GDT: Your New Jersey Devils (24-12-3) vs. New York Rangers (22-12-6), 1 PM, MSGSN/NHL Network

[ZachaFlockaFlame]

Honestly, I'm not sure if he really believed that. I think he knew we were gonna wind up with Hughes and they wouldn't be able to take him so they'd get Kakko, and he was just playing him up to try and absorb the blow.

Although, this was a fairly popular opinion at the time. ''Plays against men'' remains one of my favorite HF Boards'isms and always will.

I think so too, a lot of Rangers fans are casuals and don't know anything about the sport so I can't blame Valiquette for hyping up the majority of the fanbase who didn't know prospects. All my diehard Rangers fans friends were pissed we landed 1st overall because they had no chance at Jack that year. That's not to say they weren't excited about Kakko but they all knew Hughes was the better player going into the draft. The issue is that the fans who cheered at their MSG party when we took Hughes look like absolute imbeciles now.

the Devils are 7th in the league in goals per game.

This "THEY NEED FINISHERS OMG THEY ARE SCREWED" stuff is so funny to me. Yes, they could use another goal scorer...but they have been a top 10 offense all year.

Agreed, wouldn't say they're screwed per se but to get to the next level they need one. Can't turn this season into what happened after the Hall MVP year and Shero sitting on his hands virtually for the 2018 offseason only to shoot his load in the 2019 offseason which blew up in his face. I think Fitz is going to capitalize on this year after seeing what Shero did and how it arguably cost him his job.

 

[MadDevil]

Devils win! Let's argue about Bratt...again!

 

[HersheyBob27]

the Devils are 7th in the league in goals per game.

This "THEY NEED FINISHERS OMG THEY ARE SCREWED" stuff is so funny to me. Yes, they could use another goal scorer...but they have been a top 10 offense all year.

No they have been literally carried by nico and now jack. Nice spin though

 

[Devs3cups]

well i hope your scenario doesn't occur and Bratt / Fitz come to an agreement.

It would be an absolute FAIL on Fitz's part if a deal could not be done.

*He* has the power to provide the contract.

Not Bratt.

I have to say, it’s been quite the roller coaster ride seeing your opinion go back and forth about this whole thing these last few weeks haha, when Bratt was “cold” (not really cold, but you know, less noticeable and dominant out there) these last 2 weeks-ish, you were visibly upset and more on the Fitz side, and now we’re back to the Bratt camp haha!

I really want Bratt to stay, and the numbers are still good, but something does seem a little bit “off” about him lately. Do you feel the same? He seems less engaged and maybe less dynamic out there? I don’t know how to explain it.

Hopefully though, Bratt keeps on doing his thing, this all resolves itself this summer and we don’t have to talk about all this any longer! I’m sure it’ll be a big relief to you too haha! (And no, this isn’t sarcasm )

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

No they have been literally carried by nico and now jack. Nice spin though

I am sorry that facts offend you.

Devils 7th in goals per game. FACT.

 

[Mr Bojanglez]

Man the tears in the RAGS PGD are glorious. They want everyone fired, traded, tarred and feathered…I thought we were bad after a loss.

OH WE ARE.

 

[ZachaFlockaFlame]

I have to say, it’s been quite the roller coaster ride seeing your opinion go back and forth about this whole thing these last few weeks haha, when Bratt was “cold” (not really cold, but you know, less noticeable and dominant out there) these last 2 weeks-ish, you were visibly upset and more on the Fitz side, and now we’re back to the Bratt camp haha!

I really want Bratt to stay, and the numbers are still good, but something does seem a little bit “off” about him lately. Do you feel the same? He seems less engaged and maybe less dynamic out there? I don’t know how to explain it.


Hopefully though, Bratt keeps on doing his thing, this all resolves itself this summer and we don’t have to talk about all this any longer! I’m sure it’ll be a big relief to you too haha! (And no, this isn’t sarcasm )

He's been off since mid December like the rest of the team, it's just proof this team isn't doing anything without Bratt being a passenger and I'm sure he knows that too. 82 game seasons, lulls happen unless you're an absolute superstar who can lurk quietly for 50 mins a game and make your presence known for the other 10. Bratt's great but he's not there yet.

 

[Clam Jensen]

The only thing crazier than NestleRobert commenting after a win would be the return of MegaJake.

 

[NjDevsRR]

Bob thinks puck/ball possession doesn’t matter when it comes to scoring in both NHL and NFL.

