkson
3rd: Andy Greene
Devils Lead Series, 3-2
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Devils In-Depth - Rd 1 Gm 4 Recap
There’s a reason that hockey players always talk about playing “the full 60 minutes,” and it’s because of nights like this. For the first two periods of the game, Carolina flat out dominated the Devils. The Devils forwards put absolutely no pressure on Ward, the defense let the Hurricane forwards walk right through to Marty, who wasn’t exactly sharp himself. It’s not that he wasn’t stopping pucks, but he had no control over his rebounds, which burned him all three times.
But when Brian Gionta scored on a breakaway late in the second period, the Devils began an incredible comeback. Five minutes into the third, Brendan Shanahan buried a Gionta rebound to cut the deficit to one; then midway through the third, David Clarkson got hold of a rebound in front, and all alone, waited out Ward before cashing in to tie the game.
From that point forward, however, all the positive energy and momentum the Devils had built up came to a halt, even as the now scared Hurricanes cautiously tried to avoid giving up another scoring chance. Here was the Devils’ opportunity to put this team away and take a 3-1 series lead back home, but instead they threw away the momentum they had built with sloppy, lazy plays. And with less than 10 seconds left in the third period, it came back to haunt them. Lazy defense, the lack of desire to properly clear the puck, and Jay Pandolfo—too scared to be a man and block the shot—caused the Hurricanes to score a deflection goal with 0.2 seconds left on the clock. It was never an issue whether the puck crossed the line in time, the issue was the goaltender interference.
The NHL’s explanation:
The NHL’s goalie interference rule sets a mandate to protect the goalie in the blue ice – to let the goalie do his job. In the white ice, it is a more delicate matter, including who moved into whom. The referee has one split-second look at it and it is a judgment call. NHL Hockey Operations has no video review capacity in this instance. Hockey Operations officials agreed with the call on the ice, that it looked like the goalie, Martin Brodeur, moved out toward the skater.
Fine, it’s a judgment call, and it takes a split second. Watch the referee in that split second on the replay, he clearly is not even looking. Brodeur was out to play the angle on the shot, not to draw an interference call. Had a similar situation not have happened to the ref closest to the play a few weeks back, he may have had the guts to make the right call. Brodeur was likely angrier that the refs didn’t give him a break on this call, considering the far more obvious goalie interference call on Chad LaRose for Carolina’s third goal that the refs ignored.
But in the end, all of this is irrelevant. The refs made the call they did, Brodeur flipped out, the Devils were 0.2 seconds from overtime, but they go home losers instead. And as I said before, it’s their own fault. Maybe they pin the puck up against the boards instead of trying to clear it, maybe Pandolfo remembers that he’s a hockey player and takes one for the team, but none of those things happened, and the Devils head home back where they started from.
Bryce Salvador believes he might be able to play in Game 5, but after seeing how much pain he was in, I believe it’s a long shot at this point. There’s been no word just yet on whether or not Jamie Langenbrunner can return to the lineup, but it would be a huge boost if he could. Either way, one would hope the Devils can absorb what just happened to them, realize they only played hard for about 25 minutes last night, and come out on fire on Thursday.
Three Stars:
1st: Jussi Jokinen
2nd: Chad LaRose
3rd: Ryan Bayda
Series Tied, 2-2
But when Brian Gionta scored on a breakaway late in the second period, the Devils began an incredible comeback. Five minutes into the third, Brendan Shanahan buried a Gionta rebound to cut the deficit to one; then midway through the third, David Clarkson got hold of a rebound in front, and all alone, waited out Ward before cashing in to tie the game.
From that point forward, however, all the positive energy and momentum the Devils had built up came to a halt, even as the now scared Hurricanes cautiously tried to avoid giving up another scoring chance. Here was the Devils’ opportunity to put this team away and take a 3-1 series lead back home, but instead they threw away the momentum they had built with sloppy, lazy plays. And with less than 10 seconds left in the third period, it came back to haunt them. Lazy defense, the lack of desire to properly clear the puck, and Jay Pandolfo—too scared to be a man and block the shot—caused the Hurricanes to score a deflection goal with 0.2 seconds left on the clock. It was never an issue whether the puck crossed the line in time, the issue was the goaltender interference.
The NHL’s explanation:
The NHL’s goalie interference rule sets a mandate to protect the goalie in the blue ice – to let the goalie do his job. In the white ice, it is a more delicate matter, including who moved into whom. The referee has one split-second look at it and it is a judgment call. NHL Hockey Operations has no video review capacity in this instance. Hockey Operations officials agreed with the call on the ice, that it looked like the goalie, Martin Brodeur, moved out toward the skater.
Fine, it’s a judgment call, and it takes a split second. Watch the referee in that split second on the replay, he clearly is not even looking. Brodeur was out to play the angle on the shot, not to draw an interference call. Had a similar situation not have happened to the ref closest to the play a few weeks back, he may have had the guts to make the right call. Brodeur was likely angrier that the refs didn’t give him a break on this call, considering the far more obvious goalie interference call on Chad LaRose for Carolina’s third goal that the refs ignored.
But in the end, all of this is irrelevant. The refs made the call they did, Brodeur flipped out, the Devils were 0.2 seconds from overtime, but they go home losers instead. And as I said before, it’s their own fault. Maybe they pin the puck up against the boards instead of trying to clear it, maybe Pandolfo remembers that he’s a hockey player and takes one for the team, but none of those things happened, and the Devils head home back where they started from.
Bryce Salvador believes he might be able to play in Game 5, but after seeing how much pain he was in, I believe it’s a long shot at this point. There’s been no word just yet on whether or not Jamie Langenbrunner can return to the lineup, but it would be a huge boost if he could. Either way, one would hope the Devils can absorb what just happened to them, realize they only played hard for about 25 minutes last night, and come out on fire on Thursday.
