GDT: Your New Jersey Devils (18-10-2, 38 Pts) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (16-9-2, 34 Pts), 7 PM, ESPN+/Hulu

[TheBeerNerd]

Hate to be that guy, but I knew this was going to be a loss after the second period. It just smacked of "yeah, we're going to lose in spite of having no business doing so." It isn't a big concern, but kind of annoying. One point is good, take it and go on with our lives.

 

[NJDevs26]

I don't disagree the lack of response to the Hughes 'and' Kovacevic hits could be a problem down the road if it becomes systematic but it had zero to do with losing last night's game. Lack of finish and lack of clutch goaltending were the only stories of the game, the former was a constant before and after the hits, the latter certainly wasn't caused by the hits.

 

[Wierzbowski426]

sigh, now I have to listen to my buddy from toronto brag about this game and say shit like games like this show keefe cant win when it counts.

Just one of those games that are going to happen, its a long season.

 

[SteveCangialosi123]

No doubt that had an impact...but I'm not sure if it changed the game? I'm doubtful because it was obvious that they were going to have trouble scoring from pretty much the begining of the the game almost as a follow through from the Colorado game.

The lack of response was gutless and no doubt was part of the Toronto's game plan.

The bigger problem with the lack of response and getting shutdown is everyone else saw it too and the Devils just made their futures more difficult because the next team is going to try to punch us in the mouth to shut us down too.

If I were Fitz I would be infuriated by the lack of response. I would have every bottom 6 player in my office individually asking them each why no response and while the lack of physicality in general... especially Noesen, Cotter and Bastian...

It's one thing when Kovacevic and Tatar are treated like a ragdoll in an alley but when they go after Jack and there isn't a team wide response there is a major problem.

Edit to all: and don't give me that bullshit about a close game so no response.... Toronto had no problem going after Tatar, Kovacevic and Jack in a close game. Seemed to work out well for them.

Yeah I’m sure if someone put Patches in a headlock or punched him a few times that would prevent Gudas or whoever from lining up Jack Hughes when he opens himself up to getting hit.

As a general rule, you will lose and lose very badly if you try to play like an idiot and give the Devils free PPs. I hope teams think that’s a wise strategy.

 

[Unknown Caller]

Hate to be that guy, but I knew this was going to be a loss after the second period. It just smacked of "yeah, we're going to lose in spite of having no business doing so." It isn't a big concern, but kind of annoying. One point is good, take it and go on with our lives.

I knew what the outcome was going to be when they had about 15 consecutive shots to start the game and couldn't score.

 

[Jersey Fresh]

The worst part is that it's such a good performance wasted. The team played a very solid game and a win would've been so awesome.

Yeah, I mean, I don’t see how “playing your best game of the season” and losing could possibly be good for the psyche.

 

[Devs3cups]

I don't disagree the lack of response to the Hughes 'and' Kovacevic hits could be a problem down the road if it becomes systematic but it had zero to do with losing last night's game. Lack of finish and lack of clutch goaltending were the only stories of the game, the former was a constant before and after the hits, the latter certainly wasn't caused by the hits.

Thing is, I’d like a response, but at the same time, when you have problems scoring is it the best thing to do to give a PP full of star players chances to tie the game/take the lead?

 

[NJDevs26]

Yeah I’m sure if someone put Patches in a headlock or punched him a few times that would prevent Gudas or whoever from lining up Jack Hughes when he opens himself up to getting hit.

As a general rule, you will lose and lose very badly if you try to play like an idiot and give the Devils free PPs. I hope teams think that’s a wise strategy.

You're assuming the refs in this neanderthal league actually give penalties on those plays though, there was no penalty on the Hughes hit (and I don't even think it was dirty) and what should have been a five on the Kovacevic hit was a lousy two.

 

[SteveCangialosi123]

You're assuming the refs in this neanderthal league actually give penalties on those plays though, there was no penalty on the Hughes hit (and I don't even think it was dirty) and what should have been a five on the Kovacevic hit was a lousy two.

That is true. This was a pretty poorly officiated game. Luke’s “trip” was preceded by multiple Toronto penalties that went uncalled seconds before.

 

[Based Anime Fan]

This reminds me of the 1-0 quad overtime game against the Sabres in I think '94. These games happen.

