When did the Devils become such scared gutless coward losers?

[PaDevsFan]

Well how many times can you let a team like that hang around?

It doesnt matter ....

Troy is right, the Devils have shown many times in this series they are the "deeper" superior team. When they show up to play the Canes cannot match that level. I look at game 4 and last night. Yeah the Canes looked like world beaters for portions of the game, but when the Dvils decided to stop being embarrassed all of a sudden the pucks were being kept in the cycling was taking place, the Devils took over the games. this team just looked like they knew there was a game 7 and played it that way.

Honestly I love Sutter, but I put that responsibility on him. I really dont like him saying after game 4, we came to Carolina and got the home ice back. That is not the "killer instinct" or mentality you need in playoff hockey. He had better change the mentality of this franchise right now, becauase if we win gme 7 that mentality will haunt us down the road.

[NJDevs4978]

Troy is right, the Devils have shown many times in this series they are the "deeper" superior team. When they show up to play the Canes cannot match that level.

One can say the same thing about the Canes 'showing up' to play in Games 4 and 6. Both teams have dominated when they've been more desperate, but it's been an even series overall so the fact it's going 7 shouldn't surprise anyone.

And about Sutter, what did you expect him to say after we lost Game 4? If he was saying that before the game you'd have a point. I do have other issues with Sutter, and he'll probably be my number one target if they go down Tuesday but I don't think the Devils blew a tire in Game 4 or Game 6 cause he sent the wrong message before the game. If anything he's probably sending the wrong message during it by his line choices.

[Marv4Life]

One can say the same thing about the Canes 'showing up' to play in Games 4 and 6.

They blew a 3 goal lead and almost lost in OT. They aren't as good as we thought they were; the problem is our team is too soft and lacks killer instinct with players/staff thinking this is the late 90s.

[Triumph]

while is reminding me of pittsburgh in 99 (the last time the devils lost a game 7 at home - i don't think it's happened any other time in their history) - the good news is that the carolina defense can be forced into mistakes, new jersey just hasn't been doing it. i think it was cr1976 who said this is reminiscent of 2006, and it is, except that the devils have players capable of forechecking, so it's about time they started doing so. travis zajac has gone back into ghost mode, and parise's gone with him. elias is there too. we all know the devils are capable of playing better than this - they came out in game 5 and played the game they needed to play, at least for the first 25 or so minutes. that's how it's got to be tomorrow.

[NJDevs4978]

They blew a 3 goal lead and almost lost in OT. They aren't as good as we thought they were; the problem is our team is too soft and lacks killer instinct with players/staff thinking this is the late 90s.

Things are much different when you're playing with a huge lead, they dominated the first two periods of Game 4 like nobody's business but then sat back and Ward had his only bad period of the series (other than maybe Game 1). Plus they started to roll again the last five minutes after we tied it and probably would have won in OT.

Even on good nights we get hemmed in our zone way too much, I swear if this team could ever clear a ****ing puck out of the zone, we could cut down shots against by like ten per game. Martin, who's supposed to be a very good defenseman has had a nightmare in this series clearing pucks (witness the end of Game 4)

[overtime98]

Devils played sunday like there is a tomorrow. Carolina played like there was not a tomorrow. that was the difference.

[babrooks213]

The only reason why we lost last night was because we got outworked. Simple as that. When the Devils outwork the Canes, they're the better team. All those problems that we complain about - not being able to clear the puck, stopping Staal, out-hitting them - that all comes from outworking them.

I'm not sure why so many of you seem convinced that this is the worst team the Devils have ever fielded. It's one game. This is a tough series, and Carolina is a very good team. Most of us knew this wasn't going to be easy. Relax. After Game 1, so many of you were convinced that the Cup was coming to Newark that night. After last night, now you're convinced that we're the worst team ever? Come on.

The Devils are capable of beating every team in the playoffs (and they have, throughout the season). And lest we forget, we went on a nice tear when we looked unstoppable. There's reason to believe we can go through that again.

Of course, we could lose game 7 and go home early. But hey, that's hockey. That's part of what makes the playoffs so damn hard, and a huge reason why winning the Cup is really, truly that special of an accomplishment.

[friezenmy@#%off]

Things are much different when you're playing with a huge lead, they dominated the first two periods of Game 4 like nobody's business but then sat back and Ward had his only bad period of the series (other than maybe Game 1). Plus they started to roll again the last five minutes after we tied it and probably would have won in OT.

Even on good nights we get hemmed in our zone way too much, I swear if this team could ever clear a ****ing puck out of the zone, we could cut down shots against by like ten per game. Martin, who's supposed to be a very good defenseman has had a nightmare in this series clearing pucks (witness the end of Game 4)

and if madden scores and the puck does get cleared they win...no point in dwelling...we all know they need to kick it up in their zone, tho

The only reason why we lost last night was because we got outworked. Simple as that. When the Devils outwork the Canes, they're the better team. All those problems that we complain about - not being able to clear the puck, stopping Staal, out-hitting them - that all comes from outworking them.

