Should the Devils play Luke Hughes in Game 3?

[Poppy Whoa Sonnet]

I'd keep him in the box, margin of error seems to be tiny with Shesterykin on other end and you put Luke in expecting defensive breakdowns. Additionally the problem NJ seems to be facing is breakout tactics moreso than they are being outskilled in transition, @bossram had a great explanation in the game thread I believe.

 

[NJDevilsFan21]

Luke might actually be one of the more composed players having just come out of an intense NCAA playoff...

 

[bossram]

I'd keep him in the box, margin of error seems to be tiny with Shesterykin on other end and you put Luke in expecting defensive breakdowns. Additionally the problem NJ seems to be facing is breakout tactics moreso than they are being outskilled in transition, @bossram had a great explanation in the game thread I believe.

Yeah, it's because their default breakout is a strong side rim with their winger and center flying the zone. It's effective if the opposition is not set in their NZ forecheck or are kinda disorganized. But the Rangers know it's coming and easily cut it off.

The solution is to break out through the middle, by having the Devils D put a slip pass to a "low and slow" centerman. They refuse to do this.

But, I think Luke could actually help them breakout. He has the athleticism to escape the forecheck via his skating. Smith, Bahl, and even Dougie aren't really equipped to do that.

I said earlier in this thread I would bring Luke in now anyway. They have nothing to lose. Roll 7-11 and yeet Wood to the pressbox.

 

[DevilsHughes86]

Yes let him play, at this point this team needs to garnish experience going forward and he is part of that. We have nothing to lose, all experience for the guys the rest of the way here in my opinion

 

[Poppy Whoa Sonnet]

I don't get this idea we have nothing to lose, we have game 3 to lose. Lose game 3 and the series truly is over.

 

[NJDevs26]

The only person whose opinion matters just gave this a big fat NOPE

 

[TheUnseenHand]

I don't get this idea we have nothing to lose, we have game 3 to lose. Lose game 3 and the series truly is over.

Did you see the practice lines? The series is already over

Play Luke, why not.

 

[Poppy Whoa Sonnet]

Did you see the practice lines? The series is already over

Play Luke, why not.

Point is the only argument to play Luke Hughes is because you believe he gives you the best chance to win, not because "we have nothing to lose." In general I think the Devils have looked horrible due to tactical errors not because Brendan Smith/ Bahl are so obviously outclassed we need to send in Luke.

A lot of people seem to think that Luke gives the team the best chance to win, ok. I think Bahl (not so sure about Smith) in would be better but I can see that perspective at least. This series isn't over and being down 1-2 with a convincing game 3 win is not the end of the world, that should be the goal re: lineup decisions.

 

[TheUnseenHand]

Point is the only argument to play Luke Hughes is because you believe he gives you the best chance to win, not because "we have nothing to lose." In general I think the Devils have looked horrible due to tactical errors not because Brendan Smith/ Bahl are so obviously outclassed we need to send in Luke.

A lot of people seem to think that Luke gives the team the best chance to win, ok. I think Bahl (not so sure about Smith) in would be better but I can see that perspective at least. This series isn't over and being down 1-2 with a convincing game 3 win is not the end of the world, that should be the goal re: lineup decisions.

Agreed. But it does not appear to be the case for Ruff. His lineup choices are bizarre and bingo balling the lineup after one game reeks of more panic than the players are showing on the ice. Given that I have 0 faith Ruff will do anything to put the team in a position to succeed, I prefer Luke got a taste of playoff hockey.

 

[Comparison Ford]

Absolutely let him play. Can't be any more embarrassed than we already have.

Exactly where my head is at. At this point, lets just see what we have.

 

[bossram]

Point is the only argument to play Luke Hughes is because you believe he gives you the best chance to win, not because "we have nothing to lose." In general I think the Devils have looked horrible due to tactical errors not because Brendan Smith/ Bahl are so obviously outclassed we need to send in Luke.

A lot of people seem to think that Luke gives the team the best chance to win, ok. I think Bahl (not so sure about Smith) in would be better but I can see that perspective at least. This series isn't over and being down 1-2 with a convincing game 3 win is not the end of the world, that should be the goal re: lineup decisions.

I mean, both arguments are true: The Devils do have nothing to lose, they will lose the series, it's over. At the same time, Lindy has prepared and coached this team so poorly for the first round that inserting Luke is very likely an upgrade on anything else Ruff will do.

I would go 7-11. Yeet Wood to the pressbox for the love of anything.

 

[NHL Fanatik]

Went poll option 2 but feel he should have played game 2 over Smith (though Siegenthaler shoulda never been taken out anyhow)

 

[PKs Broken Stick]

Only argument for the last one is you think it'll end up in a sweep and don't want him to apart of this shit show of a series currently

It's going to be a sweep if nothing changes

 

[ZachaFlockaFlame]

It's going to be a sweep if nothing changes

Yes, I know. I'm saying if your mind is made up that they're getting swept regardless and it's on the players then there's no point in playing in him.

 

[MadDevil]

I mean, we're likely losing the series anyway unless something drastically changes, so I don't know as if it really matters who is on the third pairing. Personally I'd give Luke a shot, but I'm not going to lose it if they don't play him. Ruff seems incapable of making changes beyond throwing the lines in a blender or taking one guy out for another.

 

[mdj12784]

Yes. Doesn’t really matter anymore. Chalk it up as an invaluable learning experience

 

[NJDevs26]

Even if Luke played you think the fossil would give him more than 11-12 minutes? Especially in a road game?

 

[PKs Broken Stick]

Yes, I know. I'm saying if your mind is made up that they're getting swept regardless and it's on the players then there's no point in playing in him.

Why would there be no point? Get him some playoff experience now.

 

[Hisch13r]

Never should’ve been out of the lineup to begin with.

 

[NJDevs26]

So our fossilized coach can play him 11-12 minutes with no PP time?