Three Stars:
1st: Jussi Jokinen
2nd: Chad LaRose
3rd: Ryan Bayda
Series Tied, 2-2
Monday, April 20, 2009
Devils In-Depth - Rd 1 Gm 3 Recap
It was Brian Rolston who replaced the injured Jamie Langenbrunner on the Devils’ top line in Game 3, though Steve Cangialosi originally credited the game-winning overtime goal to Brendan Shanahan. Chico Resch, of all people, had to correct him.
Fortunately, Cangialosi was the only one making mistakes last night. Heading into Raleigh, statistics hung heavy over the Devils’ heads. “The Hurricanes have won their last 20 home games,” they heard… “the Devils are now 0-5 all time against the Hurricanes in playoff overtime…” “the last time Carolina played a home playoff game, they ended the night by hoisting the Stanley Cup.” But in order to get anywhere in the playoffs, you need to be able to win on the road, and the Devils came out firing. New Jersey grabbed the early lead at 6:05 of the 1st period, thanks to some terrific work by Brian Rolston, who relished his increased ice time. Rolston created a turnover in Carolina’s end, and the puck found its way back to Paul Martin at the point. Martin’s quick wrister was perfectly deflected by Zach Parise. But just 30 seconds later, the Canes struck back. Ryan Bayda pounced on a perfect rebound chance after a great save on Jussi Jokinen. The period closed out on a beautiful shift; Brendan Shanahan muscles Joe Corvo off the puck, leaving Brian Gionta alone with Cam Ward. A couple of nice dekes and a puck through the five-hole sends the Devils into the first intermission up 2-1.
Only one goal was scored in the second period, and it came at the most inopportune time for the Devils. Moments after killing off a 5-on-3, New Jersey was on the verge of finishing off the penalty kill, when just as time ran out on the penalty to Paul Martin, Chad LaRose tips a Patrick Eaves shot behind Brodeur to tie the game. Twice the Devils took the lead, twice Carolina tied it up. After trading quality scoring chances throughout the rest of the 2nd and 3rd, the teams prepped for their second straight overtime.
Fresh off embarassing themselves in Game 2, the Devils hit the ice for overtime with a lot of fire. Rather than sit back, this time they took the play to Carolina, and five minutes in, it paid off. Colin White sent a fumbled pass up the boards to Zach Parise, who carried the puck in and fired a shot. With Rolston parked in front of him, Ward made the save, and stopped Travis Zajac’s rebound, but Zajac crashed the net and put the second rebound upstairs. The Devils had broken the Carolina Curse.
So, Brian, how’s it feel to play on the top line?
“It was a lot of fun. I thought we had instant chemistry. We were just talking about it. We played well together, so it was just one of those things. It was good.”
Well said, as always.
Coach, what was the difference in overtime this time around?
“The important thing is we know how we need to play and how we want to play. When we play that way it’s a lot more fun to play. We were just getting out of the funk we were in the last six, seven or eight minutes. I think we focused on two things. At least give yourself a chance to win. In New Jersey we never did that because we just sat back.”
It was also nice to see the Devils crash the net for a change. The concept seems so foreign to them most of the time, yet when they actually do it they get results. It’s a wonder to me that they don’t try to crash the net more often given the positives that come out of it. Finally, let’s hear from Bobby Holik, who was told not to take stupid penalties when he returned to the lineup, but did just that.
“Oh man. No timing. No rhythm. No confidence. Jumping in mid-series in the playoffs, I wouldn’t recommend it to anybody.”
…especially when that anybody skates like a tree and has all their mail forwarded to the penalty box.
Three Stars:
1st: Travis Zajac
2nd: Chad LaRose
3rd: Zach Parise
Devils Lead Series, 2-1
Fortunately, Cangialosi was the only one making mistakes last night. Heading into Raleigh, statistics hung heavy over the Devils’ heads. “The Hurricanes have won their last 20 home games,” they heard… “the Devils are now 0-5 all time against the Hurricanes in playoff overtime…” “the last time Carolina played a home playoff game, they ended the night by hoisting the Stanley Cup.” But in order to get anywhere in the playoffs, you need to be able to win on the road, and the Devils came out firing. New Jersey grabbed the early lead at 6:05 of the 1st period, thanks to some terrific work by Brian Rolston, who relished his increased ice time. Rolston created a turnover in Carolina’s end, and the puck found its way back to Paul Martin at the point. Martin’s quick wrister was perfectly deflected by Zach Parise. But just 30 seconds later, the Canes struck back. Ryan Bayda pounced on a perfect rebound chance after a great save on Jussi Jokinen. The period closed out on a beautiful shift; Brendan Shanahan muscles Joe Corvo off the puck, leaving Brian Gionta alone with Cam Ward. A couple of nice dekes and a puck through the five-hole sends the Devils into the first intermission up 2-1.
Only one goal was scored in the second period, and it came at the most inopportune time for the Devils. Moments after killing off a 5-on-3, New Jersey was on the verge of finishing off the penalty kill, when just as time ran out on the penalty to Paul Martin, Chad LaRose tips a Patrick Eaves shot behind Brodeur to tie the game. Twice the Devils took the lead, twice Carolina tied it up. After trading quality scoring chances throughout the rest of the 2nd and 3rd, the teams prepped for their second straight overtime.
Fresh off embarassing themselves in Game 2, the Devils hit the ice for overtime with a lot of fire. Rather than sit back, this time they took the play to Carolina, and five minutes in, it paid off. Colin White sent a fumbled pass up the boards to Zach Parise, who carried the puck in and fired a shot. With Rolston parked in front of him, Ward made the save, and stopped Travis Zajac’s rebound, but Zajac crashed the net and put the second rebound upstairs. The Devils had broken the Carolina Curse.
So, Brian, how’s it feel to play on the top line?
“It was a lot of fun. I thought we had instant chemistry. We were just talking about it. We played well together, so it was just one of those things. It was good.”
Well said, as always.
Coach, what was the difference in overtime this time around?
