ECQF Preview: Your New Jersey Devils vs. Carolina Hurricanes - We're Playoff Bound!
- Thread starter Better Call Sal
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NJDevs26
Once upon a time...
- Mar 21, 2007
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Not exactly confident in THAT changing either, they always get away with shit, especially at home where their hick crowd intimidates the refs.
I was listening to Schneid's and Boyle's podcast and I liked Cory's take on how he felt down the stretch we've been trying to hone our game to match Carolina's style and wait out how they smother you and don't give you any time or space. I'd argue that's been Keefe's MO for much of the season, and I do think it's why our games against Carolina this year have all been pretty competitive when it comes down to it.
They both agreed (as does everyone it seems) that Marky is the x-factor, and if we steal one in their building, it's game on.
NJDevs26
Once upon a time...
- Mar 21, 2007
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A win on the road would certainly improve my mood at least. Even if I'm not exactly expecting us to win both home games either, at least if the series is 1-1 you feel like you're in it and you can win another road game if you need to. 2-0 down against a playoff-tested team who's always dominated us, then you basically feel like it's 2018 again (or 2023 for that matter), where you're just trying to salvage pride and have a moment at home more than actually thinking about winning the series.
The only time we've beaten these ****sticks down there since 2001 was the Travis Zajac OT winner in 2009. 0-3 in 2002, 0-3 in 2006, 1-2 in 2009 and 0-3 two years ago.
The only time we've beaten these ****sticks down there since 2001 was the Travis Zajac OT winner in 2009. 0-3 in 2002, 0-3 in 2006, 1-2 in 2009 and 0-3 two years ago.
Devils731
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- Jun 23, 2008
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Keefe said in the post game presser that they haven’t been doing pre-scouting on opponents for awhile now and how been focusing on building towards the Carolina match up in that time.
So matches with the guess that the Devils have been building for the playoffs rather than worrying about winning during this last stretch.
Clam Jensen
Registered User
If they’re going to flop, might as well make it hurt!
NJDevs26
Once upon a time...
- Mar 21, 2007
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They also had a major trade (well really two, but the second one ended that stretch of mediocrity) over that stretch and were even more firmly in a playoff spot than we were. They also didn't **** around and miss the playoffs last season the way we did. I get you can look at x stretch of games and y stretch of games and say they're created equal, but they really aren't. Especially when they ended their bad stretch and had a far more recent stretch of good hockey. We've never truly come out of our malaise since late December for any length of time.
As much as people want to pooh-poo it pedigree matters, at least until this team proves it doesn't.
I never said it didn’t, but clearly both teams have taken it easy over the last two weeks
ZachaFlockaFlame
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- Aug 24, 2020
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League says schedule out tomorrow morning and we're at lunch time with no schedule besides the Ottawa Toronto series, LOL
Zajacs Bowl Cut
Lets Go Baby
past seasons have no bearing on this season, sorry. They just don't.
I don't think anyone claimed Carolina was playing mid hockey for months like NJ did, but over the past 2-3 weeks, they have been pretty bad.
and I know what the typical retort will be- "well the Devils have been bad for longer!" okay great.
Cheddabombs
Status Quo
- Mar 13, 2012
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Trying really hard to be excited for this playoff series right now. I don't think I've ever been less excited for the playoffs, including 2017-2018. Feeling uninspired and unexcited, sort of like Devils hockey since the start of 2025.
I'm sure it'll all change at puck drop for game 1. It's playoff hockey after all, and they have a chance.
LGD!!!!
I'm sure it'll all change at puck drop for game 1. It's playoff hockey after all, and they have a chance.
LGD!!!!
Clam Jensen
Registered User
It saddens me to see you so bummed out about the team these past few weeks, but I get it! Look at it this way, they have 0 expectations, few expect them to win, and yet, they just might if the stars align.
I would just try to appreciate watching your favorite team for another week, because all we’re going to have for a while is baseball (and I love baseball, it’s just not the same).
Devils731
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- Jun 23, 2008
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Looks like Sunday at 3 to kickoff
Clam Jensen
Registered User
Damn, I was hoping for the earlier slot during my daughters nap time
The Grinder
No Respect
I am pretty pumped with the 8pm start on Friday. Means I can selfishly leave from work and make the game with more than enough time to grab a drink and some food, then be in my seats for puck drop.
devilsblood
Quiet, my GF is reading.
- Mar 10, 2010
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Unfortunately a hypothetical counter to reality.
But like I said, let's see them come out and play at a high level in these playoffs.
A question one could ask is, are Nico and Bratt the 2 best players in this round 1 matchup? I'd like to think they are, and I'd like to see them play like it.
Cheddabombs
Status Quo
- Mar 13, 2012
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Zajacs Bowl Cut
Lets Go Baby
ZachaFlockaFlame
Registered User
- Aug 24, 2020
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Brooklyndevil
Registered User
If there’s a game on Easter, shame on the NHL. It’s not like it’s Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve. I hope they do have a low viewership if that’s the case. They deserve it.
They will be neutralized if Carolina has to use ropes to hog tie them. The guy who the Canes will have no answer for is Luke who they cannot just grab off every faceoff. If he can be the best player it will help.
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