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I don't normally post here, and this is why.
Disclaimer: You may fall asleep half way through this.


Benjamin Franklin referred to New Jersey as a barrel tapped at both ends.

Sandwiched between the South River and the North River—today’s Delaware and Hudson—New Jersey’s colonial identity was synonymous with that of its closest city, either New York or Philadelphia. This split identity resulted in a political divide during the colonial era, creating Berkley’s West New Jersey and Carteret’s East New Jersey. Even though official unification came in 1702, we still live in a divided state that exists to satisfy the big cities across the rivers.

Fast forward a few centuries. The early 1980s saw the arrival of two things New Jerseyans could finally call their own: the Nets and the Devils. Both teams made the Swamp their home and out-of-towners delighted in us having our hometown sports team based in such a dismal location. The two team’s position in the north further alienated south Jersey, deepening that supposedly-abolished division created during the colonial era.

When New Jersey attempted to establish itself by stepping out of the shadows of its neighbors, those same neighbors found a way to discredit what is ours. Need proof? The playoff re-runs from 18 years ago have already received more play time on TV than 1995, 2000 and 2003 combined.

New Jerseyans have even been denied Liberty. Lady Liberty, that is. In 1668, Captain Christopher Billopp was given 24 hours to sail around—and claim for the New York colony—as many islands in the New York Harbor as possible. Upheld by Congress in 1834, Liberty Island, Ellis Island and Staten Island were all supposedly circled during Billopp’s journey and have since been considered New York State, despite geographic proximity to New Jersey. No credit where credit is due.

The Brooklyn New Jersey Nets picked up and left for New York City this year and now the Devils are left to fend on this New Jersey peninsula alone, like a battered group of 300 outnumbered by a sea of invaders.

But this year can be different.

In the South, or the hole at the bottom of Franklin’s barrel, a plug was formed and wedged into the opening. The Flyers were defeated in five games and—for the first time in the history of the world—the mouths in Philadelphia are speechless.

In the North, the hole at the top of the barrel has yet to be decided. It can continue to widen. It can continue with the trend set in motion during those extra innings in 1994 or during the Congressional ruling in 1834. Or even that ridiculous sailing excursion in 1668.

Or … the tap can be removed and the hole can be plugged. For the first time in New Jersey history, the State may finally stand on its own as a unified and independent entity instead of a spit of land devoted to serve outsiders. Unification and independence will only be accepted if it includes the defeat of both cities that have controlled New Jersey for centuries.

Two dozen guys with sticks and skates can do what 400 years of history has failed to do. Plugging both ends of the barrel and creating a self-sustaining state—even if it’s only in the sports world—is a step in the right direction for New Jersey. If it happens, it will be wonderful. If it happens, it will be long overdue.

This sucks...now we cant boo their first round selection in 2013

If we lose the SCF I'll be disappointed but only for like 5 minutes. This is a great club that's only been in NJ for 30 years and has had a butt-ton of success. If you look at the past 30 years the Devils have won the most Stanley Cups behind Edmonton and Detroit. The Devils are also tied with the Red Wings for most cup appearances in the past 30 years. Our club is actually sitting a lost better historically than many other teams. Buffalo(SCF 0-2), Vancouver SCF(0-3), Rags(1 cup appearance in the past 30 years), Capitals (0-1), Sharks, Maple Leafs(Last cup win and appearance 1967). I mean look at LA even. They've been around for 45 years yet this is only their second Stanley Cup Final appearance. So while losing would be a disappointment, being 3 for 5 in the Stanley Cup is nothing to scoff at. I'll be okay raising an Eastern Conference Champions banner in the Rock.

I don't know what else to say

How can we tame the mighty Rangers "collapse in front of the sofa and pray for dear life" strategy?

The Devils looked like absolute sh!t outplaying and outhustling the Rags for 40+ minutes. Dominating along the boards, outmuscling the rags, and having crisper breakouts and carry ins into the offensive zone as the rags gasped for air as another devils forcheck intercepted a rags clear and re started the cycle.

clearly the Devils were intimitated by the "tradition" and the garden faithful who were so boisterously loud and threw the devils off their game, the tip tapping of the blackberrys rose to a defeaning roar by the 2nd period as the devils gazed at each other bewilderingly...legendary home grown rangers from years passed such as stephane quintal, valeri kamensky, and rem murray quietly rose a glass to the brilliant effort they saw on the ice today (drop to one knee, block shot, pray puck is cleared...missed block? maybe the guy behind me got it) the torch is passed and the rangers on ice mastery continues.