“The important thing is we know how we need to play and how we want to play. When we play that way it’s a lot more fun to play. We were just getting out of the funk we were in the last six, seven or eight minutes. I think we focused on two things. At least give yourself a chance to win. In New Jersey we never did that because we just sat back.”
It was also nice to see the Devils crash the net for a change. The concept seems so foreign to them most of the time, yet when they actually do it they get results. It’s a wonder to me that they don’t try to crash the net more often given the positives that come out of it. Finally, let’s hear from Bobby Holik, who was told not to take stupid penalties when he returned to the lineup, but did just that.
“Oh man. No timing. No rhythm. No confidence. Jumping in mid-series in the playoffs, I wouldn’t recommend it to anybody.”
…especially when that anybody skates like a tree and has all their mail forwarded to the penalty box.
Three Stars:
1st: Travis Zajac
2nd: Chad LaRose
3rd: Zach Parise
Devils Lead Series, 2-1
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Devils In-Depth: Rd 1 Gm 2 Recap
Many will point to the inability to produce on the powerplay…the fact that they never really had a chance in overtime…but as far as I’m concerned, the Devils put forth a great effort in Game 2. But great effort doesn’t always mean win.
The first period saw both regulation goals, starting with a perfect deflection on the powerplay by Zach Parise. Parise tipped Paul Martin’s point shot perfectly. Then with 25 seconds to go in the period, the backbreaker. Coaches always say the first and last minute of each period are the worst times to give up a goal, but this was more reminiscent of the Devils’ first two on the last game of the season than anything. With Carolina on the powerplay, Colin White sent Joe Corvo up and over into the Devils bench, Ray Whitney’s shot went wide and took a funny bounce right to Eric Staal for the layup. At the end of the first, 1-1.
The second and third periods were much of the same, both teams working extremely hard, generating scoring chances but unable to capitalize. Truly, this game was more like the playoffs than game 1. Both teams hit their share of posts, including Zach Parise, who on a 2-on-1 saw his passing lane to Elias evaporate, and instead ripped a rare slap shot that rang off the pipe. In hindsight, perhaps the end of regulation was the worst thing to happen to the Devils tonight, as 14 minutes later, the teams headed for the locker rooms to prepare for overtime.
Entering game 2’s overtime, the Devils were 0-4 historically against Carolina in playoff overtime. Right from the puck drop it was apparent that something was different from the first three periods. Maybe it was the injuries sustained by Jamie Langenbrunner and Jay Pandolfo, but the Devils of overtime were far less aggressive and confident, and Carolina pounced on it. After a long period of time in the Devils zone, their opponents unable to clear the puck on multiple occasions, Joe Corvo fed Tim Gleason—yes, Mr. Zero Goals This Season himself, Tim Gleason—for a slapper that Niclas Havelid inexplicably kicked at. The puck redirected off Havelid and Brodeur was far too close to change his own direction. Puck goes in, Hurricanes win.
Brent Sutter on his teams’ effort: “We have nothing to feel bad about. We played hard here tonight against a very good hockey team. We saw a more physical team tonight, which we anticipated and expected. You lose home ice, but you’ve got to go down there and get it back. If you want to have success, you’ve got to win on the road, too.”
True, coach, but as well as the powerplay was tonight, scoring ONE more time on the PP would have won this game. Surely you can’t be totally happy with that, Zach?
“We’re moving the puck around well, and we got one. It’s a matter of putting it in the net. The chances are there.”
If history is going to continue to prove itself as it did last night, then history is still in the Devils’ favor: every time these two teams have met, the winner of the first game has always won the series, and the winner of the series has always reached the Stanley Cup Finals. So I am more than willing to have history repeat itself again and again. Series tied 1-1, back to work on Sunday.
Game 2 Three Stars:
1st: Tim Gleason
2nd: Zach Parise
3rd: Eric Staal
Series Tied, 1-1
The first period saw both regulation goals, starting with a perfect deflection on the powerplay by Zach Parise. Parise tipped Paul Martin’s point shot perfectly. Then with 25 seconds to go in the period, the backbreaker. Coaches always say the first and last minute of each period are the worst times to give up a goal, but this was more reminiscent of the Devils’ first two on the last game of the season than anything. With Carolina on the powerplay, Colin White sent Joe Corvo up and over into the Devils bench, Ray Whitney’s shot went wide and took a funny bounce right to Eric Staal for the layup. At the end of the first, 1-1.
The second and third periods were much of the same, both teams working extremely hard, generating scoring chances but unable to capitalize. Truly, this game was more like the playoffs than game 1. Both teams hit their share of posts, including Zach Parise, who on a 2-on-1 saw his passing lane to Elias evaporate, and instead ripped a rare slap shot that rang off the pipe. In hindsight, perhaps the end of regulation was the worst thing to happen to the Devils tonight, as 14 minutes later, the teams headed for the locker rooms to prepare for overtime.
Entering game 2’s overtime, the Devils were 0-4 historically against Carolina in playoff overtime. Right from the puck drop it was apparent that something was different from the first three periods. Maybe it was the injuries sustained by Jamie Langenbrunner and Jay Pandolfo, but the Devils of overtime were far less aggressive and confident, and Carolina pounced on it. After a long period of time in the Devils zone, their opponents unable to clear the puck on multiple occasions, Joe Corvo fed Tim Gleason—yes, Mr. Zero Goals This Season himself, Tim Gleason—for a slapper that Niclas Havelid inexplicably kicked at. The puck redirected off Havelid and Brodeur was far too close to change his own direction. Puck goes in, Hurricanes win.
Brent Sutter on his teams’ effort: “We have nothing to feel bad about. We played hard here tonight against a very good hockey team. We saw a more physical team tonight, which we anticipated and expected. You lose home ice, but you’ve got to go down there and get it back. If you want to have success, you’ve got to win on the road, too.”
True, coach, but as well as the powerplay was tonight, scoring ONE more time on the PP would have won this game. Surely you can’t be totally happy with that, Zach?
