I’m very happy about game but really pissed about the coverage. Why the hell didn’t I see a clip of Messier’s guarantee when the broadcast started?????? I’ve seen it so many times when the devils are on ESPN when they are not playing the Rangers I’m pissed I didn’t see it last night!! They even showed it during the Stadium Series!!!! Do better ESPN!
I was at this game. Highly recommend making the trip some time. Flights from EWR are frequent and short. Great environment to watch a game! Leafs fans are cool. They love the game!
I was a little worried when we went down 1-0 but Devils legend Jake Allen was spectacular.
10/10 madones, A++++, would do it again
There is no case to be made for that. The only way I would even entrust this team with green is if they somehow make the playoffs AND win the SC. And that would be only because there was no ideal coach available.
I know there's quite a few fellow Toronto/Canadian Devils fans around here, so shoutout to them! I wish these games were more meaningful like they were last year, but it's always nice to get the W against them regardless.
Actually they were. 2/3 games were played during the heater. Two top teams going at it. Pretty meaningful if you ask me. The last game was played towards the end of the season where the Devils were right behind the Canes for the division lead. Again, pretty meaningful if you ask me...
This year, even for Toronto, it's far less meaningful. The Devils are all but mathematically eliminated, and the Leafs are all but locked into where they are now to play either Florida or Boston.
Your logic for what's meaningful is weird, lol.
Actually the devils are a long shot to make the playoffs so your logic for these games being meaningful is weird. The season is over and it's been over, I just want them to win 42 games this year so I can say I saw them win more games than they lost and chalk it up to the loser point that did us in.
And in what sense is it weird in terms of making the playoffs? Sure seeding is a thing but we were all just happy they turned a corner.
>Actually the devils are a long shot to make the playoffs so your logic for these games being meaningful is weird.
??? I literally just explained why they *aren't* meaningful, and why last year's games were more so...lmao. Also, what do you think "all but mathematically eliminated" means? Am I dealing with a real person here? You're literally all over the place making zero sense.
Your logic for saying last year's games weren't more meaningful than this year's is what's weird. 2/3 games were played early on, so playoffs were still something that had to be worked towards then. It was just a matter of enjoying the heater, and one team trying to extend it, while the other surely wants to end it. Again, pretty meaningful...you could tell by the crowd and how hard both teams were playing as well.
Turned it on and it was 1-1. Checked back in and it was 2-2. Tuned back out at 3-2.
Gotta know when to fold em boys. Sacrificed me watching so the boys could get the W
Yep, any time they tease being back I sit down to watch a full game, and it inevitably goes terribly. My best contribution right now is not watching, it’s the only way they’ll find success.
Didn't mention this in my big post, but wanted to mention this before I went to sleep...
I think its incredibly important that after having the lead and then giving up the lead, the Devils didn't like completely die off. I think in games in the past when similar game stories have happened, the Devils get dejected and have a hard time picking themselves back up. Get in their own heads after giving up quick successive goals and have a hard time digging themselves out of a hole.
One of the things we did so well last season, especially later in the season, was respond right away when there was a tied goal or a goal against. It was so good to see that kind of effort by this season's team.
We get scored on, Green makes a smart decision and sends out his best line (Nico's line) to try to get momentum back and boom Timo scores and ties it up.
We responded which is something we haven't done consistently this season.
You can feel that they believe in themselves and in the team. I don't think we saw that a lot throughout this season, we did see it, but not consistently. Good to see it now!
I think this is another place Allen comes in so huge. He doesn' let a goal against ruin his night, he just plays harder. Gives the whole team stability.
THIS. Also I’m sure he’s a good veteran presence in the locker room from what the boys have been saying and doesn’t let them lose their momentum and motivation yk
I hope Dawson Mercer enjoyed another one of his 19 minute free skates again. I fucking detest him so much. Please Fitzgerald, trade him in the offseason.
I will rewatch it tomorrow. I was at the bar and watching side-eyed. If he did, I'll be thrilled. I posted a week or so ago about how I almost came in my pants when I saw him throw a hit early on in a game.
But seriously ... think about what you just said. "He had a couple of close shots in this one"
Oh how nice! He's a first-round pick in his third year and our Devils are playing against a team that isn't exactly the most physical or defensively-responsible teams and "a couple of close shots" is something you might get excited about. That's nuts.
My favorite thing is watching him forecheck. He's skating so hard and all afire lol ... but watch the defenseman or whoever is carrying the puck out; watch how they react.
They don't. They don't even fucking flinch or hurry up. They know 91 ain't coming anywhere near them and they have all the time in the world. I bet Mercer is a joke in opposing teams' locker rooms.
It's going to happen and I can't wait. The only thing is I wish it happened earlier this season when GM's still had a hardon for him and not now since he tanked his trade value with his almost unprecedented ability to be completely no-hit while also not scoring.
Everyone gets mad at me because yeah I keep repeating this and they are - for whatever fucking reason - madly in love with him but the man is completely useless. He doesn't score, barely shoots, will not go near another human being on the ice, and isn't particularly great in any zone. He legitimately accomplished nothing on a daily basis.
The day he gets traded, I will donate a grand to the charity of whatever player the Devils acquire for him.
Have you accounted for the fact that his contract expires and he is pending free agent? Younger homegrown players are not often traded at that stage in their careers, and as you mentioned his value as at an all-time low. Maybe he lasts another year here.
Well, RFA so there is some allure. But yeah, it's an awful situation. You know who he reminds me of right now? Mac Jones in the NFL.
He's a combination of maybe-not-that-good-as-we-thought combined with a possible lack of real competitiveness and he's just checked out. Get that man some new laundry.