I'm not sure why so many of you seem convinced that this is the worst team the Devils have ever fielded. It's one game. This is a tough series, and Carolina is a very good team. Most of us knew this wasn't going to be easy. Relax. After Game 1, so many of you were convinced that the Cup was coming to Newark that night. After last night, now you're convinced that we're the worst team ever? Come on.

The Devils are capable of beating every team in the playoffs (and they have, throughout the season). And lest we forget, we went on a nice tear when we looked unstoppable. There's reason to believe we can go through that again.

Of course, we could lose game 7 and go home early. But hey, that's hockey. That's part of what makes the playoffs so damn hard, and a huge reason why winning the Cup is really, truly that special of an accomplishment.

i swear, half the time it sounds like a bunch of yankee fans on this board

[Colorado Rockies 1976]

while is reminding me of pittsburgh in 99 (the last time the devils lost a game 7 at home - i don't think it's happened any other time in their history) - the good news is that the carolina defense can be forced into mistakes, new jersey just hasn't been doing it. i think it was cr1976 who said this is reminiscent of 2006, and it is, except that the devils have players capable of forechecking, so it's about time they started doing so. travis zajac has gone back into ghost mode, and parise's gone with him. elias is there too. we all know the devils are capable of playing better than this - they came out in game 5 and played the game they needed to play, at least for the first 25 or so minutes. that's how it's got to be tomorrow.

Yeah, I made the '06 comparison, which is why I had the 'Canes winning in 5 going in. I didn't like the matchup. I still don't, and they've been lucky to dodge as many bullets as they have when it comes to Carolina's PP...it wouldn't surprise me if, the Devils play like they did last night, the 'Canes finally break through with two or three PPG. The series hasn't evolved exactly like I thought it would (Game 1 was especially surprising), but the last three games have been pretty close to how I saw things shaking out.

The good news: the Devils have to find a way to piece together just one more win against a team they don't matchup well against, in their own building. I don't care how ugly it is...just get it done somehow. If the Devils do pull it out, I'm sure the 'Canes are going to beat themselves up over it...player-for-player they're probably not better than the Devils, but they've shown that they're on equal footing with them, if not a hair better due to matchup issues.

Edited April 27, 2009 by Colorado Rockies 1976

[Beezer34]

Scratch Rolston and put Holik back on that fourth line.

...seriously, at this point...go for it! Especially now that Langs is back. Either Rolston or Zubrus for that matter. He may not play better, but he sure as hell can't play any worse. Nevermind inconspicuosly calling people out (like Sutter did with Rolston) and hinting to hit... DO IT! Make an example, wake these two cadaverous' up!

[PaDevsFan]

One can say the same thing about the Canes 'showing up' to play in Games 4 and 6. Both teams have dominated when they've been more desperate, but it's been an even series overall so the fact it's going 7 shouldn't surprise anyone.

And about Sutter, what did you expect him to say after we lost Game 4? If he was saying that before the game you'd have a point. I do have other issues with Sutter, and he'll probably be my number one target if they go down Tuesday but I don't think the Devils blew a tire in Game 4 or Game 6 cause he sent the wrong message before the game. If anything he's probably sending the wrong message during it by his line choices.

And you are right about Sutter and the line choices, but if he is saying that after the game (game 4) who knows what his persona is at practrices or before the games. I mean I am speaking hypothetically, but who knows if he isnt giving the impression by his body language to the players, hey guys we need to win one here in Carolina??? I dont think anybody knows who isnt around the team on a regualr basis. His message has been a lot different this year when things arent going the way he wants. He doesnt have the same fire. Now maybe thats becuase he knows he has to treat different players in different ways, and not everybody responds to the YELLER. But for some reason it just seems like this team has no sense of urgency and in my opinion that can be put o the coach. (again I am a Sutter fan, but....)

[Jerrydevil]

This is perfect. All the arguments to keep Lou are 'well he got us 3 cups'. That was 'old' nhl. The heart and soul of those teams were Marty, Daneyko, Nieds, Stevens, Rafalski, Elias. Lou didn't wheel and deal to get these guys. The scouts deserve more of the credit than Lou does for the 3 cups. The 'old' NHL is gone, as are most of those players. They are admittedly pretty much an irreplaceable group, but the moves since then have been head scratching. I honestly can't remember the last trade or signing that really, really worked out well for the Devils.

You've got some good points, but you're overreacting.

[SatansDevils]

Tuesday night will be the first Game 7 at the Prudential Center and it better be a memorable one with the Devils getting the job done.

The last Game 7 lost was in 1999 to Pittsburgh (a 4-2 loss with Tom Barrasso in goal who is now Cam Ward's goalie coach) as Triumph said and it is the only Game 7 that was lost on home ice back in the old Brendan Byrne/CAA.