“We’re moving the puck around well, and we got one. It’s a matter of putting it in the net. The chances are there.”
If history is going to continue to prove itself as it did last night, then history is still in the Devils’ favor: every time these two teams have met, the winner of the first game has always won the series, and the winner of the series has always reached the Stanley Cup Finals. So I am more than willing to have history repeat itself again and again. Series tied 1-1, back to work on Sunday.
Game 2 Three Stars:
1st: Tim Gleason
2nd: Zach Parise
3rd: Eric Staal
Series Tied, 1-1
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Devils In-Depth: Rd 1 Gm 1 Recap
The New Jersey Devils and Carolina Hurricanes opened their playoff series last night to a packed house and rowdy crowd, myself included among them. Entering the game, all of the talk around the NHL was that Carolina was going to romp the Devils with their speed and skill, so much so that it would no longer be considered an upset if this #6 seed defeated the 3rd seeded Devils. Once the game began, however, the Devils made it clear that they were ready to play.
Despite not scoring until late in the first period, the Devils swarmed Cam Ward for most of the first period after a brief patch where the puck seemed glued to Carolina’s sticks. New Jersey, however, weathered the storm—yes, pun intended—and at 16:03 of the first period, Mike Mottau capitalized on a Hurricanes turnover by flinging the puck at the net and catching Ward off guard. The Devils took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission.
Historically this season, the Devils had followed up terrific first periods with utterly mediocre second periods, but tonight they took the ice with the same fervor they had started with. Again, save for the inability to clear the zone for minutes at a time, the Devils controlled the play for most of the second. Some outstanding work on the cycle paid off, as Travis Zajac fed Zach Parise who threw one on net that beat Ward far side. Now playing with a two goal lead, the Devils smelled blood in the water and continued to throw everything at the net. Shortly after Zajac blasted a headhunter that actually made Cam Ward duck for cover, a quick line change set up Brian Gionta feeding Patrik Elias, who proceeded to launch an absolute laser right over Ward, and the Devils hit the locker room up 3-0.
Surely, you would think, the Devils would sit back and attempt to protect their three goal lead, but this was not the case. Finally, Brent Sutter’s constant calling for not sitting back paid off, as the team continued to press throughout the third. Carolina finally got on the board when the puck took an awkward bounce of Martin Brodeur and landed on the tape of Ray Whitney, who was perfectly positioned to pounce on his chance with little contention. But just when you thought the Devils’ spirits were broken, captain Jamie Langenbrunner charged up the ice and thirty seconds later, snapped one in behind Ward to restore the three goal lead. From that point forward until the final buzzer, the Devils remarkably did not let up. They continued to apply pressure, including a last-second shot from Johnny Oduya.
A 4-1 victory, a 1-0 series lead, and a game in which the “new” Devils executed their style to perfection; solid defensively, yes, but plenty of forechecking to boot, and rarely if at all sitting back and waiting. As the old saying goes, your best players have to be your best players, and with Parise, Elias, and Langenbrunner all tallying goals, this was certainly the case tonight. The Devils were 32-4-1 during the regular season when Elias and Parise each recorded at least a point, and as such their playoff success hinges tremendously on the team’s top two forwards producing at a consistent rate.
Just one win out of the required four, but the Devils have every reason to be happy with their effort. Carolina will surely come out angrier in Game 2, and the Devils need to be prepared for that. It will be challenging, but if the Devils can continue to put out similar efforts, it will be hard to beat them.
Game 1 Three Stars:
1st: Jamie Langenbrunner
2nd: Zach Parise
3rd: Mike Mottau
Devils Lead Series, 1-0
Despite not scoring until late in the first period, the Devils swarmed Cam Ward for most of the first period after a brief patch where the puck seemed glued to Carolina’s sticks. New Jersey, however, weathered the storm—yes, pun intended—and at 16:03 of the first period, Mike Mottau capitalized on a Hurricanes turnover by flinging the puck at the net and catching Ward off guard. The Devils took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission.
Historically this season, the Devils had followed up terrific first periods with utterly mediocre second periods, but tonight they took the ice with the same fervor they had started with. Again, save for the inability to clear the zone for minutes at a time, the Devils controlled the play for most of the second. Some outstanding work on the cycle paid off, as Travis Zajac fed Zach Parise who threw one on net that beat Ward far side. Now playing with a two goal lead, the Devils smelled blood in the water and continued to throw everything at the net. Shortly after Zajac blasted a headhunter that actually made Cam Ward duck for cover, a quick line change set up Brian Gionta feeding Patrik Elias, who proceeded to launch an absolute laser right over Ward, and the Devils hit the locker room up 3-0.
Surely, you would think, the Devils would sit back and attempt to protect their three goal lead, but this was not the case. Finally, Brent Sutter’s constant calling for not sitting back paid off, as the team continued to press throughout the third. Carolina finally got on the board when the puck took an awkward bounce of Martin Brodeur and landed on the tape of Ray Whitney, who was perfectly positioned to pounce on his chance with little contention. But just when you thought the Devils’ spirits were broken, captain Jamie Langenbrunner charged up the ice and thirty seconds later, snapped one in behind Ward to restore the three goal lead. From that point forward until the final buzzer, the Devils remarkably did not let up. They continued to apply pressure, including a last-second shot from Johnny Oduya.
A 4-1 victory, a 1-0 series lead, and a game in which the “new” Devils executed their style to perfection; solid defensively, yes, but plenty of forechecking to boot, and rarely if at all sitting back and waiting. As the old saying goes, your best players have to be your best players, and with Parise, Elias, and Langenbrunner all tallying goals, this was certainly the case tonight. The Devils were 32-4-1 during the regular season when Elias and Parise each recorded at least a point, and as such their playoff success hinges tremendously on the team’s top two forwards producing at a consistent rate.
Just one win out of the required four, but the Devils have every reason to be happy with their effort. Carolina will surely come out angrier in Game 2, and the Devils need to be prepared for that. It will be challenging, but if the Devils can continue to put out similar efforts, it will be hard to beat them.