And he expects me to ellaborat me more on that lmao. OH MY.

 

[Whaddagoal]

Devils win! Let's argue about Bratt...again!

I learned my lesson from yesterday.

You tempt the Unicorn, you get shamed.

 

[HersheyBob27]

Bob thinks puck/ball possession doesn’t matter when it comes to scoring in both NHL and NFL.

And he expects me to ellaborat me more on that lmao. OH MY.

Thanks but I never said that. I believe it is was less important than the laptop crew makes it out to be. Making the most of your chances is what ultimately count

 

[Offseason Champs]

The Bratt discourse is wild. Like they need him to be producing because outside of Nico/Hughes/Bratt/Dougie there isn't really a lot of secondary scoring. Bratt is pretty key to this team's success and it's little surprise the cold streak of his and the team's lined up as it did.

I'm not in love with Jesper Bratt but when he's on he's an absolute game breaker. I just think he has trouble at times finding the right times and ways to make it happen. You compare that to Jack or Nico who find ways even when things aren't going their way to make something happen and there's a clear difference there. Does that make Bratt a lesser player? I don't think so. He may be a step down from Jack and Nico, but it's a really small step.

And man, of course making the most of your chances ultimately counts. But you can't get chances without possession. Puck possession directly leads to chances, and then you have to rely on your talent to make the best plays to capitalize on your chances. You can win with less puck possession but it's much more difficult. Possession is literally the entire meta game of the NFL to continue this metaphor. Clock management is a thing and it relies around possession and when you put up points. Yeah you need to have finishing, but you can't finish if you don't have the puckball.

 

[AfroThunder396]

Starting with the OT loss against Nashville on Dec 1st, where a lot of people want to claim our struggles began:

Bratt is 3rd on the team in points (14 points in 17 games) behind Hughes (23) and Hamilton (18).
Bratt is 3rd on the team in goals (7 goals in 17 games) behind Hughes (14) and Hischier (8).

Since that date he's still in the top-60 among forwards in points scored, he has as many in that same time span as Sidney Crosby, Tomas Hertl, and Joe Pavelski.

Again, Bratt has more points than Nico! And only one fewer goal. Yet nobody is asking to trade Nico at the deadline for a 2nd round pick.

Yet everything is his fault, and not the fault of:

Tatar (17 GP): 3 goals, 9 points
Haula (17 GP): 1 goal, 9 points
Mercer (17 GP): 3 goals, 8 points
McLeod (17 GP): 1 goal, 5 points
Wood (16 GP): 1 goal, 5 points
Severson (16 GP): 1 goal, 3 points
Sharangovich (17 GP): 2 goals, 3 points
Zetterlund (15 GP): 1 goal, 2 points

I would also be remiss if I didn't point out that since that Dec 1st game against Nashville, the goalies are:

Vanacek: 4-3-2 .900 SV% 2.66 GAA
Blackwood: 1-1-1 .898 SV% 3.57 GAA
Schmid: 1-4-0 .895 SV% 2.97 GAA

It's just really weird to me that some people choose to hyperfixate on this one great forward and blame him for everything, no matter how many times he proves them wrong.

 

[glenwo2]

Let me also comment that I went back and watched the game from the Rags broadcast perspective.

That 1st goal by Jack Hughes?

It was obvious that Goodrow made a god-awful backpass to the blue-line without, for some reason, seeing Jack there...which he took gladly and scored.

Both Rosen and Homer Joe took great pains NOT to point out the bad pass by Goodrow (they didn't even mention him in the replay) but act like it was a pass from a Devil or something.

Say what you will about Dano but even he would point out when a Devils makes a bad play.

 

[glenwo2]

Devils win! Let's argue about Bratt...again!

I'm going to create a goddamn meme at this point.

This is absolutely ridiculous.


In fact, here is my brand new meme (and it's not Spiderman 'cause I'm annoyed with the Anti-Bratt peanut gallery here) :

I mean....enough is enough.

Bratt is good, he should be re-signed (and will be), and everyone who doubts his abilities as a player should get lost.

 

[ChicksDigTheTrap]

Starting with the OT loss against Nashville on Dec 1st, where a lot of people want to claim our struggles began:

Bratt is 3rd on the team in points (14 points in 17 games) behind Hughes (23) and Hamilton (18).
Bratt is 3rd on the team in goals (7 goals in 17 games) behind Hughes (14) and Hischier (8).