The Devils went 3-1 in Game 7 on home ice.

1994 ECQF - Buffalo - won Game 7 as Brodeur/Hasek played a great series.

1999 ECQF - Pittsburgh - lost Game 7.

2001 ECSF - Toronto - won Game 7.

2003 SCF - Anaheim - won Game 7 and the SCC.

The Devils are 6-6 in Game 7 in their playoff history winning their last 2-Game 7 in 2003 over Ottawa and then Anaheim...

[Colorado Rockies 1976]

This is perfect. All the arguments to keep Lou are 'well he got us 3 cups'. That was 'old' nhl. The heart and soul of those teams were Marty, Daneyko, Nieds, Stevens, Rafalski, Elias. Lou didn't wheel and deal to get these guys. The scouts deserve more of the credit than Lou does for the 3 cups. The 'old' NHL is gone, as are most of those players. They are admittedly pretty much an irreplaceable group, but the moves since then have been head scratching. I honestly can't remember the last trade or signing that really, really worked out well for the Devils.

So I guess Lou didn't make the deal that allowed the Devils to draft Nieds in the first place (D Tom Kurvers for Toronto's #1...had Toronto not made a bunch of desperation deals to not finish last overall, the Devils would have snagged Lindros).

And I guess Lou didn't have the balls to ask for Stevens as compensation for St. Louis' signing of Shanahan, even though a lot of observers thought he was crazy.

If you're going to take Lou to task (and he's not above criticism), at least get the simple stuff right first.

Like Jerry says, you're overreacting. Yeah, the last 4 playoff seasons haven't been pretty, but how many GMs can say that, since '87-'88, their teams have made the playoffs in all but two seasons? And this postseason's story is still being written.

[Jerrydevil]

The last Game 7 lost was in 1999 to Pittsburgh (a 4-2 loss with Tom Barrasso in goal who is now Cam Ward's goalie coach) as Triumph said and it is the only Game 7 that was lost on home ice back in the old Brendan Byrne/CAA.

I was at that game, and my lasting memory from it was a fan throwing his Devil jersey on the ice after the final horn.

If the Devils lose tomorrow, it would be a bad loss, but it can't equal the disappointment of finishing first in the East three years in a row and to have a measly first-round win over Montreal in 1997 to show for it. And that was a team with Stevens, Niedermayer, etc.

[SatansDevils]

So I guess Lou didn't make the deal that allowed the Devils to draft Nieds in the first place (D Tom Kurvers for Toronto's #1...had Toronto not made a bunch of desperation deals to not finish last overall, the Devils would have snagged Lindros).

And I guess Lou didn't have the balls to ask for Stevens as compensation for St. Louis' signing of Shanahan, even though a lot of observers thought he was crazy.

If you're going to take Lou to task (and he's not above criticism), at least get the simple stuff right first.

Like Jerry says, you're overreacting. Yeah, the last 4 playoff seasons haven't been pretty, but how many GMs can say that, since '87-'88, their teams have made the playoffs in all but two seasons? And this postseason's story is still being written.

+1 CR.

I agree...Lou and Sutter is not the problem. Some of these playes and veterans have to be accountable for and get the job done where so far they have really not got the job done. Players play hurt and banged up all the time in the playoffs, but now is the time they (Elias, Zubrus, Rolston, Shanahan) need to really step up their game and win Game 7. It has been the players over the last 6-seasons that have not played to their potential. Devils have to make these tight gruelling series' always interesting and got to know how to put a team away in a series.

[SatansDevils]

I was at that game, and my lasting memory from it was a fan throwing his Devil jersey on the ice after the final horn.

If the Devils lose tomorrow, it would be a bad loss, but it can't equal the disappointment of finishing first in the East three years in a row and to have a measly first-round win over Montreal in 1997 to show for it. And that was a team with Stevens, Niedermayer, etc.

Yeah I was there too Jerry and remember that fan throwing his Devils jersey on the ice. That was a very frustrating series too where the Devils were up 3-2 in the series and lost Games 6 and 7 in that series to Pittsburgh. Damn Jagr had the GWG in Game 6 as Pittsburgh won 3-2 to push it to a Game 7 back in New Jersey.

This is a no-name defense compared to one of the best defenses ever to play in the playoffs with Stevens, Niedermayer and Daneyko. The main thing through both eras is that the key factor will be Brodeur in Game 7 tomorrow night. Brodeur has to stay sharp and play a game like he did in Game 5 last Thursday night.

[Colorado Rockies 1976]

+1 CR.