Game 1 Three Stars:
1st: Jamie Langenbrunner
2nd: Zach Parise
3rd: Mike Mottau
Devils Lead Series, 1-0
Monday, April 13, 2009
Devils Preview: Round 1
As the New Jersey Devils get set for their first round matchup with the Carolina Hurricanes, it’s time to begin the pre-series breakdown. As these are arguably the two least marketable teams in the playoffs, many people are going to overlook this series in favor of the “sexier” series (Flyers/Penguins, Bruins/Canadiens), so for those of you getting caught up in what the media wants you to focus on, here is your official Devils/Hurricanes primer.
Offense
The Devils and Hurricanes each boast a talented and deep group of forwards, and though the Devils’ forward corps is arguably an older, more experienced bunch, Carolina’s group is equally as talented, and very similar in nature. Each group of forwards is headlined by a young standout player, Zach Parise for New Jersey, Eric Staal for Carolina. Each offense contains a seasoned veteran—Brendan Shanahan and Rod Brind’Amour, respectively—who have seen it all and done it all in the NHL playoffs. It can be argued that between Staal, Erik Cole, Jussi Jokinen and Sergei Samsonov, Carolina’s horses arguably score at more opportune times than do standout Devils Parise, Patrik Elias, Jamie Langenbrunner and Brian Gionta. Over the course of the season, however, the two teams ended up fairly even in offensive production; New Jersey ended the season at a 2.90 goals per game rate, good for 15th in the league. Carolina, meanwhile, was right behind them at 2.88, a 16th place league ranking. New Jersey’s powerplay, at 18.9% effectiveness, ranked 15th in the league to Carolina’s 18th place ranked 18.7, while Carolina had the better penalty killing percentage; their 80.4% (19th) ranked just above New Jersey’s 79.9% (20th). All in all, these are two very evenly matched offenses.
Defense
The Devils and Hurricanes are also alike in that they employ a defense-by-committee. Neither corps boasts a big-name impact player, but within each group all types of defenders exist and perform their roles, contributing to the success of the team. Anton Babchuk and Joe Corvo highlight Carolina’s back-end attack, while Paul Martin and Johnny Oduya are highly underrated puck carriers and setup men. But defensively speaking, New Jersey’s 2.52 Goals Against average (ranked 4th) bests Carolina’s 2.70 (8th), giving the Devils a slight edge defensively.
Goaltending
The goaltending matchup in this series is a student vs. master battle of sorts. Martin Brodeur, now statistically the greatest goaltender in NHL history, faces Cam Ward, who made Brodeur his role model on the way to breaking into the NHL in 2006. While Brodeur clearly trumps Ward in playoff experience, Ward has historically elevated his game to its highest level when his team meets his idol’s. In their only previous playoff meeting, Ward had the Devils’ number and defeated New Jersey 4 games to 1 in the second round of the 2006 playoffs. A horse for the ‘Canes in 68 games this year, Ward went 39-23-5, with a .916 Save % and a 2.44 GAA. Brodeur, on the other hand, missed 50 games from November to March while he recovered from elbow tendon surgery, but in 31 games finished 19-9-3, with a remarkably similar .916 SV% and a 2.41 GAA. Though 12 years his senior, the decorated Brodeur will be in for the fight of his life against a younger version of himself looking to recapture the glory which has eluded him since 2006.
Storylines
As previously mentioned, Ward will attempt to out-duel his role model. Ward will also be playing against his former junior coach; Devils head coach Brent Sutter coached Ward on the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels from 2001-2004. Historically, this has been a pivotal playoff meeting. The team that won each of the three previous series between these teams went on to represent the Eastern Conference in the Stanley Cup Finals. The 2006 Hurricanes went on to win the Stanley Cup. The 2001 Devils (vs. Colorado) and 2002 Hurricanes (vs. Detroit) lost in the Cup Finals.
The Devils Will Win If…
…Martin Brodeur brings himself back to the level of play we witnessed when he made his return to action in late February. The Hurricanes’ attack is pressing, and Brodeur must rise to the occasion. He’s been letting in some questionable goals lately, and that will have to stop.
…Zach Parise regains his scoring touch. The budding star (and future Devils captain) had been lighting it up all season while living on the NHL’s top five scoring list, but has hit a wall down the stretch. As Erik Cole could be a thorn in the Devils’ side, an effective Parise will certainly cause huge problems for Carolina.
The Hurricanes Will Win If…
…Cam Ward keeps on keepin’ on. Ward has got the Devils’ number, seemingly on speed dial, because when these teams meet, Ward very much resembles a brick wall. In the three games Ward has faced the Devils this year, the Hurricanes have won all three. Unfortunately for the Devils, every current goaltender who idolized Martin Brodeur growing up finds a new level when they stare him down at the other end of the ice.
…Anton Babchuk is given room. Babchuk’s cannon alone could be enough to outscore the Devils if he is left unchecked. Though the Hurricanes did not win the season finale in New Jersey, Babchuk scored both of their goals and kept them within striking distance. Unlike the Devils’ Brian Rolston, Babchuk’s shot is both hard and accurate, and while Rolston seemingly cannot hit the net, Babchuk always does. If the Devils are as lazy in their coverage of Babchuk as they were in the last game of the season, he will prove to be a deadly weapon.