Should the Devils even show up for game 2?

game 1 flyers was "oh sh!t time"

I have never been so amused after a loss. This game was a joke through and through. I hope the Rag fans think this series is over I really do...

If we actually get to see a game this year...

In continuation to this classic.....



...here is one I just created...



And here is the caption I made with my post of this picture on facebook:

To all the Noo Yawk Rangers fans who were born and raised in New Jersey but root for their own state's rival (including our very own Governor Jumbotron), to all the Rangers fans who would not shut the hell up about being in first place this season (act like you've been there before...oh wait I guess you haven't any time in your memory), to the tool in the section next to me tonight with the Sean Avery jersey, to all the hockey analysts and "experts" who never give the Devils the credit and respect they deserve (especially to Barry Melrose who said the Devils would miss the playoffs this year because "they're not an elite team like the Penguins, Flyers, or Rangers"), to the idiots that called in to WFAN and said the Rangers would win in 5 because the Devils would steal a game on a bad call by the refs, to the MSG Network who kept on drawing comparisons to a series that happened 18 years ago and will have no choice but to keep re-running those 1994 highlights in the offseason because once again they have nothing else to show, to everyone who said Brodeur is too old and is a has-been, to everyone who calls Lundqvist "King" despite his NHL career being devoid of any accomplishments, to the Raynjuhs fans who said the Devils played boring hockey for the past 17 years (I found those three Stanley Cups rather exciting) and then applauded their own neutral zone trap this season, to everyone who says the Devils have no fans and obviously has not been in attendance for this playoff run...this one is for every last one of you. Enjoy.

FAN JOURNAL from BEHIND THE BENCH 10/25/11 NJ vs LAK

As most of you probably know I usually sit up on the glass when NJ comes to LA.
I wanted to just take a few moments to share some interesting perspective and observations from last game. I usually sit in the 1st row, seat closest to the tunnel.
Here are a few things I noticed:

1.) L-ROB: Having done this like 4-5 times now, I have never seen Larry Robinson SO active in coaching the defense. He yelled out directions frequently, and encouraged each defensive pair each time they came off the ice. The guy must have yelled "Good fvckin' Stick" at least 30-40 times this night. As a sidenote his nicknames for the guys are: Fayner, Sally, Tally, Greener, Tank (Volch), and Adam (just Adam). HE also laughs a lot more than I have ever seen him - particularly with Larsson. He frequently patted AL on the shoulder, huddled with him, and they looked like they were having a ball together. Adam was smiling and laughing a lot as well. I heard him mutter "Kid is fvcking good" a few times only loud enough for the nearest players to hear. He also bitched out a few of the equipment managers for not having Volch and AL's fight strap tied down. He also tossed Kinkaid a stick of gum before the game started and laughed viciously. He was INTO the game (last year he was stoic) - he jumped at every near goal!

2.) D-BO: Quiet as a mouse - no smiles. HE lets Oatsbot2011 do much of the talking and encouraging to guys. Tough guy to read. The quietest NJ coach I've since in recent years.

3.) Cammer: This guy definately adds a dimension of fun and frivolity to the bench. He brings an energy and smiles that the other guys seem to feed off of. He also seemed super happy to be back in an NJ uniform and fed off the crowd encouraging him. When a fan yelled (close to him) "Cam - need to see you drop the gloves!", he responded - "Need to kill somebody" jokingly.

4.)Henrique: Looked nervous on the bench but was getting A LOT of encouragement from ALL the players - moreso than nay other player.

5.)Zach: His focus has sharpened. He would not make eye contact with any fans. In previous years he was very warm and even came out before the game to sign autos. He was fixated in a zone and did not communicate a lot with the other players.

6.)Elias: First off I saw the killed goal develop from almost exactly his perspective - it was beautiful. I can tell that the bench thought it was a pretty goal as they erupted more than any other goal. Patty was thrilled - his celebration last all the way back to the bench and beyond. This is unusual as PE is usually a bit more reserved with goals I've noticed - but he's super hot right now and engaged with the team as well.

7.)Kovy: HE definately seems to not have settled into his role yet as his facial expressions seem to be of uncertainty. I'll admit I'm speculating - but he's not the vocal leader. HE says little, but stands a lot - I sense he really wants to produce more to help but is frustrated. His responses to the coaches were short and sweet - where other players got into more conversations and head nodding.

8.)Moose: These guys love him. His nickname is Heddy. They frequently cheered for him at almost every save.