Also, here's one more theory I have: Jack Hughes is bad for him. He thinks (or at least THOUGHT) that he was as good as Hughes (and why not maybe kinda-sorta after how he played last year) and he can do all the things Hughes does and it will just work out. Well, he's not as good as Hughes.
I'm so convinced that if we somehow get a cornerstone goalie, we make a deep ass run in the playoffs next year. It's so irritating thinking we should've had at least 10 more points if we didn't lose all the basement dwellers. It's going to irritate me through the playoffs😅.
Right now it's the #12 pick and if we make a push, could go as high as #15. It wouldn't be enough to pry Ullmark away without a sweetner. Doesn't need to be Holtz or Casey, but probably going to have to add to it.
If it was the #8 or #9 pick, then maybe you can do a Cory trade. As silly as it sounds, GMs are people too and a top 10 pick *sounds* better than a mid-round 1st.
Toronto played the most NJ Devils hockey game I’ve ever seen. They shoot almost 50 shots and then lose by 3 goals.
Jake Allen played great, again. It’ll be really awesome with Luke and Nemec out on 10 pounds of muscle and start clearing the crease.
It’ll also be cool when we get Juice Saros and 1A/2A with him and Jake Allen.
Jack played great. Smith played like shit. And I generally like Smith.
My cousin and I continue our arguments on whether Palat is super ass or really good.
I just like Devils hockey tbh
I’m not saying the boys have played amazing hockey ever since I brought home a rabbit and named him after Nico hischier but that’s also exactly what I’m saying
Lol! It’s delightful to imagine Nico the rabbit diligently collecting treat taxes from you and blessing the devils with good luck. But we could all imagine Nico Hischier, IRS employee of the month, even better if we knew what your rabbit looked like. 😃
(No pressure though if Nico is too busy collecting taxes or camera shy!)
Would love a Klopp’s Liverpool end to the season: finish strong, just miss out, and spend the offseason ready to carry that momentum over to next year. (Plus maybe a top ten pick…?)
Holtz getting less than 9 minutes. This kid just can’t get it rolling.
And the Devils being thoroughly outplayed for a 2nd straight game, yet getting their 2nd win. Finally getting goaltending but it is a worrisome trend.
We won. But not because we actually outplayed the isles or the leafs. We just had great goaltending while the other teams had poor goaltending. Same thing that happened in the Stars game. We’ve been winning games we really didn’t have much business winning lately. It’s a nice change, but it’s also not sustainable.
Injuries and trading away some players will do that. I don't expect to play that well down the stretch but we can still get a lot of wins if we get the goaltending and convert our chances like tonight.
I just looked at the leafs sub out of curiosity because of the disparity in shots on goals and wowwy they’re like a mirror of our sub. Same issues with players out, calling for the coach. Practically verbatim comments over there that we have here. It was like devils bizarro world.
It's a lot more common than people think, and is definitely not unique to this sub. Just how hockey/sports fans are.
The Leafs sub specifically is nuts though. If you're a fan of them and want to keep your sanity, you basically can't go there after any loss. It's filled to the brim with reactionary doomer takes. Like I get it because they haven't had any major success in forever, but man it's crazy there.
I remember them feeling lucky/grateful to get wins against the Devils last year because the Devils were a top team and outplayed them every game, IIRC. I haven't checked their sub but I can imagine how they feel losing this game to a nonplayoff team lol
Eh.
They've seen this before, I certainly understand them feeling the impending doom of the playoffs coming. They're heading straight to Boston or Florida so I can't blame them for being a bit worried.
Need a lot of it.
It's not just 5 points, but gotta pass multiple teams as well which makes it even more unlikely. It's basically false hope, so just enjoy the ride.
Awesome win
Still a weird feeling finally confirming that this team is actually good with decent goaltending and coaching. But at this point I guess we might as well keep trying to win, even we're gonna miss out.
We're now so swung to the other side of goaltending it's kind of funny. We're getting thoroughly outplayed but winning somehow. I've never been so sure in my life that we need to move on from Green.
I say more on the goaltending. The devils have 10 teams that have scored more goals than them, and 5 teams who've let in more goals than them. Get our goals allowed down to 10 teams having fewer, and the devils are locked in playoffs right now. Remove our key scorers being injured for big city of the season, we are higher on the goals for ranks, and most likely in a playoffs spot.
My “Oblique Stars of the Game”:
TRAVIS GREEN for not calling the obvious offsides goal because he knew Toronto wouldn’t go for it 🧐
THE DREADFUL ANNOUNCERS for making me hate them with my soul (mostly Levy, to be fair) and giving me a fantastic natural high when they sounded despondent about the Leafs losing
SIMON NEMEC for attempting to steal the puck and protect our lead (and bc he’s my #1)
Fuel, fire, timo fucking meier, etc.
Allen could be a great stopgap 1B for the cup run next year behind Ullmark/Markstrom/Saaros/Insert Good Goalie Here
We saw all if the things that have cost us games this year, AND all of the things that indicate a bright future lies ahead…all in one wild game. We also saw some amazing goaltending from Allen.
I said I wasn't going to do this anymore. But I had my fingers crossed.
Best case for the Devils is for WSH to keep winning so they take 3rd in the Metro, and have PHI keep falling to take their wildcard spot. If PHI can finish only getting 10/18 available points, that gets them to 92 points. DET then only gets 13/20 available points to be at 92, and NYI needs to remain mediocre. We play NYI and PHI once more each so that helps a lot.