Schedule
Game 1 – CAR @ NJD – Wed, Apr. 15, 7:30 PM
Game 2 – CAR @ NJD – Fri, Apr. 17, 7:30 PM
Game 3 – NJD @ CAR – Sun, Apr. 19, 7:30 PM
Game 4 – NJD @ CAR – Tue, Apr. 21, 7:30 PM
Game 5* – CAR @ NJD – Thu, Apr. 23, 7:30 PM
Game 6* – NJD @ CAR – Sun, Apr. 26, TBD
Game 7* – CAR @ NJD – Tue, Apr. 28, 7:30 PM
* If Necessary
Offense
The Devils and Hurricanes each boast a talented and deep group of forwards, and though the Devils’ forward corps is arguably an older, more experienced bunch, Carolina’s group is equally as talented, and very similar in nature. Each group of forwards is headlined by a young standout player, Zach Parise for New Jersey, Eric Staal for Carolina. Each offense contains a seasoned veteran—Brendan Shanahan and Rod Brind’Amour, respectively—who have seen it all and done it all in the NHL playoffs. It can be argued that between Staal, Erik Cole, Jussi Jokinen and Sergei Samsonov, Carolina’s horses arguably score at more opportune times than do standout Devils Parise, Patrik Elias, Jamie Langenbrunner and Brian Gionta. Over the course of the season, however, the two teams ended up fairly even in offensive production; New Jersey ended the season at a 2.90 goals per game rate, good for 15th in the league. Carolina, meanwhile, was right behind them at 2.88, a 16th place league ranking. New Jersey’s powerplay, at 18.9% effectiveness, ranked 15th in the league to Carolina’s 18th place ranked 18.7, while Carolina had the better penalty killing percentage; their 80.4% (19th) ranked just above New Jersey’s 79.9% (20th). All in all, these are two very evenly matched offenses.
Defense
The Devils and Hurricanes are also alike in that they employ a defense-by-committee. Neither corps boasts a big-name impact player, but within each group all types of defenders exist and perform their roles, contributing to the success of the team. Anton Babchuk and Joe Corvo highlight Carolina’s back-end attack, while Paul Martin and Johnny Oduya are highly underrated puck carriers and setup men. But defensively speaking, New Jersey’s 2.52 Goals Against average (ranked 4th) bests Carolina’s 2.70 (8th), giving the Devils a slight edge defensively.
Goaltending
The goaltending matchup in this series is a student vs. master battle of sorts. Martin Brodeur, now statistically the greatest goaltender in NHL history, faces Cam Ward, who made Brodeur his role model on the way to breaking into the NHL in 2006. While Brodeur clearly trumps Ward in playoff experience, Ward has historically elevated his game to its highest level when his team meets his idol’s. In their only previous playoff meeting, Ward had the Devils’ number and defeated New Jersey 4 games to 1 in the second round of the 2006 playoffs. A horse for the ‘Canes in 68 games this year, Ward went 39-23-5, with a .916 Save % and a 2.44 GAA. Brodeur, on the other hand, missed 50 games from November to March while he recovered from elbow tendon surgery, but in 31 games finished 19-9-3, with a remarkably similar .916 SV% and a 2.41 GAA. Though 12 years his senior, the decorated Brodeur will be in for the fight of his life against a younger version of himself looking to recapture the glory which has eluded him since 2006.
Storylines
As previously mentioned, Ward will attempt to out-duel his role model. Ward will also be playing against his former junior coach; Devils head coach Brent Sutter coached Ward on the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels from 2001-2004. Historically, this has been a pivotal playoff meeting. The team that won each of the three previous series between these teams went on to represent the Eastern Conference in the Stanley Cup Finals. The 2006 Hurricanes went on to win the Stanley Cup. The 2001 Devils (vs. Colorado) and 2002 Hurricanes (vs. Detroit) lost in the Cup Finals.
The Devils Will Win If…
…Martin Brodeur brings himself back to the level of play we witnessed when he made his return to action in late February. The Hurricanes’ attack is pressing, and Brodeur must rise to the occasion. He’s been letting in some questionable goals lately, and that will have to stop.
…Zach Parise regains his scoring touch. The budding star (and future Devils captain) had been lighting it up all season while living on the NHL’s top five scoring list, but has hit a wall down the stretch. As Erik Cole could be a thorn in the Devils’ side, an effective Parise will certainly cause huge problems for Carolina.
The Hurricanes Will Win If…
…Cam Ward keeps on keepin’ on. Ward has got the Devils’ number, seemingly on speed dial, because when these teams meet, Ward very much resembles a brick wall. In the three games Ward has faced the Devils this year, the Hurricanes have won all three. Unfortunately for the Devils, every current goaltender who idolized Martin Brodeur growing up finds a new level when they stare him down at the other end of the ice.
…Anton Babchuk is given room. Babchuk’s cannon alone could be enough to outscore the Devils if he is left unchecked. Though the Hurricanes did not win the season finale in New Jersey, Babchuk scored both of their goals and kept them within striking distance. Unlike the Devils’ Brian Rolston, Babchuk’s shot is both hard and accurate, and while Rolston seemingly cannot hit the net, Babchuk always does. If the Devils are as lazy in their coverage of Babchuk as they were in the last game of the season, he will prove to be a deadly weapon.
Schedule
Game 1 – CAR @ NJD – Wed, Apr. 15, 7:30 PM
Game 2 – CAR @ NJD – Fri, Apr. 17, 7:30 PM
Game 3 – NJD @ CAR – Sun, Apr. 19, 7:30 PM
Game 4 – NJD @ CAR – Tue, Apr. 21, 7:30 PM
Game 5* – CAR @ NJD – Thu, Apr. 23, 7:30 PM
Game 6* – NJD @ CAR – Sun, Apr. 26, TBD
Game 7* – CAR @ NJD – Tue, Apr. 28, 7:30 PM
* If Necessary
Sunday, April 12, 2009
2009 Playoffs 1st Round Predictions
My favorite time of year starts on Wednesday, the Stanley Cup Playoffs! I hope that all of you out there whose teams are in the playoffs are ready for the real season to begin, and that fans of the other 14 teams enjoy the postseason anyway. With the playoffs on the cusp of beginning, here is a look at my first round predictions:
Eastern Conference
(1) Boston vs. (8) Montreal
I want to make this series a bit closer than it will be, but after watching some recent Montreal games, I just can’t. Interestingly enough, Carey Price wasn’t even the problem against Pittsburgh on Saturday night. Montreal is a team that hasn’t been playing desperate enough to even be in the playoffs, so what’s going to change now that they’re in? The Bruins just love beating up on Montreal, both on the score sheet and with physical play, and through no fault of Price’s, that’s just what I see happening here.
