Succubus Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 I, for one, was truly impressed by the new Devils' play this evening. I know we lost to Toronto (which at least made Don Cherry glad) and that's nothing for us to be happy about. BUT, the team played like a cohesive Devils team. Think about all they've been through over the past month: having to fill Hale's position, then losing Gionta, Madden & Elias (and perhaps even Rasmussen) to injury and having to fill their positions. These young players are having to come in and fill the injured stars' skates at a time in the season when all their opponents are playing desperation hockey. The Devils need to play with some passion, but they can't fall into desperation, and I for one am glad they didn't get desperate during this game. In the end, the post-season is a brand new season. Of course their post-season rank matters to an extent, but it's much more important that the team entering the post-season believes in itself. No matter if that team is ranked first or eighth. Digression: Coaching staff, the Zajac line IS the top line. They were neck-and-neck with the Gomez line when Gionta was still healthy, and they definitely are the top line now that Elias is out too. You don't break up your top line. The Devils have enough change to contend with. Keep your one consistent line together, and they'll continue to score. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sickman Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 (edited) The Devils did make some mistakes tonight but for the most part I'd agree with you that they played a good game. With all the injuries the Devils have right now and the fact that Toronto is real desperate for points, you knew going into this game that the Devils were going to have to play just about flawless hockey. Still though, they played well enough tonight that had a couple bounces gone their way, this is a sure win. I've been trying to stay positive but its been kinda hard because it just feels like things just keep getting worse. One night it seems like the work ethic isn't there. Next game everybody is working hard but the bounces aren't going their way. All the while teams chasing the Devils are getting closer and others are pulling away. The position this team is in is kind of a mix between the 2000 and 2004 teams. While this team is not nearly as good as the 2000 team, that team like this one, was really struggling towards the end of the season. I remember being so upset with the team that March because it really felt like they were pissing away a golden opportunity. Many bad efforts during that month of March. It just seemed like the wheels were falling off, sort of like this year. This team has its flaws for sure, but when they are healthy and firing on all cylinders they are very difficult to play against and can beat any team in this league, so there is hope 2004 comes to mind with this team because that team started off so well, especially defensively, and then just fizzled out towards the end of the season. Injuries were a huge factor with Scott Stevens missing most of the season, the same way injuries are killing the Devils now. I don't know, you really don't know what to expect from this team I guess. I could see them doing great things just as easily as I can see them going out in the first round. Here's hoping for the best Edited March 21, 2007 by SickMan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SatansDevils Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 Devils played a pretty solid game last night but got NO breaks and lost. They need to pick their game up another notch before the division and home ice slips away. I do not think that will happen but something has to change here. This recent skid is killing them. Devils need to get hot before the playoffs begin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hattrick Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 I'll take anything positive at this point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emptynet Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 Right now I could care less about how many games Marty wins, or if the Devils win the division, having a full healthy squad is alot more important come playoff time than a division banner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeteyNice Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 They have won 3 of 9 games in March. There are no positive words that can be used to describe such a record. There are no moral victories, just on ice victories and those have been few and far between this month. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
overtime98 Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 Did we get blown out last night? NO if 2 of those shots that hit the posts went in its 3-2 Devils. The Calls went in toronto's favor. REMEMBER, we are without our 3 top skaters, madden, Elias, Gionta. Each player plays a huge roll on our team. Take them out and replace them with rookie young kids, and give those kids some credit!!... Its not like we need points right now. We just need to get healthy and prepare for the playoffs. Last year we NEEDED wins and points. This year we dont. Players play fo the CUP, not division championships. Sure they are nice to win, but who cares about them. The ultimate prize and goal is the Cup. Its what they play for and what we pay to watch them win for..... The Stanley Cup is the hardest and oldest sports trophy in north america to win. And it is also the sweetest championship out of all of them!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peteyvegas Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 We hit the post better than anyone. does that count as a positive. Loud, too!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thefiestygoat Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 We hit the post better than anyone. does that count as a positive. Loud, too!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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