Since that date he's still in the top-60 among forwards in points scored, he has as many in that same time span as Sidney Crosby, Tomas Hertl, and Joe Pavelski.

Again, Bratt has more points than Nico! And only one fewer goal. Yet nobody is asking to trade Nico at the deadline for a 2nd round pick.

Yet everything is his fault, and not the fault of:

Tatar (17 GP): 3 goals, 9 points
Haula (17 GP): 1 goal, 9 points
Mercer (17 GP): 3 goals, 8 points
McLeod (17 GP): 1 goal, 5 points
Wood (16 GP): 1 goal, 5 points
Severson (16 GP): 1 goal, 3 points
Sharangovich (17 GP): 2 goals, 3 points
Zetterlund (15 GP): 1 goal, 2 points

I would also be remiss if I didn't point out that since that Dec 1st game against Nashville, the goalies are:

Vanacek: 4-3-2 .900 SV% 2.66 GAA
Blackwood: 1-1-1 .898 SV% 3.57 GAA
Schmid: 1-4-0 .895 SV% 2.97 GAA

It's just really weird to me that some people choose to hyperfixate on this one great forward and blame him for everything, no matter how many times he proves them wrong.

Not that I disagree with your overall point, but Bratt plays on PP1. During this streak he has 3 ES goals and 3 ES assists. While I believe he is better and deserves the PP1 time, IMO it is fair to point out his EV production as well.

 

[Triumph]

Traditionally when the Devils were winning games, they were outshooting teams:

95: +144 shots/20 games
00: +190 shots/23 games
01: +217 shots/26 games
03: +56 shots/24 games
12: +37 shots/24 games

Yes, you have to finish your chances, but you have to get those chances, and prevent the other team from getting chances. Otherwise you're just relying on your goalie.

 

[NjDevsRR]

Traditionally when the Devils were winning games, they were outshooting teams:

95: +144 shots/20 games
00: +190 shots/23 games
01: +217 shots/26 games
03: +56 shots/24 games
12: +37 shots/24 games

Yes, you have to finish your chances, but you have to get those chances, and prevent the other team from getting chances. Otherwise you're just relying on your goalie.

What a concept!! Shocked I tell you….

 

[glenwo2]

1. His struggles are showing him to be a liability, and not something I want to make a franchise altering investment in.

Well, based on everything else you've stated in this thread, it's a good thing you're not the one making that decision then.

You need to face facts : The Devils are better with Jesper Bratt on it than without.

As much he's not as dynamic as Jack, teams still have to account for him.

 

[devilsblood]

I really want Bratt to stay, and the numbers are still good, but something does seem a little bit “off” about him lately. Do you feel the same? He seems less engaged and maybe less dynamic out there? I don’t know how to explain it.

Hopefully though, Bratt keeps on doing his thing, this all resolves itself this summer and we don’t have to talk about all this any longer! I’m sure it’ll be a big relief to you too haha! (And no, this isn’t sarcasm )

I think back to when Bratt broke onto the scene as a rookie, he talked about talking to a sports psychologist and how that helped his game. I think confidence, maybe better put "killer instinct confidence", might be something he struggles a bit with.

 

[NjdevilfanJim]

Just surf the Rangers board makes today without a game feel like another win!...

 

[NjDevsRR]

Speaking of Bratt…

Watching the replay now. Bill is doing a great job. Without hesitation he called that Bratt goal.

 

[Hisch13r]

the Devils are 7th in the league in goals per game.

This "THEY NEED FINISHERS OMG THEY ARE SCREWED" stuff is so funny to me. Yes, they could use another goal scorer...but they have been a top 10 offense all year.

18 of their last 21 goals have come from Jack, Nico, Bratt, or Dougie. That's pathetic but I also don't think the problem is not having enough talent to be better. It's f***ing moronic lineup construction that neuters the depth completely and forces the stars to have to carry every game.

 

[NjDevsRR]

@Better Call Dano

With your IT powers, would you be able to get the audio from Danos OH MY on the Damon goal? All the highlights everywhere stop right before

 

[Saugus]

According to Steve Valiquette tonight:

Shots don’t count, and they lost because of our home losing streak and the Rangers would easily beat us in the postseason.

Remember that.

Valiquette is an idiot, which even my Rangers fan father in law agreed with when we were watching good old Steve spout nonsense on the Rangers broadcast. Lundqvist's commentary is a lot more balanced and sensible.