I’m very disappointed. Not because I think we didn’t deserve this. We did not play well enough to win this series no matter what way you want to look at it. It’s more that the field was so wide open to be taken this year. Boston, Tampa, and Colorado all done. We really could have done something but we met such a strongly coached team. It just sucks.
I had zero expectations for tonight. I was totally expecting them to fold but they came out and played a hell of a game. I’m proud of our team tonight. We should have been up 3-1 going into the third and everyone knows that. I’m confident we’ll be back better than ever next year.
This series came down to coaching in my eyes. I don’t think Carolina had any distinct advantage other than that. We had no response to their forecheck. So many situations where our D just got beat because of lack of foot speed. We had no answer for it. Just so sloppy in our own zone at times.
This was such a fun year. So many great memories. This should be nothing but motivation for the Devils and hope for us fans. The Hughes Bro’s are going to be such a pleasure to watch over the next decade.
Ok so Bratt. So disappointed in his play this playoffs. He can bring so much more but simply didn’t. I know the numbers have him creating a good amount but man just watching him was very frustrating. He didn’t do enough this playoffs period. But so many others didn’t as well. I want him back. Unless we can get something of similar production back, it makes no sense other than try to hammer out a reasonable deal.
Vanecek was horrendous this playoffs. He gave me zero confidence in any of his play. Idk where that ranks on my disappointing list but it’s probably just behind Bratt. It matters next to nothing but I have played goal since I was about 7 and he straight up didn’t seem to battle in these playoffs. He was such a warrior for us during the season that it was so disappointing. He seemed to just succumb to the pressure at hand. It’s so tough when your zone is such a mess but he simply did not make a single save when he needed to. I know he’s not going anywhere but I would rather us find a replacement for him. I know the most efficient thing to do, considering our other priorities, is to have him come back but I don’t want to see it.
Meier needs to be signed and I’m confident he will be. He’s the the guy you go to war with. Got blown up and is right back there mucking it up. I loved it. Lack of production be damned. He deserved more.
Hischier and Jack were mostly great. Jack had more production but Nico brought it every night even though it didn’t show on the scoreboard. I’m so excited as to where these two will lead us.
The fourth line and Mikey were great these playoffs. Did exactly what you want and more. The Palat to Mikey goal in game 7 will forcever be etched in my fandom.
It’s likely we won’t see the likes of Graves, Tatar, Severson, and Wood anymore. It’s best for the team but I can’t ignore the sacrifices and or memories they’ve made for this team and fanbase. Graves didn’t give us too much but he was solid most of his tenure here. Tatar’s goal from Marino that made it 2-0 in game 7 will always be such a great moment for this team. Severson and Wood have been absolute warriors for us and I’m so happy they were able to enjoy this years run as they stuck with us unwavering throughout so many of these unwatchable years.
I truly hope this makes a little bit of sense but it is 1:39 AM here in Phoenix and I am just babbling but I had to watch the Devils lose in OT just minutes before I, myself, got shelled in a mens league and now I’ve been drinking since the lady is out of town. But it’s too long and didn’t read but I love you all and let’s go Devils!
