Have the 'scary' version of the Devils arrived?

[KovalchukFistPump]

We'll see if they will stay in the playoffs

Thread starter here. I am calling the devils a playoff lock. The division is weak after the top three. I just don’t see how they don’t make it even with a bad second half thanks to the sheer offensive talent level + OTL points.

 

[Jersey Fresh]

Between their skill up front and Jacob Markstrom's ability to look like Freddy Andersen under pressure, the chances are New Jersey isn't getting out of the East.

Yes, goaltending is a question mark as it to how it translates to the playoffs. Though, you could make a similar statement about almost just about every team in the East - even Bobrovsky has been more miss than hit in his career.

But does the first half of your statement intimate that they aren’t skilled enough up front? Because I’d classify that as a wild statement.

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

We'll see if they will stay in the playoffs

I'll bet you any amount of money that they make the playoffs.

 

[Devilsfan992]

I'll bet you any amount of money that they make the playoffs.

He/she clarified that they thinks the Devils will make the playoffs, but falter like the Leafs usually do. Given 15 of 16 teams don't win the cup, it is a safe bet.

Regarding the posts of Hughes, Bratt and Hischier being soft, I don't think enough people have been paying attention the past couple of seasons. There's been a big progression in all three of their games, especially Bratts. It was only a couple of seasons ago, Hughes was favorite as a Byng trophy winner. Now he's not even close.

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

Between their skill up front and Jacob Markstrom's ability to look like Freddy Andersen under pressure, the chances are New Jersey isn't getting out of the East.

"their skill up front" lmao

they have some of the best skill up front in the NHL. Thank you for your concern though.

 

[Three On Zero]

Marky can be bipolar is the playoffs, I think a lot still depends what version of him shows up

 

[Stephen]

"their skill up front" lmao

they have some of the best skill up front in the NHL. Thank you for your concern though.

All is to say teams around the league are not scared of the Devils.

 

[Nocashstyle]

All is to say teams around the league are not scared of the Devils.

lol, yeah I’m sure teams are just chomping at the bit to draw the Devils in a playoff matchup.

 

[Stephen]

He/she clarified that they thinks the Devils will make the playoffs, but falter like the Leafs usually do. Given 15 of 16 teams don't win the cup, it is a safe bet.

Regarding the posts of Hughes, Bratt and Hischier being soft, I don't think enough people have been paying attention the past couple of seasons. There's been a big progression in all three of their games, especially Bratts. It was only a couple of seasons ago, Hughes was favorite as a Byng trophy winner. Now he's not even close.

The game plan against New Jersey in a series will probably look something like physical targeting of Bratt, Hughes and Hischier no matter how un-Lady Byng like they are these days, coupled with a park the bus defense that will be happy to let Keefe ring up shot totals with clear sight, rebound control and territorial advantage in the slot.

This has the advantage of warming up the opposition goalie while conceding territorial and zone time to NJ. I don't think New Jersey is exactly like Toronto since the blueline threat is different and there's more forward speed, but you do have a coach that gets trapped into a park the bus playoff wall. Then you do the ground and pound on the Devils puck retrievals on Hamilton and the other Hughes and short circuit the easy transition game, taking a bite out of the speedy transition.

It's not really a scary playoff opponent.

 

[Moist ReadOnly]

The game plan against New Jersey in a series will probably look something like physical targeting of Bratt, Hughes and Hischier no matter how un-Lady Byng like they are these days, coupled with a park the bus defense that will be happy to let Keefe ring up shot totals with clear sight, rebound control and territorial advantage in the slot.

This has the advantage of warming up the opposition goalie while conceding territorial and zone time to NJ. I don't think New Jersey is exactly like Toronto since the blueline threat is different and there's more forward speed, but you do have a coach that gets trapped into a park the bus playoff wall. Then you do the ground and pound on the Devils puck retrievals on Hamilton and the other Hughes and short circuit the easy transition game, taking a bite out of the speedy transition.

It's not really a scary playoff opponent.

This just sounds like a disgruntled Maple Leaf fan unwilling to accept it was their own roster that was the issue and not the coach.

The Devils are a better roster in every conceivable way; its okay if Keefe and the Devils do well. It shouldnt mean anything to Toronto fans anymore

'Not really a scary playoff opponent' and youd know this how? Theyre 1-1 in playoff series with this core. It took the Leafs how many attempts to make the second round?

Perhaps its Toronto fans who dont know what a scary playoff team looks like; and its understandable given recent history

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

All is to say teams around the league are not scared of the Devils.

hey its not our fault your roster was not good enough to get the most out of Keefe's system

sounds like your anger should be directed at the GM, not the coach.

 

[jetsforever]

Well Markstrom is an improvement and Luke Hughes seems to be getting steadily better so they're getting close to being out of the rebuild

 

[SeanMoneyHands]

Meier is no Wilson but one of the heavy top6 wingers in the league.

With Dillon, Bastian, Noesen, Palat, Cotter, Lazar they got quiet a few gritty players. MacDermid brings the fists for the playoffs. Even Sigi and Dougie. They re not nasty but strong.

And than there s speed. Plenty off it. If you ve seen the how Bratt throws his body or Nico/Jack get under the skin with their play styles. I see them well balanced and pretty nasty ...

Their reputation on fan side might be different. But I bet players would disagree.

Those are okay players for grit. If the Devils add someone like B. Tkachuk it would put them over the top and IMO make them the favourite in the East after Florida. Nobody on the Devils right now is able to single handedly dictate or swing the momentum in a game like a Tkachuk can with a big hit or big shift.

