Can Somebody Please Stop Lecavalier?
Published: October 5, 2007
One game in the books and I have to say I was more than a little disappointed with the end result. I was pleased with the way the Devils played in the beginning of the game. The Devils came out and I thought it was very obvious that Sutter had a different way of doing things. Last season I felt the Devils spent a lot of time waiting for the puck to come to them and passing the puck more than they needed to. In the first period last night, things were different. New Jersey was actually shooting the puck. Maybe this has something to do with Scott Gomez leaving NJ but NJ didn’t seem to be looking for the perfect setup to score, they were just trying to put the puck on net. The Devils also seemed to generate a lot of pressure in the Tampa Bay zone during the first period. At the end of the first period, I was liking what I saw of the new Sutter era.
The second period started just like the first ended but it all changed very quickly. Gionta had a 2-on-1 going that he couldn’t finish and a few moments later, Lecavalier put the equalizer past Marty. I find it heart breaking every time Lecavalier scores because he really seems to have Marty’s number. 
Unfortunately he would strike again in the third. The crowd came alive and I thought from that point on, the Devils didn’t play a very strong game. In the third period I witnessed a Devil team that stood around too much. Eventually Lecavalier would strike again, putting the puck in a net so open I think my 16 month old could have scored on that pass. What bothers me mostabout last night was the absence of the scoring. This leaves a big question mark in my mind. I know we have the artillery to score goals but why are they already having trouble scoring goals?
The one thing I hate about playing nine straight home games to open the season is that we play a lot of home openers. Emotions are usually very high for the home team in these games and that can make for a tough time. Despite the things NJ did wrong last night, especially in the third period, I think if you put that game in our building, the Devils skate away with a win. Next up are the Florida Panthers which should also be a pretty tough game.
13 Comments on "Can Somebody Please Stop Lecavalier?"
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Tiffany. on Fri, 5th Oct 2007 2:03 pm
I’ll stop him. Just give me some duct tape, a hockey stick and some ice.
Patricia Greuter on Fri, 5th Oct 2007 2:16 pm
Vinny has Marty’s number, plain and simple.
Patricia Greuter on Fri, 5th Oct 2007 2:38 pm
BTW, last night’s game didn’t worry me at all…the offense was just fine — for a completely revamped TEAM, they looked like they gelled pretty nicely together. Zubbie had a good game, I thought, and Zajac-Parise continue to be ridiculous together. Give ‘em time, the boys will be just fine.
Kelly on Fri, 5th Oct 2007 3:15 pm
Even though I don’t like him as an opposing player, to sit there and show up our future HOF goalie really shows that I should give him a little more credit. The guy is a true Devil killer.
It’s only game one of TB-NJ season series. There’s plenty more to enjoy (and to win).
Time for Marty to shine against Florida. Is it game time yet?!
Randy on Fri, 5th Oct 2007 3:17 pm
The Devils did cause a number of turnovers with the forechecking. There was a number of times the Devs had the bolts pinned in their own zone. The new Devs, i.e. Bergfors and Zubrus had excellent scoring chances and seem to squeeze the stick a little to tight instead taking a quick look up and then shooting. Clarkson and Asham looked fast and hungry. Mottu moved the puck well. I think as the new Devs gel they will be a fun winning team to watch. My only complaint is how can you not know where a 52 goal scorer is on the ice at all times. If Sutter is going to break up the maddogPando line and just roll them, ALL (Elias) of the forwards need to backcheck.
ILoveJamie15 on Fri, 5th Oct 2007 3:20 pm
Zubbie and Clarkson deserve more ice time.
Shari on Fri, 5th Oct 2007 6:29 pm
As frustrating as it is right now,I think that We as fans have to suck it up for a while and see how things play out. I think that We are going thru Coolaide withdrawl. The Bergen Record reporter kind of hinted about Weekes possibly starting in the pipes tomorrow night, and Maddolfo being reunited.I just got My plasma back from the repair shop so Game on, so it looks like tomorrow night game will be on the TV Guide channell for Us Comcasters.
John Fischer on Fri, 5th Oct 2007 8:18 pm
Vis a vis the Lecavalier goal, why didn’t Elias drop back like a bat out of hell to cover a wide open #4? I know it was Oduya’s side, but I’m pretty sure the left wing backchecks (especially on the Devils) to help out the defense.
Anyway, I agree with Patricia. Time will be needed for the team to gel.
Aaron on Sat, 6th Oct 2007 6:27 am
If you watch the play again Mottau had the mental breakdown where he let a forward get behind him (and in front of Marty). The entire situation was messy from that point on as Mottau, Elias, and Brylin were 3 feet from each other. By the sound of the highlight, it seems like Oduya and/or Brodeur stopped an initial pass attempt, but still gave Propsal a second one. Both Elias and Mottau are to blame, but things like this happen with rookies; Elias is a little harder to understand since he was on the right side of the zone when he’s a left wing. He should’ve known he was out of position.
NJDevil on Sat, 6th Oct 2007 8:23 am
Am really pissed I missed the game. Had a work dinner so I couldn’t do much there. Looking forward to tonight’s game.
I know I asked this before. But I’m in Essex county and the game is on Fox Sports 2. I have Comcast. Anyone know if they game will be on Channel 18? Last year they had it on that channel (TV Guide Channel) and I randomly stumbled upon it. I would like nothing more than to sit here and have a few and watch the Devils. Please someone tell me some good news that, on Comcast I’ll be able to watch it.
Connecting News, Commentaries and Blogs at NineReports.com - on Sat, 6th Oct 2007 10:31 am
[...] Recap: Tampa Bay vs. New Jersey …Blogged about at Can Somebody Please Stop Lecavalier? – 2 man advantage, Vincent Lecavalier’s second goal of the game, coming with 3:52 to play in regulation, was the game-winner as Tampa Bay topped New Jersey, 3-1, in the season opener for both clubs at St. Pete Times Forum. Recap: Tampa Bay vs. New Jersey Recap: Tampa Bay vs. New Jersey http://www.theolympian.com — sports wire – Last Updated – 10 hours ago Vincent Lecavalier’s second goal of the game, coming with 3:52 to play in regulation, was the game-winner as Tampa Bay topped New Jersey, 3-1, in the season opener for both clubs at St. Pete Times Forum. Follow This Story Change Your Location San Francisco, CA Email This Story Print Got something to say about this story, post your blog here and tell the world. [...]
Shari on Sat, 6th Oct 2007 1:04 pm
NJ Devil, I went to nyoverflow.com it gives a listing of all of the extra fsn channels, the list says for fsn ny 2 in union is chan 18 so if You cable area is considered union Your good to go. check out the website just in case, and double check for Your area. I’m sure where ever You are in the comcast area You will get it.
NJDevil on Sat, 6th Oct 2007 4:07 pm
Much Thanks…my night is set.