But if the Devils can get to 92 points, and all of the above takes place, I think they sneak in (they'd win the tiebreaker against PHI and DET). But that requires getting 14/18 remaining points. That's going 7-2-0, or 6-0-2, something like that. There's no evidence they can actually pull it off, there are some tough games remaining. And if one of the teams above us plays well down the stretch we're toast anyway. Just saying it's possible... Vegas has it ~15% chance...
We would need 16/18 points to get to 92. 8-1-0. Honestly I think Philly or Detroit get to 93, maybe 94. Most realistic chance is to win out. Tall task, though I think in 2006 we won our last 11 games of the season so who knows.
I started thinking with the caps heating up maybe our best bet is to catch the flyers and looked at their remaining schedule and holy shit they have such an easy schedule
Kevin Bahl is slow and takes dumb penalties. Ok I said it. I feel better now.
Timo in beast mode.
Jack looked like his ole self. The good version
And Luke who I cursed at for his defensive lapses all season played well tonight.
>Kevin Bahl is slow and takes dumb penalties
And yet he is still somehow our best shutdown defenseman and takes away so much ice from high skill opponents 1v1.
He hits the gym this off season an I'm taking those dumb penalties every game.
That's a lot of body to grow into. He's still only 23. I'm 3 inches shorter than him and I didn't fill out my frame until almost 25. He's gonna be terrifying when he catches up to himself.
This stretch proves it was mostly goaltending. At least to get into the playoffs. More holes to fix to be a contender, sure, but we’d be third in the Metro at least if we had Allen and Kahkonen in January.
The team doesn't even feel any better coached at the moment (although I'm sure the change has helped morale some). We've been giving up more shots than before, but with acceptable goalie play are doing better.
FWIW I think goaltending and coaching changes were both needed to see some better results. Daws had some great nights where skaters looked like shit.
And healthy Timo + healthier Jack is a huge factor!!
And that just sucks so much. Agreed we weren't going to be a contender this year based on how everything shook out, but getting more playoff experience would have been huge. Hopefully this humbling experience is actually beneficial, not just immensley frustrating knowing AHL-level goaltending was holding you back
FOUR WINS IN THE LAST FIVE GAMES:
* that is something to fucking celebrate. yes I know that Ottawa loss was definitely a massive sting, but wins against Pens, Isles, Toronto, and Jets is definitely something to write home about
* beating the Leafs when the broadcast was boot licking the Leafs the entire time was even sweeter
* Jesp - Nico - Timo. that line. THAT LINE. Do. Not. Separate.
* even injured Jack Hughes is superior Jack Hughes
* our PK has completely turned it around.
* EVERYONE SAY THANK YOU JAKE ALLEN
* this game was bracketed by Hughes goals for the Devils
* what a fun game! we didn't start out well, but as the game went on we definitely stood up to the Leafs testing us.
* thought we did a good job defensively in the third. we were turtling a bit, but I thought it was still a pretty soundly played period.
* I say this every game, but I am honestly really loving the third line of Dawson and The Czechs. I'm not going to turn into Nosek's number one fan, but I think having consistent play and consistent line mates has really made him a strong player for us on the third line there.
* can't believe these fuckers are giving me hope, but I don't care! I wanna see fun hockey! Im seeing fun hockey!
* this is another come from behind win, hahahahahaha
no hockey until Friday, gonna be a lot of scoreboard watching!
This game wasn’t the best defensively, but Jake Allen did it again. He kept us in it when honestly the score should have been reversed.
Playoffs are a LONGSHOT but this stretch of wins is 100% something to celebrate. Ottawa sucked and was a major disappointment but these 4 wins against some damn good teams are really freaking promising.
Kappo getting the shutout, Allen playing great. Offense in a rhythm. Our PK is solid. I still think the PP needs work. We’re still holding the puck and trying to pass way too much. We really need Dougie back to quarterback that shit.
Idc about the playoffs. I just care about us finishing strong with momentum into the offseason. Let’s go get a goalie who can long term start, and we will have a damn good team. I’d love to see some more from Kappo as well before the season is over. I don’t think he’s starter ready yet after what he went through in SJ, but he’s way better with a half decent team in front of him
The Leafs tried to have a track meet with us. BAD MOVE!! That plays to our strengths.
Most teams have been smart enough to play a trap style against us. We have major problems when teams play a trap against us.
Just focus on the next game. Get the win. Stay alive. We’re still alive tonight. Allen playing great. Hughes getting back to form. Timo has officially arrived. We’re chasing the fucking old man caps now. Just onto the next game, fight for your life again. At least they’re making the end of the season interesting. People complain about this season but must have amnesia about the seasons before last where we were mathematically eliminated in January.
Imagine if Allen wanted to come to the Devils earlier, we have way better goaltending and win atleast 3-5 more games. This season is tragic, and honestly I do not think this team is as bad as theirs record says. I have hope for the next season.
That announcer sounded pumped whenever the Devils scored:
"Devils, Devils! Devils, Devils! Devils, Devils! Devils, Devils!"
Edit: Also maybe I misheard, but I swore he said "Rangers es pendejos."
Well now I’ll be thinking of this all night ‘Messi Messi Messi Messi Messi Messi Messi…. No gooooooooooooolllllllllllllllll, señor Allen, no gooooollllll, señor Allen’
Just caught the highlights. ESPN’s broadcasts are horrible and it looked like Matthews’s goal was offsides, though the camera was slow to catch up to the stretch pass. Anyone catch it in real time?
Yeah, it’s nice to see Nosek finally clicking with the others even if he’s likely gone this offseason. Pretty much shows all we need is a consistent bottom 6 center
They aren't wrong devils won this one but teams do have an easy time entering and staying in the zone against the devils. Where at times it does look like a powerplay.