Just look at the immediate impact M. Tkachuk had when he arrived in Florida. He changed the culture in that locker room overnight. Night and day difference. They're not even the same team without him.

 

[SeanMoneyHands]

I think the biggest issue with the Devils will be Keefe's inability to adjust in the playoffs.

Also why I think the Leafs will make it farther this year.

Keefe makes adjustments in the playoffs. He just wants until his team is facing elimination and half the game is over.

 

[Xirik]

The game plan against New Jersey in a series will probably look something like physical targeting of Bratt, Hughes and Hischier no matter how un-Lady Byng like they are these days, coupled with a park the bus defense that will be happy to let Keefe ring up shot totals with clear sight, rebound control and territorial advantage in the slot.

This has the advantage of warming up the opposition goalie while conceding territorial and zone time to NJ. I don't think New Jersey is exactly like Toronto since the blueline threat is different and there's more forward speed, but you do have a coach that gets trapped into a park the bus playoff wall. Then you do the ground and pound on the Devils puck retrievals on Hamilton and the other Hughes and short circuit the easy transition game, taking a bite out of the speedy transition.

It's not really a scary playoff opponent.

The fact that you put Hischier in there just proves you know nothing.

 

[Lou is God]

The game plan against New Jersey in a series will probably look something like physical targeting of Bratt, Hughes and Hischier no matter how un-Lady Byng like they are these days, coupled with a park the bus defense that will be happy to let Keefe ring up shot totals with clear sight, rebound control and territorial advantage in the slot.

This has the advantage of warming up the opposition goalie while conceding territorial and zone time to NJ. I don't think New Jersey is exactly like Toronto since the blueline threat is different and there's more forward speed, but you do have a coach that gets trapped into a park the bus playoff wall. Then you do the ground and pound on the Devils puck retrievals on Hamilton and the other Hughes and short circuit the easy transition game, taking a bite out of the speedy transition.

It's not really a scary playoff opponent.

I would expect this kind of post from someone who just started watching hockey, for sure not a moderator from here.

 

[Stephen]

I would expect this kind of post from someone who just started watching hockey, for sure not a moderator from here.

The Leafs of all teams just parked the bus and rope a doped New Jersey 2 weeks ago as proof of concept in the regular season. You see a matchup between NJ and a defensively committed team and this is the exact game plan you’re going to see. I’m surprised a New Jersey fan needs to be reminded of a ground and pound, park the bus in the playoffs like you missed the entire Lou era.

 

[CupsOverCash]

How spooky are they?

How spooky are they?

 

[LaffyTaffy13]

Thread starter here. I am calling the devils a playoff lock. The division is weak after the top three. I just don’t see how they don’t make it even with a bad second half thanks to the sheer offensive talent level + OTL points.

Devs def a playoff lock. The nightmare though would be finishing first in the east and having to face Ottawa in the first round. Brady is a total kryptonite for a team like the devs. He will go after the tiny guys like jack, bratt and nico and have zero remorse while doing so. The devs likely make it out of that series but brady will take his pound of flesh

 

[Jersey Fresh]

The Leafs of all teams just parked the bus and rope a doped New Jersey 2 weeks ago as proof of concept in the regular season. You see a matchup between NJ and a defensively committed team and this is the exact game plan you’re going to see. I’m surprised a New Jersey fan needs to be reminded of a ground and pound, park the bus in the playoffs like you missed the entire Lou era.

This is some insane analysis. You think Toronto got absolutely waxed all game by design? Give me a break lol. They got dominated and won because their goalie stood on his head and Markstrom whiffed on a nothing chance. It happens. If you think that’s your winning formula in the playoffs, you are sorely mistaken.

“Park the bus” as a tactic is meant to prevent chances, not give them up repeatedly all game and hope your goalie saves them like Toronto was doing.

 

[TBF1972]

This is some insane analysis. You think Toronto got absolutely waxed all game by design? Give me a break lol. They got dominated and won because their goalie stood on his head and Markstrom whiffed on a nothing chance. It happens. If you think that’s your winning formula in the playoffs, you are sorely mistaken.

“Park the bus” as a tactic is meant to prevent chances, not give them up repeatedly all game and hope your goalie saves them like Toronto was doing.

i am impressed by his strategy: let's hope to be lucky

 

[DudeWhereIsMakar]

Sheldon Keefe is just the coach they need let alone finally acquiring a star goaltender.

 

[Lou is God]

The Leafs of all teams just parked the bus and rope a doped New Jersey 2 weeks ago as proof of concept in the regular season. You see a matchup between NJ and a defensively committed team and this is the exact game plan you’re going to see. I’m surprised a New Jersey fan needs to be reminded of a ground and pound, park the bus in the playoffs like you missed the entire Lou era.

A team like what? You talk like we're still stuck in last year. They're not small no more or a pushover, but keep going about one game.

 

[Stephen]

A team like what? You talk like we're still stuck in last year. They're not small no more or a pushover, but keep going about one game.

Your important players are going to be game planned, and if they can execute under duress the Devils will have success, if not you won’t and it’s not decided on a message board. Other than that, I don’t think anyone’s scared of them or shocked and awed by skating and skill.

 

[NikolaTesla]

They're pretty scary if you ask me. Maybe i was dumb but i had them winning the cup 2 years ago. This year might be the year. Pretty well balanced team.