Prediction: Boston in 5
(2) Washington vs. (7) New York
Washington, despite some iffy goaltending, is far more balanced than New York, and that will quickly become apparent in this series. The Rangers, however, have ridden into the playoffs on their Swedish white horse, and have no intention of getting off. Lundqvist has the ability to steal some games, but if he shows up cold on game night, Ovechkin and crew will have a field day. I’m not as high on Washington as most people are, but they will definitely walk out of this series as winners.
Prediction: Washington in 6
(3) New Jersey vs. (6) Carolina
Traditionally, the Hurricanes have given the Devils headaches, both in the regular season and playoffs. For those of you looking past this matchup, consider this: the team that won each of the three previous series between these teams went on to represent the Eastern Conference in the Stanley Cup Finals. The 2006 Hurricanes went on to win the Stanley Cup…the 2001 Devils (vs. Colorado) and 2002 Hurricanes (vs. Detroit) lost in the Cup Finals. But this is about the present, and in that regard, there is no clear cut favorite in my mind. The key to this series will be two players from each side, Martin Brodeur and Zach Parise vs. Cam Ward and Erik Cole. Brodeur seems poised to return to form just in time, however Ward always gets up for games against his childhood role model. Parise will look to build on his outstanding 4th season and lead the Devils in scoring, while Cole feels like he never left Carolina, and will put their offense on his back. In the end, though, this Devils team has overcome far too much this year to sputter out so quickly.
Prediction: New Jersey in 6
(4) Pittsburgh vs. (5) Philadelphia
What a battle we can expect out of this one. The Penguins are not a physical team by nature, but all bets are off when it’s the Flyers on the other end of the ice. Pittsburgh is fresh off completing a run which vaulted them from booking tee times to booking playoff dates at the Mellon, and they look very much like last year’s Pens under new coach Dan Bylsma. The intrigue in this series is that Philly will be looking to avenge that Conference Finals series last year, and some players like Dan Carcillo will be hungry for their first taste of the playoffs. But for this series to work out differently than I see it, the Flyers will need their biggest question mark—goaltending—to overcome the Penguins’ biggest strength—their offense. It won’t be a total wash-out, but the latest chapter in the Battle of Pennsylvania will go west.
Prediction: Pittsburgh in 7
Western Conference
(1) San Jose vs. (8) Anaheim
Finally, the most anticipated playoff matchup in recent history is happening! The biggest factor in this series is going to be Anaheim’s ability to stay out of the box. There’s a fine line between physical play and taking bad penalties, and Anaheim needs to learn which side of that line to play on. In addition, the goaltending is a bit more stable in San Jose; Hiller seems the more capable of the two, yet this is his first taste of the playoffs, whereas the veteran Giguere has had a shaky year. I look forward to a physical series, but San Jose is dominant in every other area.
Prediction: San Jose in 5
(2) Detroit vs. (7) Columbus
You want an upset, I got your upset right here. Detroit has been looking very bored and uninspired lately, and that’s fine when you’re in the spot they are, provided they can turn the switch back on now. Columbus, meanwhile, is hungry and energized, and Steve Mason could be poised to be the next young goalie to make a splash in the playoffs. I know it sounds ridiculous, but that’s what upsets are all about, and if it turns out to be true, you know who called it.
Prediction: Columbus in 6
(3) Vancouver vs. (6) St. Louis
Ah, gotta love the Blues. Much like the Jackets, I’ve become enamored with the Blues for the way they played this year. St. Louis was six feet under, covered in dirt, and just as they were planting the tombstone out rose the Zombie Blues…you know, the Blues team that plays out of their mind and gets great goaltending from Chris Mason. Well, the Zombie Blues are now in the playoffs, and while this Vancouver team is well constructed, I think the Blues will give them a run. But Ryan Kesler and Roberto Luongo will hold down the fort, and the Canucks will fight on.
Prediction: Vancouver in 7
(4) Chicago vs. (5) Calgary
What the heck happened to Calgary? Here they were, poised for a deep run with freshly acquired O-Jo. Now, they don’t have enough healthy players to field a roster without going over the cap. That will be fixed when cap restrictions are lifted for the playoffs, but that aside, I think Chicago is playing too well not to win this series. What the Hawks lack in experience they make up for in energy, and they can attack you in so many ways. Calgary won’t make it easy, but they also won’t get it done.
Prediction: Chicago in 6
As long as it’s in pencil, you can pencil in Boston, Washington, New Jersey, Pittsburgh, San Jose, Columbus, Vancouver, and Chicago to take part in an incredible second round. Here’s to a great playoffs!
Eastern Conference
(1) Boston vs. (8) Montreal
I want to make this series a bit closer than it will be, but after watching some recent Montreal games, I just can’t. Interestingly enough, Carey Price wasn’t even the problem against Pittsburgh on Saturday night. Montreal is a team that hasn’t been playing desperate enough to even be in the playoffs, so what’s going to change now that they’re in? The Bruins just love beating up on Montreal, both on the score sheet and with physical play, and through no fault of Price’s, that’s just what I see happening here.
Prediction: Boston in 5
(2) Washington vs. (7) New York
Washington, despite some iffy goaltending, is far more balanced than New York, and that will quickly become apparent in this series. The Rangers, however, have ridden into the playoffs on their Swedish white horse, and have no intention of getting off. Lundqvist has the ability to steal some games, but if he shows up cold on game night, Ovechkin and crew will have a field day. I’m not as high on Washington as most people are, but they will definitely walk out of this series as winners.
