Ok, I know what you’re thinking. “Nice, Joe, blame the losing streak on the coach, real cool.” Hold on there, Jethro.

The losing streak itself is not the work of one Claude Julien, but he sure isn’t helping the cause. His latest brainfarts?

1) THE TIMEOUT vs. BUFFALO

» I can’t think of a worse time to take a timeout than the one Julien called against Buffalo. The Devils had just scored 2 goals in like 20 seconds, and the Sabres were on the ropes and you could see the frantic look on Ryan Millers face, even from my seats. The timeout gave the Sabres time to regroup and clear their heads. They took advantage, won the faceoff, and frustrated Langenbrunner into taking his 47th penalty of the game. Smooth.

2) PULLING CLEMMENSEN IN BOSTON

» Were you watching the game or did the fat, hairy beerman in the 8th row seduce you again? The Devils D was pathetic the entire game, what made you think you could get away with an empty net for over a minute? Clemmy held the Devils in all game. So he gave up a bad one early on, it happens. The penalties are what ultimately sunk New Jersey, but this move removed all hope that was left in the last 1:45.

«»«»«»

Now that we’re all on the same page, Detroit is in town in just a few hours. If you think this game is going to be easy, you probably should be at the bus stop waiting for the Sped Wagon. Today’s game, coupled with tomorrows debacle in MSG, makes for a huge weekend for New Jersey, and for Claude Julien (You can bet Lou will be taking notes.)

Show us something, boys.