What is New Jersey thinking?

[Paper]

What do you think a team like New Jersey is thinking? They will play Carolina on the road. They will then go and play Washington on the road or whoever beats Washington at home (doesn't matter if Montreal surpasses New Jersey in points). The only chance of them playing at home in the Conference Finals is if Ottawa makes it and New Jersey has a better record. They will then be on the road in the Stanley Cup finals.*

So with such little meaning in the regular season games do they even try? Are they double shifting the top line late in the third if it's a tied game because there's still technically a possibility that it matters? Or is there top line even playing? Are they going through the motions or are they treating it like any other regular season game?

What do you think teams that have little to play for right now are doing? Maybe teams collectively and individual players?

*Technically they could be at home but it would take them winning out while St, Louis, Minnesota and Flames making playoffs with 96 or less points and making the Finals and they will likely know if that's even possible before the regular season ends.

 

[winnipegger]

You asked 6 questions which is 5 too many. I'll answer your first question: I have no idea what new jersey is thinking.

 

[Paper]

You asked 6 questions which is 5 too many. I'll answer your first question: I have no idea what new jersey is thinking.

Do you think some players are going hard trying to showcase themselves for a bigger role in the playoffs while others are looking at the cutie in the fifth row? And why?

 

[MrLunatik]

What do you think a team like New Jersey is thinking? They will play Carolina on the road. They will then go and play Washington on the road or whoever beats Washington at home (doesn't matter if Montreal surpasses New Jersey in points). The only chance of them playing at home in the Conference Finals is if Ottawa makes it and New Jersey has a better record. They will then be on the road in the Stanley Cup finals.*

So with such little meaning in the regular season games do they even try? Are they double shifting the top line late in the third if it's a tied game because there's still technically a possibility that it matters? Or is there top line even playing? Are they going through the motions or are they treating it like any other regular season game?

What do you think teams that have little to play for right now are doing? Maybe teams collectively and individual players?

*Technically they could be at home but it would take them winning out while St, Louis, Minnesota and Flames making playoffs with 96 or less points and making the Finals and they will likely know if that's even possible before the regular season ends.

The Devils can have home ice in Round 2.

Home-ice advantage through the first two rounds goes to the team that placed higher in the regular-season standings

Metro-3 is a higher placing than WildCard-1 or WildCard-2

 

[Paper]

The Devils can have home ice in Round 2.

Metro-3 is a higher placing than WildCard-1 or WildCard-2

Yes. They play Washington on the road or they play Montreal/Columbus/Detroit at home. No matter what.

 

[BB79]

NJ is thinking, at least we're not the Rangers and Islanders, who both got eliminated yesterday

 

[Macbanan]

I think maintaining a high level of play, confidence and discipline by basically playing as well and normal as possible would be the main concern for all teams. Maybe rest up a few players if they need it.

They won't block shots with their faces but other than that they are trying to win.

 

[GAGLine]

The devils won't get past Carolina, so everything else is moot.

 

[Power Surge]

New Jersey is thinking Warrent

[Yt]

 

[ZachaFlockaFlame]

The devils won't get past Carolina, so everything else is moot.

You got the lottery numbers too?

 

[BB79]

Making a thread on HFBoards while hammered is an interesting choice

It's usually my best work

 

[Golden_Jet]

Well that was a poor thought out thread topic lol.

 

[Lt Dan]

You asked 6 questions which is 5 too many.

yes

I'll answer your first question: I have no idea what new jersey is thinking.

I think it's easier to pinpoint what they aren't thinking about

I'll start. They aren't thinking about Snooki

 

[TGWL]

The devils won't get past Carolina, so everything else is moot.

I'm not so sure. I keep waiting for Carolina to show everybody what they got in the playoffs and it doesn't seem to happen. Maybe this is finally time to shine, but there's always that doubt until it does.

 

[Paper]

Shut out by the Islanders (lost last 9 of 11 or something). Guess we know New Jersey isn't trying at all for these last few games. Must assume Ottawa isn't getting through the gauntlet to face them.

 

[Golden_Jet]

Shut out by the Islanders (lost last 9 of 11 or something). Guess we know New Jersey isn't trying at all for these last few games. Must assume Ottawa isn't getting through the gauntlet to face them.

Why do you think Ottawa will face them, they’re playing Toronto or TB,
Or maybe your post isn’t clear what you mean.

 

[hangman005]

yes

I think it's easier to pinpoint what they aren't thinking about

I'll start. They aren't thinking about Snooki

View attachment 1012890

Well they are now you mentioned her

I suspect they are thinking, "There is no need to unpack, we won't be here long."

 

[Coffee]

The devils won't get past Carolina, so everything else is moot.

You’re just saying that because Devils fans bust the Rangers balls

 

[DudeWhereIsMakar]

Oh, they'll be out first round. Carolina will smoke them.

 

[Hamilton Bulldogs]

I doubt many players think too hard about things like this lol

 

[GAGLine]

You’re just saying that because Devils fans bust the Rangers balls

I said it because it's true. Carolina is a better team when both teams are healthy, and the devils aren't healthy.

Maybe the devils can pull off the upset. Carolina hasn't shown they are able to win on the road in the playoffs, so if the devils can take one in Carolina, they might steal the series. But I don't see it happening.

 

[Derailed75]

I'm not so sure. I keep waiting for Carolina to show everybody what they got in the playoffs and it doesn't seem to happen. Maybe this is finally time to shine, but there's always that doubt until it does.

As a Canes fan your words ring true, but after the first round. They have won at least in series every year since RBA became head coach.

 

[HockeyVirus]

If they are uncompetative in the first round, it will reflect poorly on Keefe given his reputation this time of year.

 

[Nikishin al Gaib]

What is New Jersey thinking?​

Followed shortly by

 

[Section 104]

They are thinking no one expects us to win with our injuries so there is no pressure on us..we are playing with house money so let’s have some fun fun fun until Bettman takes the T-Bird away