9.)Napalm: More than any other player Npalm is gripping his stick tightly. He often whines a lot at calls. He replied "Are you fvcking kidding me" after his penalty. - and when he took the penalty Zach came back to the bench and shook his head with a disappointed look. He looks most frustrated lots of frowns and explatives at his own play. I think he knows he's close to being in the doghouse and hasn't found his game yet.

10.)Greene: Looks a lot more confident, a lot more communicative with the other D men - and seems to be showing a little leadership as well. Surprising and awesome. He swears a lot when he gets off the ice.

11.)Clarkson: There is a lot of faith in Clarkie by the others. They tap his helmet a lot and cheer for his boardwork during the play. He smiles a lot on the banch and jokes around. He seems to add an element of fun to the bench that seems to help. He also gave a little girl a puck after the 1st intermission.

12.) Volchenkov: This guy just sits in silence and contemplated destroying people I think.

This group looks much different from last year when Jmac came. They react to every "near goal" (Larry jumps). The stoicism of the last crew seems to be gone - there is much more of a spirit of frivolity than in the past year (probably influenced by the success). I think the mixture of personalities and youth is helping - a lot more smiles, jokes, and having fun with what they are doing. A lot more chatter and comraderie.

Kovy's gloves go back and forth (new or warmed) via the staff at least 5-6 times per period.

When a puck came off the ice and onto the bench during the 3rd period. Zach picked it up - handed to Larry - and Larry kindly handed it to me through the glass on the corner without my having to even make a ruckus! A NICE SOUVENIR!

GREAT GAME!

Marge, this ticket doesn't just give me a seat. It also gives me the

right -- no, the duty -- to make a complete ass of myself.



        -- Homer Simpson

Make it up to us then and step down, you useless bucket of jizz.

Talks ended within an hour with both sides calling each other smelly and making your mom jokes.

You can't put a price on Leadership and hockey smarts.

Do they have fenwick numbers for that?

Oh well, I got past '94 a long time ago. If the guy can help the Devils win, that's all I care about. How great would it be to see him burn the Rangers someday? I'd rather root for him to do something like that someday than to root against him for something his father did almost 20 years ago. Like it or not, this kid may be a Devil someday...might as well embrace him.

Too bad DinLA had to bear witness to this fvcking jip job, I hope he got the fvck out of there and didn't stick around for their bullsh!t party.

Guys, I have so many observations from what was easily the most painful Devils game I have ever seen in person.

What I DO want to say quickly, is that I didn't bolt like some beaten pansy.

I stood proud with my NJ jersey on gave the Stanley Cup the respect it deserves as it was presented and passed around - and I kept the damn thing on the whole way to the parking lots despite the taunts. I think thats the way it should be.

People yelled "Devils suck", "F the Devils" - but it didn't matter to me - they were few in number.

Lastly I will say this - SOOO many LA Kings fans stopped me and said "Congrats on a great season", "Hell of a series", "Great game man", "You've got 3 cups - be proud", "Brodeur - what a great career - hold your head high". I was utterly impressed at how classy everyone was. Not one guy rushed me or did more than the expected trash talk. SO different than a NYR or PHI attitude. The kid next to me that I wanted to punch the whole game - put his hand on my shoulder at the game's end and said "You really do have a great franchise there - congrats on a great season". That type of respect changed my attitude in an instant.

I KNOW folks are pissed - and thats natural - so was I and I'm really not trying to be the "Devil's Advocate" - but I do want recount my experience.

The feed didn't do the crowd justice - firsthand - they did scream so loud that I had to block my ears.

Its OK to hate them - the rivalry just got MUCH deeper - but I can say I appreciated the respect, and think it could have been a lot worse with the fans.

But seriouslly - I'm spent.

I think each and every player deserves praise for this playoff run, even as it's ending how it is.

Congrats to Zach Parise - if you do leave, please don't go to the Rangers. You'll be set for life wherever you go.

Congrats to Travis Zajac - returning from injury to play a stellar playoffs. Lou, if you miss on Parise, let's get this guy locked up.

Congrats to Ilya Kovalchuk - playing hurt for almost the entire playoffs, he's proven how much he wants to win. Can't wait to see the real Kovalchuk back.

Congrats to Petr Sykora - returning from obscurity to score 20+ goals and contribute some key playoff markers. I suspect your NHL career is over, but you made a much better exit this time.

Congrats to Patrik Elias - he's stuck with the team for so long, he played well even through last year's disaster, and while he hasn't had the best playoffs, he's been an indispensable part of the team.

