You can't just bludgeon a guy out from the front of the net. No matter how big they are. But you do need to tie that guy up.
Ruff did make note of it in the post game.
OT: NJ Devils 2023-2024 Thread
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Ruff did make note of it in the post game.
Mikemarc1
I think it’s vital the league address two important issues that changes the game for kids.
First the Messier rant over players placing themselves in vulnerable, dangerous positions is crazy accurate….self preservation and awareness is a huge learning skill for kids, Ryan Lindgren leading the parade of getting crushed…. It’s not gutsy or tough, it’s dumb.
Something must be done.
Secondly, the players who feel the need to immediately attack and assault an opposing player who legally checks their teammate “to hard” needs to be ejected and suspended if it’s a reoccurring issue
I think it’s vital the league address two important issues that changes the game for kids.
First the Messier rant over players placing themselves in vulnerable, dangerous positions is crazy accurate….self preservation and awareness is a huge learning skill for kids, Ryan Lindgren leading the parade of getting crushed…. It’s not gutsy or tough, it’s dumb.
Something must be done.
Secondly, the players who feel the need to immediately attack and assault an opposing player who legally checks their teammate “to hard” needs to be ejected and suspended if it’s a reoccurring issue
Great Post! Either way he should chill out. If we had beaten the 4 worst teams we lost to, we would be in 2nd place behind only the Rangers. With the injuries, don't sit the sniper in a 1 goal game. A veteran coach should know this. Oh this year has been a hard watch!
It's been a struggle, but I don't mind the struggle. Still plenty of season left too.
Just make the playoffs and we can take it from there.
I disagree about an ejection/suspension for an instigator for a clean hit, thats bananas.
However, if the hit is deemed a clean hit with no penalty, it should be a 4-5-10 rather than a 2-5-10. Giving the opposition a 4 minute power play rather than 2 will almost assuredly lower the propensity of that occuring. The sport does need more fighting and intensity though. Its such a watered down product from what it was even just 11-12 years ago
For the TWENTY NINTH time in 42 games, they gave up the first goal last night. It's unbelievable how woefully unprepared this team is on a nightly basis. For whatever reason, it's amplified at home and against lousy teams. That's now 8 home points given away to CBJ, SJ, ANA and MTL. Inexcusable.
Nemec played what was likely his worst game as an NHLer last night and I don't think we can overstate the step back Marino has taken this year. Those two were on the ice for all 3 goals against and were laughably out of position on each. It's going to happen with a D core as inexperienced as this one, but it is glaring. Injuries have undoubtedly taken their toll on the offense, but is it too much to ask that some of these guys step up?
I've stated on here that I had a problem with this hire from day 1. I had an even bigger problem with the completely unnecessary extension he was given after last year. Now 3.5 years into his coaching tenure here, his record is 120-115-27. That's 120 wins in 262 games. Last year, nearly every player on the roster had a career season, lifting them to a 52-22-8 record and a trip to the conference semifinals. There were plenty of roses laid at the coach's feet and perhaps even rightfully so. But what happens if last year was an anomaly? Outside of it, his record in NJ is 68-93-19 - 68 wins in 180 games and a .431 point percentage. That's 70 points/year over an 82 game season. In theory, the window for this team is just opening up, but how much more rope is Fitzgerald willing to give this guy? Is he the steward that gets this team to the next level? I've seen nothing that affirms that.
The Holtz situation continues to baffle me. As I said yesterday, I'm fine with hard coaching and teaching young players lessons when appropriate. But this almost feels personal between he and Ruff. To bench this kid in the 3rd period for a mistake he made in the 2nd period AFTER scoring the game tying goal is just ridiculous. There is no world where he should be seeing the ice for 8:07. He took 12 shifts. Is Ruff serious? Bastian took 22 over 14+ minutes for reference. Marino was miserable last night - was he sat? I love Luke, but he's been a turnover machine lately - has he been sat? They've gone 157 minutes without an even strength goal. What does Ruff do? Plays what is arguably their best 5v5 player in the lineup right now for 5:51 at even strength. That is indefensible. This team makes countless mistakes on a nightly basis and Holtz is the only one that is held accountable. And for Ruff to be a dick in the postgame is ridiculous - he's lucky he's not in a media market that actually takes their coaches to task.