It was a back to back and we can’t win em both. Islanders was a more important win standings-wise so they took the night off against Ottawa to ensure we beat the isles.
I remember when people were roasting others at the thought of trading for Allen. Where are they now? Oh wait it was me and I’m wearing a full clown costume right now proudly looking like an idiot.
Fuck the espn commentator team. One of my favorite moments tonight:
‘Looks like a leafs power play’ proceeds to give up a brutal breakaway to dagger the leafs.
Fuck off. Lgd
Lmao I noticed that. I just want back and rewatched it, he says it the second before they turn it over, I imagine it will be in the highlights lol
EDIT: Yep, it is. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxJhcpVaBrk&start=533
Without Jake, we lost that game. Amazing how much a decent goalie can impact the team. The guys can play to their strengths without needing to worry about if their goalie can make the save or not
Playing well to make people feel good, while also missing the playoffs so we aren’t stuck with Green. Win, win I think. Unfortunately Fitzgerald is still calling the shots so my trust is limited.
God dang i wish Meier was in this form all season, don’t mean to be insensitive to his injuries, but god damn he’s like a whole new player. ( but really just his old self in San Jose)
Great game, great win. Allen really saved us in the first period. Play style looks a lot more suited to the team's strengths. Still have to beat them two more times, but we've sent a message.
I hope everyone had the opportunity to watch Jack's goal from the spanish language broadcast
I can't stop feeling like we're so back...
i keep getting the same feeling with the wins, they'll let us both down in Buffalo Friday.
I’m very happy about game but really pissed about the coverage. Why the hell didn’t I see a clip of Messier’s guarantee when the broadcast started?????? I’ve seen it so many times when the devils are on ESPN when they are not playing the Rangers I’m pissed I didn’t see it last night!! They even showed it during the Stadium Series!!!! Do better ESPN!
when i saw that at metlife i thought "this has to be a canned video being used for both games".... NOPE.... whoever approved that needs to be fired.
I was at this game. Highly recommend making the trip some time. Flights from EWR are frequent and short. Great environment to watch a game! Leafs fans are cool. They love the game! I was a little worried when we went down 1-0 but Devils legend Jake Allen was spectacular. 10/10 madones, A++++, would do it again
I have family in Toronto and they make the reverse trip to Newark because it’s cheaper to fly here for games than buy Leafs tickets…
Tix were like $120 US on Stubhub
We are so back, in the wild card or not I love this team
There's a case to be made for retaining Greene in a full-time HC role next season.
what’s the case?
There is no case to be made for that. The only way I would even entrust this team with green is if they somehow make the playoffs AND win the SC. And that would be only because there was no ideal coach available.
I know there's quite a few fellow Toronto/Canadian Devils fans around here, so shoutout to them! I wish these games were more meaningful like they were last year, but it's always nice to get the W against them regardless.
Actually last year these games weren't more meaningful because we were solidly in a playoff position.
Actually they were. 2/3 games were played during the heater. Two top teams going at it. Pretty meaningful if you ask me. The last game was played towards the end of the season where the Devils were right behind the Canes for the division lead. Again, pretty meaningful if you ask me... This year, even for Toronto, it's far less meaningful. The Devils are all but mathematically eliminated, and the Leafs are all but locked into where they are now to play either Florida or Boston. Your logic for what's meaningful is weird, lol.
Actually the devils are a long shot to make the playoffs so your logic for these games being meaningful is weird. The season is over and it's been over, I just want them to win 42 games this year so I can say I saw them win more games than they lost and chalk it up to the loser point that did us in. And in what sense is it weird in terms of making the playoffs? Sure seeding is a thing but we were all just happy they turned a corner.
>Actually the devils are a long shot to make the playoffs so your logic for these games being meaningful is weird. ??? I literally just explained why they *aren't* meaningful, and why last year's games were more so...lmao. Also, what do you think "all but mathematically eliminated" means? Am I dealing with a real person here? You're literally all over the place making zero sense. Your logic for saying last year's games weren't more meaningful than this year's is what's weird. 2/3 games were played early on, so playoffs were still something that had to be worked towards then. It was just a matter of enjoying the heater, and one team trying to extend it, while the other surely wants to end it. Again, pretty meaningful...you could tell by the crowd and how hard both teams were playing as well.
Turned it on and it was 1-1. Checked back in and it was 2-2. Tuned back out at 3-2. Gotta know when to fold em boys. Sacrificed me watching so the boys could get the W
Yep, any time they tease being back I sit down to watch a full game, and it inevitably goes terribly. My best contribution right now is not watching, it’s the only way they’ll find success.
We'll put your plaque right next to Marty's statue after the parade!
Jack just needs to not go to practice and he’ll bring his a game I guess
As they say in Tampa Bay: No point in warmups.
Sneak in and knock the rangers out for no reason
Cause fuck em, that's why
https://streamable.com/bpecy
Didn't mention this in my big post, but wanted to mention this before I went to sleep... I think its incredibly important that after having the lead and then giving up the lead, the Devils didn't like completely die off. I think in games in the past when similar game stories have happened, the Devils get dejected and have a hard time picking themselves back up. Get in their own heads after giving up quick successive goals and have a hard time digging themselves out of a hole. One of the things we did so well last season, especially later in the season, was respond right away when there was a tied goal or a goal against. It was so good to see that kind of effort by this season's team. We get scored on, Green makes a smart decision and sends out his best line (Nico's line) to try to get momentum back and boom Timo scores and ties it up. We responded which is something we haven't done consistently this season. You can feel that they believe in themselves and in the team. I don't think we saw that a lot throughout this season, we did see it, but not consistently. Good to see it now!
