Sat 17 Feb 2007
Here’s a math equation even I can understand:
It’s almost as if the Devils didn’t know what to do without their mighty wee-man. Although they managed to get 4 goals past/through McPiss Pads, the offense just didn’t seem to know what it was doing the whole night. Without Gionta, absolutely NO ONE crashed the net whatsoever. They somehow managed to grab a bunch of chances, but it was pretty obvious they just didn’t have their game last night.
As bad as the offense was, the Defense didn’t exactly do its part, either. And I thought playing without Colin White would be a good thing. 
Even worse than the coverage, was Marty’s play. Now, before anyone starts ranting and raving and getting their panties in a bunch, read this all the way to the point. Brodeur is the best in the game, and he’s more than excusable from the occasional off-night, but that doesn’t mean I can’t rip on him. 
I can’t imagine Brodeur allowing any of the goals he allowed last night during any other game. What bothers me the most, is that he was left to fend for himself after allowing 3 weak first period goals - after which it became blatantly obvious that he did not ‘bring it’. The man gets tired, ya know, and that is why teams carry a backup. Straight up: Clemmensen should have came in to relieve Marty last night.
Grumbling aside, the Devils shortened their Atlantic Division lead to only 5 points, and are going to have to work to get the big lead back. The Red and Black crew are on Long Island tonight, visiting the Mausoleum. I’m praying that Brodeur either gets his mojo back, or Scotty C gets his time to shine tonight. The Devils have had some success against the Islanders this season, but this could be is the most important meeting for both teams.
Hey Patrik - I think you’re gonna have to step it up tonight. Big time.
February 17th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
Good post. I agree with the sentiment that Brodeur could’ve used a rest. What’s he started now? 29 straight? Is it 30 if he gets back in tonight? Do I even have to ask?
I also agree that you take away Gionta and the Devils don’t have that extra grit in front to get some garbage goals. He is their best forward when it comes to that. Parise btw is 2nd which tells ya something about his growth as a player.
But a couple of points:
1.They scored four times and showed no quit. That’s not bad considering who they were up against. Yeah, Pitt has a matador D and it showed in that late sequence where they somehow got two tough Fleury saves in traffic and a Gonchar block to escape. But 4 goals without Gionta is good production.
2.I know you are down on Colin White but I like him. He’s physical and keeps opposing players honest. Yes, he’ll take the occasional wtf penalty and sometimes screw up. But he also is very valuable to that blueline. I’ll take him on my team anyday. Med included. LOL
February 17th, 2007 at 10:19 pm
As much as I agree Marty needs a rest, if he had been benched after the first period it would have been 5 or 6-1 instead of the team coming back and having a chance to win. The team packs it in when Clemmensen’s in net. Plus the Penguins are the only threat in the division, because of that Julien was going to play Marty unless the game totally got out of hand, maybe a four or five-goal deficit.
And I know Whitey hasn’t taken his meds lately, but the defense would be a lot worse without him. Especially since the top three or four would play 30 minutes a game instead of 25.
February 18th, 2007 at 12:07 am
Well, I too thought Brodeur needed a rest and actually thought Clemmensen may have a chance at starting.
Thankfully, Brodeur did start as he was sharp for all 60 minutes against the Islanders. Another 2-0 win, another shutout (#11 this season) for Brodeur. If that’s tired, I’ll take it every night.
Incidentally, the Devils have done well without Colin White on defense thanks to Lukowich stepping it up in most of the games without White.
By the by, while he didn’t get a goal, Elias did have a hand in the Brylin goal. Not that being a captain means only scoring points…
February 18th, 2007 at 1:39 pm
I should have mentioned something about Whiteys meds lol.
What a turnaround tonight on the Island. Solid game all the way through the whole team. My only gripe with Elias is that I’d like to see him scoring more goals.. But assists are just as nice I suppose.