 

[Ducks4Cup]

You're not going to win many games when you score 1 goal, regardless of how many chances you give up. He gave up a shitty goal at a bad time. It sucks, and given how much they outplayed Toronto it's even more frustrating, but it happens. It is kind of weird how since November it seems like they get shutout every 4 or 5 games though. They got shutout by Calgary, after scoring 12 goals the previous two games, then scored 12 in their next 3 games, got shutout by San Jose, then put up 10 against Florida the next 2, then shutout by Tampa, then 12 goals in their next 3 again, shutout by St. Louis, scored 18 goals in their next 4, then shutout by Colorado and only 1 tonight.

That’s the point, he’s there to get the shut out. On nights when we can’t score for whatever reason

 

[devilsblood]

Yeah I’m sure if someone put Patches in a headlock or punched him a few times that would prevent Gudas or whoever from lining up Jack Hughes when he opens himself up to getting hit.

As a general rule, you will lose and lose very badly if you try to play like an idiot and give the Devils free PPs. I hope teams think that’s a wise strategy.

i get the overall point but I for one do not want teams lining up Hughes for big hits.

 

[SteveCangialosi123]

i get the overall point but I for one do not want teams lining up Hughes for big hits.

He takes hits at the lowest rate on the team (1.87/60). He’s been good about making business decisions this year

 

[Triumph]

i get the overall point but I for one do not want teams lining up Hughes for big hits.

Surely if you gift the team that hits Hughes a power play, guys will think twice about doing it.

 

[devilsblood]

That’s the point, he’s there to get the shut out. On nights when we can’t score for whatever reason

Did anyone really expect Markstrom, after his past couple seasons, to walk in at 30 whatever he is and be a lock down #1 goal tender?

I think the hope was he wouldn’t be part of a tandem which is key in tanking the season.

Id like him to be a little better, but he’s been good enough to fullfill my preseason hopes.

 

[devilsblood]

Surely if you gift the team that hits Hughes a power play, guys will think twice about doing it.

maybe but I just don’t want teams looking for big hits on Hughes. Granted they do anyways. And they try to do so in as legal a fashion as possible, but in terms of a message board theoretical discussion i have to push back against the notion of wanting teams to try to hit Hughes. Big disagree on that.

 

[Triumph]

maybe but I just don’t want teams looking for big hits on Hughes. Granted they do anyways. And they try to do so in as legal a fashion as possible, but in terms of a message board theoretical discussion i have to push back against the notion of wanting teams to try to hit Hughes. Big disagree on that.

Players are absolutely going to look for big hits on Hughes. There is no way of preventing this in the modern NHL.

 

[Bleedred]

I wouldn’t write off the Kings game.

We beat Florida when they were on a 7 (I think?) game winning streak last month. I think we can break the Kings 6 game winning streak.

 

[My3Sons]

Surely if you gift the team that hits Hughes a power play, guys will think twice about doing it.

You aren't likely gifting anyone a power play. More that likely after you decapitate someone on the other team it's coincidental minors.

 

[Mgd31]

I wouldn’t write off the Kings game.

We beat Florida when they were on a 7 (I think?) game winning streak last month. I think we can break the Kings 6 game winning streak.

I think we can too. But they are very stingy defensively 5 on 5. Luckily their goalies aren't great.

Those 2 games last year against them were some of the worst hockey we played. We did beat them twice 2 years ago though.

 

[Triumph]

You aren't likely gifting anyone a power play. More that likely after you decapitate someone on the other team it's coincidental minors.

In a lot of cases, yes, in the situation that the Devils were in last night, absolutely no way.

 

[guitarguyvic]

sigh, now I have to listen to my buddy from toronto brag about this game and say shit like games like this show keefe cant win when it counts.

Just one of those games that are going to happen, its a long season.

lol…tell him that if he thinks Berube coaching that team to be a bunch of goons is gonna change something about their playoff fortunes, he’s delusional. Their D core is still average and they are still the Leafs…they will fall on their faces like they always do when the playoffs come.

 

[Bleedred]

If Markstrom stops that brutal beach ball goal with 9 minutes left in the 3rd I’m pretty sure we win 1-0 or maybe 2-0 with an empty net. And it still would have been one of the easiest shutouts he’s gotten in his career if I were to bet.

It’s not even like they were pinning us in our end like teams have the few times we did get scored on later in the game.

 

[PizzaAndPucks]

I think we can too. But they are very stingy defensively 5 on 5. Luckily their goalies aren't great.

Those 2 games last year against them were some of the worst hockey we played. We did beat them twice 2 years ago though.

That was a year ago with Ruff & Green as our Head Coach and with a worse roster. This is a different season. Anyone can beat anybody on any given game. We learned that with the Sharks and with the Devils beating Florida back to back on the road.