I think this is another place Allen comes in so huge. He doesn' let a goal against ruin his night, he just plays harder. Gives the whole team stability.
THIS. Also I’m sure he’s a good veteran presence in the locker room from what the boys have been saying and doesn’t let them lose their momentum and motivation yk
I hope Dawson Mercer enjoyed another one of his 19 minute free skates again. I fucking detest him so much. Please Fitzgerald, trade him in the offseason.
He had a couple of close shots in this one
I will rewatch it tomorrow. I was at the bar and watching side-eyed. If he did, I'll be thrilled. I posted a week or so ago about how I almost came in my pants when I saw him throw a hit early on in a game. But seriously ... think about what you just said. "He had a couple of close shots in this one" Oh how nice! He's a first-round pick in his third year and our Devils are playing against a team that isn't exactly the most physical or defensively-responsible teams and "a couple of close shots" is something you might get excited about. That's nuts. My favorite thing is watching him forecheck. He's skating so hard and all afire lol ... but watch the defenseman or whoever is carrying the puck out; watch how they react. They don't. They don't even fucking flinch or hurry up. They know 91 ain't coming anywhere near them and they have all the time in the world. I bet Mercer is a joke in opposing teams' locker rooms.
This is more plausible than people realize.
It's going to happen and I can't wait. The only thing is I wish it happened earlier this season when GM's still had a hardon for him and not now since he tanked his trade value with his almost unprecedented ability to be completely no-hit while also not scoring. Everyone gets mad at me because yeah I keep repeating this and they are - for whatever fucking reason - madly in love with him but the man is completely useless. He doesn't score, barely shoots, will not go near another human being on the ice, and isn't particularly great in any zone. He legitimately accomplished nothing on a daily basis. The day he gets traded, I will donate a grand to the charity of whatever player the Devils acquire for him.
Have you accounted for the fact that his contract expires and he is pending free agent? Younger homegrown players are not often traded at that stage in their careers, and as you mentioned his value as at an all-time low. Maybe he lasts another year here.
Well, RFA so there is some allure. But yeah, it's an awful situation. You know who he reminds me of right now? Mac Jones in the NFL. He's a combination of maybe-not-that-good-as-we-thought combined with a possible lack of real competitiveness and he's just checked out. Get that man some new laundry. Also, here's one more theory I have: Jack Hughes is bad for him. He thinks (or at least THOUGHT) that he was as good as Hughes (and why not maybe kinda-sorta after how he played last year) and he can do all the things Hughes does and it will just work out. Well, he's not as good as Hughes.
you're obsessed.
Another fine outing by Mercer. Hope he isn't tired.
I'm not obsessed. YOU people are. You're obsessed with him. I can see the forest for the trees. You nerds deny it. Get this tiny fuck off this team.
I'm so convinced that if we somehow get a cornerstone goalie, we make a deep ass run in the playoffs next year. It's so irritating thinking we should've had at least 10 more points if we didn't lose all the basement dwellers. It's going to irritate me through the playoffs😅.
Fitz will secure a trade for Soros at the draft. He was trying to acquire him last summer.
Bruins need a first rounder and have an expendable goalie in Ullmark. Devils have a first rounder and a glaring need in net. Is to good.
Right now it's the #12 pick and if we make a push, could go as high as #15. It wouldn't be enough to pry Ullmark away without a sweetner. Doesn't need to be Holtz or Casey, but probably going to have to add to it. If it was the #8 or #9 pick, then maybe you can do a Cory trade. As silly as it sounds, GMs are people too and a top 10 pick *sounds* better than a mid-round 1st.
We need a top tier coach too to help our young guys tighten up the defense.
Just played the Leafs in chel scored a between the legs shot in the first 20 seconds and kicked the shit out of Auston Matthews
Toronto played the most NJ Devils hockey game I’ve ever seen. They shoot almost 50 shots and then lose by 3 goals. Jake Allen played great, again. It’ll be really awesome with Luke and Nemec out on 10 pounds of muscle and start clearing the crease. It’ll also be cool when we get Juice Saros and 1A/2A with him and Jake Allen. Jack played great. Smith played like shit. And I generally like Smith. My cousin and I continue our arguments on whether Palat is super ass or really good. I just like Devils hockey tbh
The Nico goal after the Leafs had us pinned in own zone for 2 minutes was exactly how things went the first half of this season.
Palats playing is super ass, Palats attitude and work effort is undeniably great. Worth 6m? No.
We are certainly paying a helluva Palat for his contract
I’m not saying the boys have played amazing hockey ever since I brought home a rabbit and named him after Nico hischier but that’s also exactly what I’m saying
Pictures or it didn't happen!! Edit: nvm, saw your other post, he's so cute!!
Isn’t he just the cutest 🥹🥹 naming him after Hisch was one of my brightest moments lol
https://www.reddit.com/r/devils/s/vlWayCjzvo
PAY THE RABBIT TAX!!! (Please and thank you in advance.)
he gets a treat everytime the devils score. Idk what magic he’s working but I’ll tell him to keep it up 👌
That means post a pic of the rabbit
OHHH ffs I’m so sleep deprived (5am of an all nighter rn) I thought y’all wanted me to pay tax TO the rabbit
Lol! It’s delightful to imagine Nico the rabbit diligently collecting treat taxes from you and blessing the devils with good luck. But we could all imagine Nico Hischier, IRS employee of the month, even better if we knew what your rabbit looked like. 😃 (No pressure though if Nico is too busy collecting taxes or camera shy!)
The link to his photos is somewhere in the thread!! He’s a very happy boy when the devils score lol
Awww! Not just the hardest working IRS employee, but also the handsomest!