Prediction: Washington in 6
(3) New Jersey vs. (6) Carolina
Traditionally, the Hurricanes have given the Devils headaches, both in the regular season and playoffs. For those of you looking past this matchup, consider this: the team that won each of the three previous series between these teams went on to represent the Eastern Conference in the Stanley Cup Finals. The 2006 Hurricanes went on to win the Stanley Cup…the 2001 Devils (vs. Colorado) and 2002 Hurricanes (vs. Detroit) lost in the Cup Finals. But this is about the present, and in that regard, there is no clear cut favorite in my mind. The key to this series will be two players from each side, Martin Brodeur and Zach Parise vs. Cam Ward and Erik Cole. Brodeur seems poised to return to form just in time, however Ward always gets up for games against his childhood role model. Parise will look to build on his outstanding 4th season and lead the Devils in scoring, while Cole feels like he never left Carolina, and will put their offense on his back. In the end, though, this Devils team has overcome far too much this year to sputter out so quickly.
Prediction: New Jersey in 6
(4) Pittsburgh vs. (5) Philadelphia
What a battle we can expect out of this one. The Penguins are not a physical team by nature, but all bets are off when it’s the Flyers on the other end of the ice. Pittsburgh is fresh off completing a run which vaulted them from booking tee times to booking playoff dates at the Mellon, and they look very much like last year’s Pens under new coach Dan Bylsma. The intrigue in this series is that Philly will be looking to avenge that Conference Finals series last year, and some players like Dan Carcillo will be hungry for their first taste of the playoffs. But for this series to work out differently than I see it, the Flyers will need their biggest question mark—goaltending—to overcome the Penguins’ biggest strength—their offense. It won’t be a total wash-out, but the latest chapter in the Battle of Pennsylvania will go west.
Prediction: Pittsburgh in 7
Western Conference
(1) San Jose vs. (8) Anaheim
Finally, the most anticipated playoff matchup in recent history is happening! The biggest factor in this series is going to be Anaheim’s ability to stay out of the box. There’s a fine line between physical play and taking bad penalties, and Anaheim needs to learn which side of that line to play on. In addition, the goaltending is a bit more stable in San Jose; Hiller seems the more capable of the two, yet this is his first taste of the playoffs, whereas the veteran Giguere has had a shaky year. I look forward to a physical series, but San Jose is dominant in every other area.
Prediction: San Jose in 5
(2) Detroit vs. (7) Columbus
You want an upset, I got your upset right here. Detroit has been looking very bored and uninspired lately, and that’s fine when you’re in the spot they are, provided they can turn the switch back on now. Columbus, meanwhile, is hungry and energized, and Steve Mason could be poised to be the next young goalie to make a splash in the playoffs. I know it sounds ridiculous, but that’s what upsets are all about, and if it turns out to be true, you know who called it.
Prediction: Columbus in 6
(3) Vancouver vs. (6) St. Louis
Ah, gotta love the Blues. Much like the Jackets, I’ve become enamored with the Blues for the way they played this year. St. Louis was six feet under, covered in dirt, and just as they were planting the tombstone out rose the Zombie Blues…you know, the Blues team that plays out of their mind and gets great goaltending from Chris Mason. Well, the Zombie Blues are now in the playoffs, and while this Vancouver team is well constructed, I think the Blues will give them a run. But Ryan Kesler and Roberto Luongo will hold down the fort, and the Canucks will fight on.
Prediction: Vancouver in 7
(4) Chicago vs. (5) Calgary
What the heck happened to Calgary? Here they were, poised for a deep run with freshly acquired O-Jo. Now, they don’t have enough healthy players to field a roster without going over the cap. That will be fixed when cap restrictions are lifted for the playoffs, but that aside, I think Chicago is playing too well not to win this series. What the Hawks lack in experience they make up for in energy, and they can attack you in so many ways. Calgary won’t make it easy, but they also won’t get it done.
Prediction: Chicago in 6
As long as it’s in pencil, you can pencil in Boston, Washington, New Jersey, Pittsburgh, San Jose, Columbus, Vancouver, and Chicago to take part in an incredible second round. Here’s to a great playoffs!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Farewell Koho
Don Koharski worked his final game last night as Washington defeated Tampa Bay. This may shock you coming from the perspective that I do (hint: the team I root for), but I’m actually rather sad to see him go.
Koharski was one of the few refs distinguished and respected enough to be referred to be name, not unlike Kerry Fraser. Although referees are always an easy—and sometimes appropriate—target for criticism, Koho was certainly as good as it gets. You don’t work in this league for 32 years if you don’t know what you’re doing most of the time.
Koharski was also part of one of the most infamous moments in NHL playoff history, when after a playoff game in 1988, Devils coach Jim Schoenfeld knocked him to the ground and followed that with a respectful “You fell, you fat pig! Have another doughnut!” Though Schnoeny and Koharski have made up since then, that brief moment in the Devils locker room tunnel will live on in infamy.
All the best, Koho. Being a ref is one of the most thankless jobs in sports, where someone out there will always be mad at you for something, and to put 32 hard years into the job really shows the kind of character person you are.
All that being said, if you’re looking for something to do now that you’re out of officiating, would the irony be too great for me to suggest buying a Dunkin Donuts franchise?
Koharski was one of the few refs distinguished and respected enough to be referred to be name, not unlike Kerry Fraser. Although referees are always an easy—and sometimes appropriate—target for criticism, Koho was certainly as good as it gets. You don’t work in this league for 32 years if you don’t know what you’re doing most of the time.
Koharski was also part of one of the most infamous moments in NHL playoff history, when after a playoff game in 1988, Devils coach Jim Schoenfeld knocked him to the ground and followed that with a respectful “You fell, you fat pig! Have another doughnut!” Though Schnoeny and Koharski have made up since then, that brief moment in the Devils locker room tunnel will live on in infamy.
All the best, Koho. Being a ref is one of the most thankless jobs in sports, where someone out there will always be mad at you for something, and to put 32 hard years into the job really shows the kind of character person you are.
All that being said, if you’re looking for something to do now that you’re out of officiating, would the irony be too great for me to suggest buying a Dunkin Donuts franchise?
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