Congrats to Dainius Zubrus - he won a game in the Cup Finals. He signed here claiming that NJ always had a shot to win, and then they went 4 years without winning a playoff round.

Congrats to Alexei Ponikarovsky - even if he only scored 1 goal during the run, he made some key assists. If he goes, he will be missed.

Congrats to Adam Henrique - a playoff to remember forever. 2 enormous goals, plus a Cup Final game winner. He has got a bright future ahead of him.

Congrats to David Clarkson - he's also made his goals count. I suspect he's been injured all playoffs, but he has really come back from last year's disaster season. He had more assists during these playoffs than he did all last year.

Congrats to Ryan Carter, Stephen Gionta, and Steve Bernier - I mention them as a unit because they played like a unit. Bernier too - he will take tons of heat for what he did in Game 6, maybe so much that he can't come back here, but he's been an excellent find, and I wish him luck if he goes elsewhere.

Congrats to Jacob Josefson - his teammates held up their promise that he would play again this season.

For the defensemen:

Congrats to Andy Greene and Mark Fayne - they played brilliant hockey. The NHL unfortunately has seen how good they are.

Congrats to Bryce Salvador - I didn't think he would ever play again. Not only did he play, he contributed several goals and assists to a Cup Finalist team. I don't think he'll be back, but I hope wherever he goes can get a little more of the Salvador magic.

Congrats to Marek Zidlicky - written off in Minnesota, he proved he's still got plenty of hockey left in him.

Congrats to Anton Volchenkov - the team bailed him out for a rough first round series and he acquitted himself well in future rounds.

Congrats to Peter Harrold - an afterthought before the season, he became a reliable third pairing guy. I hope he gets the NHL contract he deserves.

Congrats to Adam Larsson - you didn't play in the Finals, but hopefully you will soon.

And lastly...

Congrats to Johan Hedberg - you got hung with a loss back in Round 1, but who knows where the Devils end up without your play during the season.

...and Congrats to Martin Brodeur. I doubted you all season long, but you proved that you can still be a great goaltender at crunch time. Amazing play in Game 7 against Florida made this all possible.

We beat the Rangers. We beat the Flyers. We didn't beat the Kings - they were a better team. But still, to come back from where they were in December of 2010 to do this is nothing short of remarkable. It's really, really hard to do this.

There haven’t been many times in franchise history where going into a game, you knew this could be a Devils player’s final home game, and there wasn’t something bigger at stake like trying to keep the season alive. Well tonight, there isn’t much to play for and it very well could be Patrik Elias’ last home game as a Devil. Hopefully it won’t be (and I don’t think it will be), but if it gets to July 1^st, there might be some offers that blow him and the Devils away.

Patty has always been an underrated quiet star around the league and even on this team. But in the end, he owns pretty much every offensive record on this team, he’s led the team in scoring 7 times and been part of 2 Stanley Cup winning teams and 2 other Cup finalists. He continues to chug along quietly…playing great two way hockey. When the Devils brought Kovalchuk in, it was Elias leading the team in scoring during that first full-year. When Kovy was getting all the accolades with the team and around the league last season, it was Elias there right behind him and 10^th in league scoring. Elias is a guy who has taken a back seat to players here be it Kovy or Parise, but he’s always right there.

There haven’t been many individual nights for him either. When he broke John MacLean’s franchise points’ record, it was unfortunately overshadowed on the same night by Martin Brodeur becoming the winningest goalie in NHL history. When he broke the franchise goal record, it happened on the road and most of his teammates had no clue about it at all. He’s often been disrespected by his own coaches nonetheless. He never had the best relationship with Pat Burns for some reason and the Brent Sutter situation was a black eye for the franchise in my opinion. Sutter, having never coached in the NHL, stripped the captaincy away from a veteran and gave it to a player that wasn’t even with the team throughout training camp and the beginning of the season.  It seems like he is finally back with a coach that truly respects Elias for the leader he is and the incredible hockey player he is.

Tonight, hopefully, Devils fans can vocally do the same. If you are going to the game or know someone who is, or know of anyone to spread the word to, let’s give Elias the proper due he deserves and remind him how much he means to the franchise and the fans. Let’s get some chants going throughout the night to honour the greatest Devils forward of all-time. Maybe we can get something going to other forums or through social media.  He’s a quiet unassuming guy, but I am sure it would mean the world to him as well. He certainly deserves it, regardless if it his last game or not.