Nemec played what was likely his worst game as an NHLer last night and I don't think we can overstate the step back Marino has taken this year. Those two were on the ice for all 3 goals against and were laughably out of position on each. It's going to happen with a D core as inexperienced as this one, but it is glaring. Injuries have undoubtedly taken their toll on the offense, but is it too much to ask that some of these guys step up?
- Toffoli - 8 points since November 30
- Hischier - 8 points since December 16
- Mercer - 4 points in January
- Bratt - 3 points in January
I've stated on here that I had a problem with this hire from day 1. I had an even bigger problem with the completely unnecessary extension he was given after last year. Now 3.5 years into his coaching tenure here, his record is 120-115-27. That's 120 wins in 262 games. Last year, nearly every player on the roster had a career season, lifting them to a 52-22-8 record and a trip to the conference semifinals. There were plenty of roses laid at the coach's feet and perhaps even rightfully so. But what happens if last year was an anomaly? Outside of it, his record in NJ is 68-93-19 - 68 wins in 180 games and a .431 point percentage. That's 70 points/year over an 82 game season. In theory, the window for this team is just opening up, but how much more rope is Fitzgerald willing to give this guy? Is he the steward that gets this team to the next level? I've seen nothing that affirms that.
The Holtz situation continues to baffle me. As I said yesterday, I'm fine with hard coaching and teaching young players lessons when appropriate. But this almost feels personal between he and Ruff. To bench this kid in the 3rd period for a mistake he made in the 2nd period AFTER scoring the game tying goal is just ridiculous. There is no world where he should be seeing the ice for 8:07. He took 12 shifts. Is Ruff serious? Bastian took 22 over 14+ minutes for reference. Marino was miserable last night - was he sat? I love Luke, but he's been a turnover machine lately - has he been sat? They've gone 157 minutes without an even strength goal. What does Ruff do? Plays what is arguably their best 5v5 player in the lineup right now for 5:51 at even strength. That is indefensible. This team makes countless mistakes on a nightly basis and Holtz is the only one that is held accountable. And for Ruff to be a dick in the postgame is ridiculous - he's lucky he's not in a media market that actually takes their coaches to task.
That’s what I’m saying. No need to crosscheck where he gets whiplash. But a strong reminder is fine.
And at Holden’s size a nice how do you do from a guy like Bahl should be enough.
IMO Devs actually aren't doing too badly given that their lineup has consisted of several second string & JV guys.
Very shaky goal tending, and a bunch of injuries, yet right there in the playoff race.
If the goal tending shores up, and we can get a bit more healthy(ie Jack), we should be good in the 2nd half.
Ya Columbus might not be good, but we were on the road, Vitek was in net, and we have a bunch of injuries.
I think Vitek getting the win while allowing 1 goal is important. Getting him back to even just decent play will be a big help in the 2nd half of the year. He most likely get's tomorrow night off so he can enjoy the W.
They love losing to AHL caliber teams at home . Total opposite on the road
Yes, the win was great to see. Vitek's biggest problem is his lack of confidence I think. It would do wonders if he got back to his regular season form from last year.
I'd like to see them have to stay in a hotel the night before home games, because maybe they would lock in better. This team is too talented to play at home like this.
Now 9-1 first game of back to back
1-7-1 second game of back to back
Dallas played in Philly Thursday
In Newark hotel last night relaxing while Devils are in
Columbus.
1-7-1 second game of back to back
Dallas played in Philly Thursday
In Newark hotel last night relaxing while Devils are in
Columbus.
And this is not the first time this season we’ve had to travel back home to play the 2nd half of a b2b while our opponent was rested and waiting in Newark.
Not sure how often this happens around the league but it seems odd for the home team to be so disadvantaged.
No LOL, why not! Gee could a team give less effort than this one, especially on defense.