I agree...Lou and Sutter is not the problem. Some of these playes and veterans have to be accountable for and get the job done where so far they have really not got the job done. Players play hurt and banged up all the time in the playoffs, but now is the time they (Elias, Zubrus, Rolston, Shanahan) need to really step up their game and win Game 7. It has been the players over the last 6-seasons that have not played to their potential. Devils have to make these tight gruelling series' always interesting and got to know how to put a team away in a series.

I will say that, if this team loses Game 7, or wins and then goes out meekly in the next round, something needs to be done with this group. Unfortunately I don't think there's much that CAN be done...I wouldn't mess around with the ZZPop line, Zubrus and Rolston (and likely Pando) are immovable with those deals, and even if they do somehow find themselves with some cap space (if Gionta, Madden and Oduya go bye-bye) I don't see Lou bringing in an impact guy. Anyway I'm getting way ahead of myself...this season's not even over yet.

[jkrdevil]

The problem is I think Sutter's forgotten about that too, since we're back to the line-matching and playing safe approach he swore to do away with

Thank you. Jay Pandolfo who has a healthy scratch for most of the season should not be getting roughly the same amount of ice time as our 90+ point scorer.

Parise should be getting about 20 minutes of ice time. Sutter needs to also throw him on a different line (say in place of Pandolfo) for a shift or two to get him tha extra ice time and give him a different look matchup wise.

[Triumph]

at some point it's not the coach, it's the players. and the players (namely zajac and rolston but those are just the bigger names) have got to step up their play. zajac is getting beat in way too many board battles.

jkr: honestly parise's not doing much with the ice time he's getting and the pandolfo line are/were playing solid defense. parise's not getting 20 minutes because the devils aren't drawing enough power plays.

Edited April 27, 2009 by Triumph

[Beck27]

Yeah I was there too Jerry and remember that fan throwing his Devils jersey on the ice. That was a very frustrating series too where the Devils were up 3-2 in the series and lost Games 6 and 7 in that series to Pittsburgh. Damn Jagr had the GWG in Game 6 as Pittsburgh won 3-2 to push it to a Game 7 back in New Jersey.

This is a no-name defense compared to one of the best defenses ever to play in the playoffs with Stevens, Niedermayer and Daneyko. The main thing through both eras is that the key factor will be Brodeur in Game 7 tomorrow night. Brodeur has to stay sharp and play a game like he did in Game 5 last Thursday night.

Marty no doubt needs to be sharp, but let's ne honest here...it's time for his teammates to step up.

Parise, Elias, Langs, Zajac...these are the guys that need to have a big game. I'm thinking the Devils are going to need at least 3 goals to win game 7. Hopefully, they are able to score first and take a little pressure off. If the canes end up putting the first one in, it could be another long night.

[Chimaira_Devil_#9]

+1 CR.

I agree...Lou and Sutter is not the problem. Some of these playes and veterans have to be accountable for and get the job done where so far they have really not got the job done. Players play hurt and banged up all the time in the playoffs, but now is the time they (Elias, Zubrus, Rolston, Shanahan) need to really step up their game and win Game 7. It has been the players over the last 6-seasons that have not played to their potential. Devils have to make these tight gruelling series' always interesting and got to know how to put a team away in a series.

I really dont think Shanahan and Elias should be placed in the category of needing to step it up.

Shanahan was the only player who really impressed me in last nights game, and has been pretty impressive across the series (much to my supprise).

I dont think Elias could give any more, physically i just dont think he has anything else to give.

Rolston just needs to shoot the puck on target, if you keep hammering the puck on the net they will go in.

[Marv4Life]

Like Jerry says, you're overreacting. Yeah, the last 4 playoff seasons haven't been pretty, but how many GMs can say that, since '87-'88, their teams have made the playoffs in all but two seasons? And this postseason's story is still being written.

The St Louis Blues made the playoffs 25 years in a row. Jus sayin'.

And I agree, bench Rolston(or Pando) with Holik. Your season is on the line, why not go with something different?

Edited April 27, 2009 by Marv4Life

[SatansDevils]

Marty no doubt needs to be sharp, but let's ne honest here...it's time for his teammates to step up.

Parise, Elias, Langs, Zajac...these are the guys that need to have a big game. I'm thinking the Devils are going to need at least 3 goals to win game 7. Hopefully, they are able to score first and take a little pressure off. If the canes end up putting the first one in, it could be another long night.

I agree and have said that too that the players are accountable and need to step it up especially the veterans on this team like Elias, Rolston, Zubrus and Shanahan. It is the playoffs and some of the Devils players are hurt and banged up, but this is Game 7 of a series with the winner to advance to the next round and it is time for some of these players to show up. Parise and Zajac have been non existant in the last 3-games and need to play like they did in Games 1-3.

[Colorado Rockies 1976]

The St Louis Blues made the playoffs 25 years in a row. Jus sayin'.

And I agree, bench Rolston(or Pando) with Holik. Your season is on the line, why not go with something different?

There's a big difference between three Cups (four finals) and zero Cups.