Team was absolutely boned by the refs in OT - if the team was actually in a playoff race that series events would have been beyond infuriating. Overall, you had to like the process tonight. Played very well for a half-game, then had a total implosion to fall behind 4-1, then did all the right things to outplay a good team the rest of the way and come back from 3 goals down.
- best thing about the game was the play of Podkolzin. Looked dynamic and motivated and played his best game at either the NHL or AHL level since his nice run at the end of last season. If Tocchet can get this sort of performance out of him consistently that will be a huge win. His hands, though ... ugh.
- second best thing was Luke Schenn. Absolute monster game, one of the best by any defender on this team in any game this year. Hopefully scouts were watching because that was outstanding. He has to be traded, but it might make more sense to take a slightly smaller return from a team where he won't sign for next year over one where he likely will (Calgary) so we can try and bring him back.
- Beauvillier was ... meh. Had a couple good moments, especially the pass to spring Pettersson on the breakaway but also looked small and easily eliminated from the play. Dumb shot attempt in OT.
- Dakota Joshua has probably been the most improved player under Tocchet, and had another strong game tonight. Lazar also had one of his first effective games this season.
- Brock Boeser is just a steaming turd. So slow, so ineffective, and Tocchet has pretty quickly dropped him down the lineup. Needs to be traded ASAP for anything we can get, because he's liable to go on a 2 points in 15 games kind of run to the deadline getting this sort of icetime.
- Andrei Kuzmenko is really good. Just keeps scoring.
- Tyler Myers was just in panic mode with the puck on his stick in his own zone all night. So many turnovers, so many failed clears. Could not keep up with the speed of the Devils or the speed of this game.
- Ethan Bear, likewise, really struggled with the pace of this game and had one of his poorer outings this season.
- Quinn Hughes, by and large, had a very good game. But his effort level on the 1-1 goal is what's separating him from the top tier of NHL defenders. Just stopped skating and assumed Bear would cut Jack Hughes off and did nothing to back up his partner. Biggest challenge for Tocchet will be to instill better habits in key players in situations like this.
- Phil Di Giuseppe is more of an NHL player than Dries and just a superior two-way player. Beautiful goal tonight.
- we lose this game with Spencer Martin in net.