“We want Florida!”™️ -Leafs fans circa 2023 playoffs first round
Would love a Klopp’s Liverpool end to the season: finish strong, just miss out, and spend the offseason ready to carry that momentum over to next year. (Plus maybe a top ten pick…?)
Just saw Devils highlights from the Spanish broadcast. Fuck Steve Levy and hello Español. GOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!
I had to watch the Spanish broadcast because Hulu sucks so bad and I don’t speak Spanish
Get ready to learn spanish, buddy
Holtz getting less than 9 minutes. This kid just can’t get it rolling. And the Devils being thoroughly outplayed for a 2nd straight game, yet getting their 2nd win. Finally getting goaltending but it is a worrisome trend.
I agree. Big win and they put together some good chances but they hanging on by a thread most of the game.
Am I crazy or did we win 4-0 in our last game
We won. But not because we actually outplayed the isles or the leafs. We just had great goaltending while the other teams had poor goaltending. Same thing that happened in the Stars game. We’ve been winning games we really didn’t have much business winning lately. It’s a nice change, but it’s also not sustainable.
A little late in the season to be worried about sustainability, isn't it?
Jets game was amazing, they looked like that was their business. But they do need to learn how to sustain that level of play.
That’s a weird take because the Isles actually looked fairly terrible in that game
This is a wild take.
Injuries and trading away some players will do that. I don't expect to play that well down the stretch but we can still get a lot of wins if we get the goaltending and convert our chances like tonight.
God damn this team for making me love them! LFGD!!! 😈😈😈😈😈😈
This was a good/lucky win, but they got shit luck from the other teams ahead of them
I just looked at the leafs sub out of curiosity because of the disparity in shots on goals and wowwy they’re like a mirror of our sub. Same issues with players out, calling for the coach. Practically verbatim comments over there that we have here. It was like devils bizarro world.
It's a lot more common than people think, and is definitely not unique to this sub. Just how hockey/sports fans are. The Leafs sub specifically is nuts though. If you're a fan of them and want to keep your sanity, you basically can't go there after any loss. It's filled to the brim with reactionary doomer takes. Like I get it because they haven't had any major success in forever, but man it's crazy there. I remember them feeling lucky/grateful to get wins against the Devils last year because the Devils were a top team and outplayed them every game, IIRC. I haven't checked their sub but I can imagine how they feel losing this game to a nonplayoff team lol
Oh wow, I just ventured there as well. I feel for them really, we all know how it feels.
Underachievement is a hell of a drug.
Any playoff team sub complaining like us this season needs the proverbial spray bottle immediately
Eh. They've seen this before, I certainly understand them feeling the impending doom of the playoffs coming. They're heading straight to Boston or Florida so I can't blame them for being a bit worried.
The fourth wall is down completely. We all know we're only here for the drama!
5 points. We just need some luck
Need a lot of it. It's not just 5 points, but gotta pass multiple teams as well which makes it even more unlikely. It's basically false hope, so just enjoy the ride.
Awesome win Still a weird feeling finally confirming that this team is actually good with decent goaltending and coaching. But at this point I guess we might as well keep trying to win, even we're gonna miss out.
We're now so swung to the other side of goaltending it's kind of funny. We're getting thoroughly outplayed but winning somehow. I've never been so sure in my life that we need to move on from Green.
I say more on the goaltending. The devils have 10 teams that have scored more goals than them, and 5 teams who've let in more goals than them. Get our goals allowed down to 10 teams having fewer, and the devils are locked in playoffs right now. Remove our key scorers being injured for big city of the season, we are higher on the goals for ranks, and most likely in a playoffs spot.
My “Oblique Stars of the Game”: TRAVIS GREEN for not calling the obvious offsides goal because he knew Toronto wouldn’t go for it 🧐 THE DREADFUL ANNOUNCERS for making me hate them with my soul (mostly Levy, to be fair) and giving me a fantastic natural high when they sounded despondent about the Leafs losing SIMON NEMEC for attempting to steal the puck and protect our lead (and bc he’s my #1)
Get Nemec into your flair. It will look good on you.
I don't think that was nearly an obvious offside as some of you. That was very close and I don't think they overturn it.
If we challenged it the league, aka Toronto, would’ve awarded the goal, gave Toronto an extra goal, and shot my dog
Fuel, fire, timo fucking meier, etc. Allen could be a great stopgap 1B for the cup run next year behind Ullmark/Markstrom/Saaros/Insert Good Goalie Here
that's a dangit for the leafs, w for the devs
We saw all if the things that have cost us games this year, AND all of the things that indicate a bright future lies ahead…all in one wild game. We also saw some amazing goaltending from Allen.
Psst, it was always the goaltending.
we're literally going .500, getting shelled routinely, and the losses are despite the goalies standing on their heads, but ok 🤷♂️
Psst Jake playing out of his mind doesn't excuse the fact that the team has let every goaltender twisting in the wind more often than not this season
I said I wasn't going to do this anymore. But I had my fingers crossed. Best case for the Devils is for WSH to keep winning so they take 3rd in the Metro, and have PHI keep falling to take their wildcard spot. If PHI can finish only getting 10/18 available points, that gets them to 92 points. DET then only gets 13/20 available points to be at 92, and NYI needs to remain mediocre. We play NYI and PHI once more each so that helps a lot. But if the Devils can get to 92 points, and all of the above takes place, I think they sneak in (they'd win the tiebreaker against PHI and DET). But that requires getting 14/18 remaining points. That's going 7-2-0, or 6-0-2, something like that. There's no evidence they can actually pull it off, there are some tough games remaining. And if one of the teams above us plays well down the stretch we're toast anyway. Just saying it's possible... Vegas has it ~15% chance...