I'm left to wonder if we will go into the long break on a losing streak. This team is too comfortable and gives little effort at home. It seems having the built-in excuses of injuries and tough scheduling suits these guys more than sucking it up and trying.
I'm left to wonder if we will go into the long break on a losing streak. This team is too comfortable and gives little effort at home. It seems having the built-in excuses of injuries and tough scheduling suits these guys more than sucking it up and trying.
Fresh off another embarrassing home performance, here are Ruff's line rushes ahead of Vegas tonight:
Meier - Hischier - Bratt
Toffoli - McLeod - Mercer
Lazar - Haula - Bastian
Willman - Tierney - Holtz
Bahl - Nemec
Hughes - Marino
Hatakka - Foote
Vanecek
Daws
Vanecek starting this game was so predictable after beating the mighty Jackets on Friday. I'll be shocked if he sees the 3rd period tonight. Daws was completely hung out to dry, by the defense, so naturally the blame goes to him. Meier flips with Toffoli, which had to happen. If Ruff had any balls/brains, Toffoli would be banished to that 3rd line and Holtz would get his minutes. But alas, Holtz remains nailed to the 4th line, while Bastian gets the RW3 spot. Apparently Miller is sick, which is why Hatakka could draw in. Miller has been the least of their problems on D and they could use him tonight.
Meier - Hischier - Bratt
Toffoli - McLeod - Mercer
Lazar - Haula - Bastian
Willman - Tierney - Holtz
Bahl - Nemec
Hughes - Marino
Hatakka - Foote
Vanecek
Daws
Vanecek starting this game was so predictable after beating the mighty Jackets on Friday. I'll be shocked if he sees the 3rd period tonight. Daws was completely hung out to dry, by the defense, so naturally the blame goes to him. Meier flips with Toffoli, which had to happen. If Ruff had any balls/brains, Toffoli would be banished to that 3rd line and Holtz would get his minutes. But alas, Holtz remains nailed to the 4th line, while Bastian gets the RW3 spot. Apparently Miller is sick, which is why Hatakka could draw in. Miller has been the least of their problems on D and they could use him tonight.
Lost a hat tonight but it was worth it 👹👹👹👹👹👹
Toffoli has always been a streaky player, so hopefully we can ride this wave through Jack's return. The Meier, Hischier, Bratt line was dominant last night - maybe the best each of them has looked all year. They took 17 shots with 10 coming from Bratt. Toffoli's goal in the final minute of the 2nd period was massive and swung momentum. The defense and goaltending were again horrendous through 2 periods, but credit to this young group for tightening up in the 3rd and OT. A wild beer league game, but it netted 2 points for the good guys. Our home games vs. VGK are always nuts.
A big 2 points earned in the standings. Still 2 points out out of the WC behind TB and 4 points behind CAR for 3rd in the division - both of whom they play this week ahead of the ASB.
A big 2 points earned in the standings. Still 2 points out out of the WC behind TB and 4 points behind CAR for 3rd in the division - both of whom they play this week ahead of the ASB.
He rebuilt the team the right way and got nearly all of their stars on mutually beneficial deals, which has opened a massive contention window for the franchise. Has he been perfect? No. But who is? I'd still like to see him add a goaltender and a stay-at-home defenseman this year.
He deserves the extension.
Good night on the out of town scoreboard for NJ:
DET, NYI, WSH and PHI lost in regulation, though PHI's loss did come to TB. NYR blew a 2-0 3rd period lead and lost in OT to SJ. Devils picked up a game in hand on all of them:
NYR: +2
PHI: +3
TB: +3
DET: +2
NYI: +2
WSH: Even
Taking points from CAR and TB before the break would be massive.
DET, NYI, WSH and PHI lost in regulation, though PHI's loss did come to TB. NYR blew a 2-0 3rd period lead and lost in OT to SJ. Devils picked up a game in hand on all of them:
NYR: +2
PHI: +3
TB: +3
DET: +2
NYI: +2
WSH: Even
Taking points from CAR and TB before the break would be massive.
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