Why are the Devils 21-4-1? insane easy schedule, makes perfect sense.

Hisch13r

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May 16, 2012
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And the game ended with Montreal only having 26 shots, because after the 1st they played their game. One bad period a bad game doesn't make. It would be best not to make a habit out of that kind of bad play, but you can't expect perfection all the time.

I think the fact we were so dominant with like no lapses at all and completely dominating from start to finish made it so people's standards are wayyyyy too high and as you said expect perfection all the time.
 

Devils090

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Feb 16, 2014
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Devils do often try and get into track meets with teams which is something they kind of have to avoid with certain teams. Ruff’s system is all about creating off the rush and defenseman getting involved but they do have to be a little more careful I feel.

Also this is going to get really fun when Palat comes back and Brendan Smith gets kicked to the curb when Luke Hughes arrives in the spring.
 

Hisch13r

Registered User
May 16, 2012
36,672
38,988
NJ
Devils do often try and get into track meets with teams which is something they kind of have to avoid with certain teams. Ruff’s system is all about creating off the rush and defenseman getting involved but they do have to be a little more careful I feel.

Also this is going to get really fun when Palat comes back and Brendan Smith gets kicked to the curb when Luke Hughes arrives in the spring.

We literally have the best defensive metrics in the league across the board.
 

MasterofGrond

No, I'm not serious.
Feb 13, 2009
17,759
13,365
Rochester, NY
Devils do often try and get into track meets with teams which is something they kind of have to avoid with certain teams. Ruff’s system is all about creating off the rush and defenseman getting involved but they do have to be a little more careful I feel.

Also this is going to get really fun when Palat comes back and Brendan Smith gets kicked to the curb when Luke Hughes arrives in the spring.
I think if theyre getting into track meets, they’re prolly going to win anyway

Not that many teams that can skate a full 60 with the devils speed
 
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Megustaelhockey

"I like hockey" in Spanish
Apr 29, 2011
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Maybe fans need to stop demanding that coaches be sent to the guillotine when players do not perform.

Sorry, Lindy indeed.
 
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Captain3rdLine

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Sep 24, 2020
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Maybe fans need to stop demanding that coaches be sent to the guillotine when players do not perform.

Sorry, Lindy indeed.
It’s hard to actually distinguish who’s at fault and if the coach can’t get players to perform he usually ends up being the sacrificial lamb whether it’s deserved or not.

Most Devils fans wanted Ruff gone in the summer (I was personally fine either way). Two loses elevated this.
But the nail in the coffin or at least what got me on the fire Ruff train was his attitude and the attitude around the team after the second game I believe.
Was all pissy in his presser and gave a pissed off answer to the devils new beat reporter (who fans love) for a perfectly reasonable question and then walked out. Just showed a terrible attitude IMO.

The combination of those 3 things are why there was fire Lindy chants going 2 games in and it wasn’t completely undeserved. Certainly wasn’t just because the devils lost the 2 opening games like a lot of people seem to suggest.

But yes sometimes coaches fall victim to players not playing their best or gm’s not bringing in a good enough team but as I said it’s hard to distinguish who’s at fault. And it’s a lot easier to bring in a new coach than a completely new team and if fans think there’s a talented roster on paper they’ll most likely look to the coach.


Edit add:
With this GM Tom Fitzgerald should get some credit for sticking with a guy he believes in. It’s so easy for GM’s just to throw their coaches under the bus to save their skin and Fitz was certainly taking on some risk bringing back a coach this season who hadn’t gotten results and everyone wanted out. Fitz stuck with his guns while finding good support and improving the team and it might be paying off.

Was one of the reasons I didn’t mind him coming back.
Fitz clearly believed in him, he’s been around for a long time and done pretty well, the young players liked him and seemed to grow under him and the devils were better than their record last season.
 
Last edited:

Satans Hockey

Registered User
Nov 17, 2010
8,130
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It’s hard to actually distinguish who’s at fault and if the coach can’t get players to perform he usually ends up being the sacrificial lamb whether it’s deserved or not.