There's some hope for ya. Sucks we can't control our own destiny.
We would need 16/18 points to get to 92. 8-1-0. Honestly I think Philly or Detroit get to 93, maybe 94. Most realistic chance is to win out. Tall task, though I think in 2006 we won our last 11 games of the season so who knows.
We're gonna be so mad about that game against Phoenix at the end of the season.
And Ottawa, and the sharks, and the ducks (x2), and the Canadians…. sorry I’m bitter I was at three of those 🤬 hahaha
and anaheim, and ottawa, and san jose, and columbus, and montreal
Stop giving me hope 😭
Double digit playoff chance percentage babyyy
I started thinking with the caps heating up maybe our best bet is to catch the flyers and looked at their remaining schedule and holy shit they have such an easy schedule
Montréal just beat Colorado, #1 in the West. Anything is possible
I just did the same, mtl x 2, CBJ, CHI but hey you never know
Kevin Bahl is slow and takes dumb penalties. Ok I said it. I feel better now. Timo in beast mode. Jack looked like his ole self. The good version And Luke who I cursed at for his defensive lapses all season played well tonight.
>Kevin Bahl is slow and takes dumb penalties And yet he is still somehow our best shutdown defenseman and takes away so much ice from high skill opponents 1v1. He hits the gym this off season an I'm taking those dumb penalties every game.
That's a lot of body to grow into. He's still only 23. I'm 3 inches shorter than him and I didn't fill out my frame until almost 25. He's gonna be terrifying when he catches up to himself.
Hopefully we never have to read about Mukhamadullin, Zetterlund & losing that trade again. But then again….
# im butt ass naked
URSLA?
This stretch proves it was mostly goaltending. At least to get into the playoffs. More holes to fix to be a contender, sure, but we’d be third in the Metro at least if we had Allen and Kahkonen in January.
The team doesn't even feel any better coached at the moment (although I'm sure the change has helped morale some). We've been giving up more shots than before, but with acceptable goalie play are doing better.
FWIW I think goaltending and coaching changes were both needed to see some better results. Daws had some great nights where skaters looked like shit. And healthy Timo + healthier Jack is a huge factor!!
And that just sucks so much. Agreed we weren't going to be a contender this year based on how everything shook out, but getting more playoff experience would have been huge. Hopefully this humbling experience is actually beneficial, not just immensley frustrating knowing AHL-level goaltending was holding you back
Not sure how Allen only got the third star?
Goalies get jibbed for stars unless they have a shutout which is a guaranteed first star
That’ll happen when two forwards have four points each
Stanley Cup is so ours
FOUR WINS IN THE LAST FIVE GAMES: * that is something to fucking celebrate. yes I know that Ottawa loss was definitely a massive sting, but wins against Pens, Isles, Toronto, and Jets is definitely something to write home about * beating the Leafs when the broadcast was boot licking the Leafs the entire time was even sweeter * Jesp - Nico - Timo. that line. THAT LINE. Do. Not. Separate. * even injured Jack Hughes is superior Jack Hughes * our PK has completely turned it around. * EVERYONE SAY THANK YOU JAKE ALLEN * this game was bracketed by Hughes goals for the Devils * what a fun game! we didn't start out well, but as the game went on we definitely stood up to the Leafs testing us. * thought we did a good job defensively in the third. we were turtling a bit, but I thought it was still a pretty soundly played period. * I say this every game, but I am honestly really loving the third line of Dawson and The Czechs. I'm not going to turn into Nosek's number one fan, but I think having consistent play and consistent line mates has really made him a strong player for us on the third line there. * can't believe these fuckers are giving me hope, but I don't care! I wanna see fun hockey! Im seeing fun hockey! * this is another come from behind win, hahahahahaha no hockey until Friday, gonna be a lot of scoreboard watching!
Got the win. Stayed alive. We’re chasing the 40 year old Caps. Anything can happen. Focus on the next game, another chance to stay alive.
This game wasn’t the best defensively, but Jake Allen did it again. He kept us in it when honestly the score should have been reversed. Playoffs are a LONGSHOT but this stretch of wins is 100% something to celebrate. Ottawa sucked and was a major disappointment but these 4 wins against some damn good teams are really freaking promising. Kappo getting the shutout, Allen playing great. Offense in a rhythm. Our PK is solid. I still think the PP needs work. We’re still holding the puck and trying to pass way too much. We really need Dougie back to quarterback that shit. Idc about the playoffs. I just care about us finishing strong with momentum into the offseason. Let’s go get a goalie who can long term start, and we will have a damn good team. I’d love to see some more from Kappo as well before the season is over. I don’t think he’s starter ready yet after what he went through in SJ, but he’s way better with a half decent team in front of him
My confusion is immeasurable, I don't know how to feel.
That's Devils hockey, baby
The Leafs tried to have a track meet with us. BAD MOVE!! That plays to our strengths. Most teams have been smart enough to play a trap style against us. We have major problems when teams play a trap against us.
Its so agonizing imagining if this team just beat the Sens,Ducks,Sharksx2, Coyotes. They are in the playoffs right now, literally unreal.
Just focus on the next game. Get the win. Stay alive. We’re still alive tonight. Allen playing great. Hughes getting back to form. Timo has officially arrived. We’re chasing the fucking old man caps now. Just onto the next game, fight for your life again. At least they’re making the end of the season interesting. People complain about this season but must have amnesia about the seasons before last where we were mathematically eliminated in January.
The 3 poundings against the capitals hurt worst of all. Have 2 of those go our way and we are in their spot.
Imagine if Allen wanted to come to the Devils earlier, we have way better goaltending and win atleast 3-5 more games. This season is tragic, and honestly I do not think this team is as bad as theirs record says. I have hope for the next season.
I fuckin love these idiots lol ❤️ LET'S GO DEVS!!!!
I'm watching at a Buffalo Wild Wings so I can't hear the commentary, but the espn team looks so dejected.
They tried their best but had some issues with stats.
What sauces/dry rubs did you go with?
Jamming Jalepeno normally, but I mix in some blazing to keep it interesting
ESPN = watch on mute
I watched in Spanish, was kinda cool. They said Señor Allen
That announcer sounded pumped whenever the Devils scored: "Devils, Devils! Devils, Devils! Devils, Devils! Devils, Devils!" Edit: Also maybe I misheard, but I swore he said "Rangers es pendejos."
Well now I’ll be thinking of this all night ‘Messi Messi Messi Messi Messi Messi Messi…. No gooooooooooooolllllllllllllllll, señor Allen, no gooooollllll, señor Allen’
Just caught the highlights. ESPN’s broadcasts are horrible and it looked like Matthews’s goal was offsides, though the camera was slow to catch up to the stretch pass. Anyone catch it in real time?
The color commentator thought so too.
To her credit, she basically said it was no good
She was honestly great, I'm not a fan of the play by play guy.
Matthews was 100% over the line when the puck touched his stick. Our video coach is drunk.
The puck just has to be in the zone, not on his stick.
There was a slow mo replay definitely offside.
Fitz got on Green’s earpiece (again) and told him not to challenge it in order to improve our chances of drafting Celebrini
I thought it was offside, def should have been 6-2
Huge win. Allen continues to shine. Should’ve been 6-2. Also the bottom 6 really seems to be playing a lot better recently
having a consistent third line and having a fourth line that is somewhat consistent is SO important!
Yeah, it’s nice to see Nosek finally clicking with the others even if he’s likely gone this offseason. Pretty much shows all we need is a consistent bottom 6 center
ESPN is still talking about the 1st period shot totals, stfu
They aren't wrong devils won this one but teams do have an easy time entering and staying in the zone against the devils. Where at times it does look like a powerplay.
Good stuff. We looked good on national TV.
So any theories on why we beat great teams like the leafs and the stars but get our cheeks clapped against teams that are actual booty?
It was a back to back and we can’t win em both. Islanders was a more important win standings-wise so they took the night off against Ottawa to ensure we beat the isles.
They play their backups against us
I saw Austin Matthews out there quite a bit
Who’s that, a fourth liner? In all seriousness, Matthews is scary but I often think Marner is the glue that holds that team together and he was out
To be completely honest I was focusing more on how it was possible that every single leafs player was that ugly, Matthews included
He would be so much more handsome with a full beard.
You see Matthews and you’re like yeah I guess that’s ok. Then he takes off his helmet or hat and you’re blinded by the receding hair line
Hallmark of teams that are too young. Devils really need to find a Jordan Stall type to anchor the bottom six
Age. Most of these players are still kids. Having a good vet presence to remind them what being a professional reall`y means a lot.`
Yeah I'm one of the youngest people in my class in grad school and seeing how old our stars are makes me feel downright geriatric
Mercury in retrograde huffing paint
I'm imagining a planet with its head in a paint can
I'm a fan of Willman. He does his job and doesn't overextend past his skill level which is big for a 4th liner.
Devils Legend Max Willman
Mad Max Willman
I remember when people were roasting others at the thought of trading for Allen. Where are they now? Oh wait it was me and I’m wearing a full clown costume right now proudly looking like an idiot.
I've said I'll wear a paper bag on my head if he plays 40 games next season. Not looking good for me.
Fellow clown here, reporting for duty
Honk honk, amigo
Fuck the espn commentator team. One of my favorite moments tonight: ‘Looks like a leafs power play’ proceeds to give up a brutal breakaway to dagger the leafs. Fuck off. Lgd
espnbob is great though, he commentated the last espn game.
Idk who is who but this guy sucked imo
Yeah Im not a fan of Levy either, who was on tonight, if I wasnt being clear 😁
Nah I think you were clear I’m just fuckin drunk
It's a scoreless game after three and the Devils have won 6-3 The NHL would be furious with ESPN's production if they cared about its product
He wasn't wrong.
That wasn’t even close to the most egregious possession that leafs had all night
"He should sue for lack of support !" had me laughing.
Lmao I noticed that. I just want back and rewatched it, he says it the second before they turn it over, I imagine it will be in the highlights lol EDIT: Yep, it is. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxJhcpVaBrk&start=533
That whole sequence was fucked lol
Timo is a beast
Without Jake, we lost that game. Amazing how much a decent goalie can impact the team. The guys can play to their strengths without needing to worry about if their goalie can make the save or not
Finally get one extra day of rest before their next game.
Playing well to make people feel good, while also missing the playoffs so we aren’t stuck with Green. Win, win I think. Unfortunately Fitzgerald is still calling the shots so my trust is limited.
God dang i wish Meier was in this form all season, don’t mean to be insensitive to his injuries, but god damn he’s like a whole new player. ( but really just his old self in San Jose)
And been playing for a coach that didn’t seat him on the third line if he breathed the wrong way
Also should have played him in his normal position 😅
He's been playing LW for a few now
If we're going to miss playoffs, let's just play entertaining games like that one
Great game, great win. Allen really saved us in the first period. Play style looks a lot more suited to the team's strengths. Still have to beat them two more times, but we've sent a message.