Most Devils fans wanted Ruff gone in the summer (I was personally fine either way). Two loses elevated this.
But the nail in the coffin or at least what got me on the fire Ruff train was his attitude and the attitude around the team after the second game I believe.
Was all pissy in his presser and gave a pissed off answer to the devils new beat reporter (who fans love) for a perfectly reasonable question and then walked out. Just showed a terrible attitude IMO.

The combination of those 3 things are why there was fire Lindy chants going 2 games in and it wasn’t completely undeserved. Certainly wasn’t just because the devils lost the 2 opening games like a lot of people seem to suggest.

But yes sometimes coaches fall victim to players not playing their best or gm’s not bringing in a good enough team but as I said it’s hard to distinguish who’s at fault. And it’s a lot easier to bring in a new coach than a completely new team and if fans think there’s a talented roster on paper they’ll most likely look to the coach.

Exactly, just to add, it wasn't just the 2 games, it was the 2 games and a literal decade of nothing here besides the Hall drag em to the playoffs mvp season.

We have a fan base that has a lot of young people that know nothing but losing or they were young themselves during the 12 run to the finals and they are all now desperate to see this ship be turned around after 2 gms, a few rebuilds and a few coaches.

That part of the fan base plus the season ticket holders like myself who have stuck it out for this past decade of nothing were just desperate not to see our team be basically toast before December yet again.

I just wanted this team to be competitive and in the playoff hunt at least. Never, ever saw this wild run coming, especially after those first 2 games.

Just enjoying the ride now and hope they can keep it going as long as possible.
 

Aurinko

Registered User
Apr 1, 2015
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Finland
I do get some of the same vibes like from the 17-18 VGK team, which has been so far the most entertaining team I've followed.

Fast plays with full 6-man defensive effort is just very satisfactory to watch. They really doing it as a team, and will have to, since statwise they don't have any offensive superstars that could outscore the defensive holes away.
 

Xirik

Registered User
Sep 24, 2014
10,124
15,085
Alberta
I do get some of the same vibes like from the 17-18 VGK team, which has been so far the most entertaining team I've followed.

Fast plays with full 6-man defensive effort is just very satisfactory to watch. They really doing it as a team, and will have to, since statwise they don't have any offensive superstars that could outscore the defensive holes away.
A hockey fan who enjoy Defensive effort?

Are you my soulmate?😍
 
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severian

Registered User
Aug 19, 2007
4,104
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Westfield
I do get some of the same vibes like from the 17-18 VGK team, which has been so far the most entertaining team I've followed.

Fast plays with full 6-man defensive effort is just very satisfactory to watch. They really doing it as a team, and will have to, since statwise they don't have any offensive superstars that could outscore the defensive holes away.
Jack Hughes says hi!
 
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Peasy

Registered User
May 25, 2012
17,889
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Star Shoppin
I do get some of the same vibes like from the 17-18 VGK team, which has been so far the most entertaining team I've followed.

Fast plays with full 6-man defensive effort is just very satisfactory to watch. They really doing it as a team, and will have to, since statwise they don't have any offensive superstars that could outscore the defensive holes away.
Never heard of Jack Hughes or Jesper Bratt?

Their team offense has been just as impressive. Theyre continually dominating teams in the shot categories.
 

surixon

Registered User
Jul 12, 2003
51,128
75,897
Winnipeg
The Devils are a very skilled and fast team that is built around speed, skill and puck movement. I'm not all that surprised that they are doing well as all that high end skill they drafted is now starting to come into their own.

They are a very fun team to watch.
 
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mm11

Registered User
Jan 26, 2005
7,226
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Fleming island, Fl
think they are taking over as the "fastest rebuild ever" All seriousness, looks like the only thing that can slow down this Devs team are the bumps and bruises of a long NHL season.
 
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Devil made me do it

Registered User
Nov 28, 2009
729
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California
The team has had an off period during this stretch pretty much in every game. But then they dominate their other two periods.
It's almost as if they are coasting along with confidence, knowing they are good and can just switch that strike button at a moment's notice.
This team can score when you least expect it. A random play breaks done at the blue line and boom... score. Things happen so fast and sudden, the opponent is left in shock. Bratt's goal against the Oilers is one example. And Hughes' second goal last night. And because they are so quick and skilled with the puck collectively, the other team has little breathing room. They feel overwhelmed.
 
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