Controversy makes NHL look bad in these playoffs

Posted on April 30, 2018 by Derek

Controversy has surrounded too many games in these playoffs. The NHL looks bad for how some key decisions have impacted games on the big stage.

Look no further than what took place over the weekend. Let’s start with Saturday night in Vegas. Two calls helped determine the winner of a great Game 2 between the Sharks and Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena.

The game went to sudden death. With the teams tied at three, you had officials involved in the outcome. A no no at this time of year. The Sharks got some help in their 4-3 double overtime victory that evened the best-of-seven Pacific Final.

In the first overtime, the Golden Knights thought they had won it when Jonathan Marchessault scored on a backhand rebound into a vacated net with Sharks goalie Martin Jones down. But Jones immediately disagreed with a wave of the arm. Was he interfered with? A automatic review from Toronto decided whether or not the goal would stand. Here is how it looked:

This is a tough one because Marchessault has Sharks defenseman Brendan Dillon right behind him as he makes contact with Jones before rebounding home Shea Theodore’s shot with 3:02 left in the first overtime.

At first, I thought it was a good goal. But the replay showed that Marchessault didn’t avoid Jones, who never had a chance to recover for the rebound opportunity. So they got it right. But the interesting thing is not everyone agreed. Former referee Kerry Fraser had a very interesting take on the controversy.

I don’t view it as goaltender interference. It’s incidental contact. Something they can use to reverse a goal. The odd aspect is you even have former goalies indicating that it should’ve counted.

So former NHLer Brent Johnson disagreed with the decision. He felt it should’ve counted due to where Jones’ arm was. His right skate was on the edge of the crease when he reaches with his right arm outside the blue paint to stop the Theodore shot. It’s borderline.

Either way, the reversal was made which drew the ire of some Vegas fans with a few tossing debris. Never what you want to see. It wasn’t as bad as the ugly scene in Philadelphia. It didn’t take long to get it cleaned up and for play to continue.

In the second overtime, this time it was a chintzy call that led to Logan Couture’s OT winner on the power play. Following a successful Knights’ kill of a ill advised Theodore hi-sticking minor, the refs made a questionable hooking call on Jon Merrill a few minutes later which handed the Sharks a second straight power play.

Something you don’t see in sudden death. I can see if it was a blatant infraction. But a soft hook in double overtime should be left alone. Play on. It was a awful call.

Not surprisingly, San Jose wasted no time taking full advantage. Off a successful faceoff win, Kevin Labanc took a Brent Burns feed and made a perfect bullet pass across to a wide open Couture on the left side. He made no mistake burying the shot past Marc-Andre Fleury to score the game-winner eight seconds into the power play at 5:13 of the second OT.

This isn’t to take away from San Jose’s hard fought 4-3 win in Game 2 that makes the series more interesting with it shifting to HP Pavilion for the next two. Game 3 is tonight at 10 PM. In my opinion, the weak call ruined a well played game between two evenly matched teams. It deserved a better ending. Such a garbage call would never have been made pre-lockout.

Fittingly, this wasn’t the only second round game that had controversy. On Sunday afternoon in Game 2 of the Caps’ 4-1 win over the Pens to even their series, you had two more big decisions which affected the game.

The first being the non call on instigator Tom Wilson’s vicious hit that knocked out key Pens defensive defenseman Brian Dumoulin out of the game. He left in the second period and didn’t return. Updating the story, he was at practice and said he was doing okay. Whether or not he plays in Game 3 tomorrow night remains uncertain.

Everyone knows how Wilson plays. A gritty physical forward who plays on the edge not unlike Bruins super pest and star Brad Marchand, Wilson never passes up a chance for a big hit in open ice. Not exactly the most popular player with opponents, he seems to always find himself in these complex situations after injuring opponents.

The controversial play took place during the second period. It was a odd one due to Alexander Ovechkin closing in on Dumoulin from the opposite side. Here’s how it looked:

As we can see, Dumoulin releases the puck with Ovechkin in plain sight while Wilson is coming from behind. Neither Cap leaves their feet. While Ovechkin delivers a clean shoulder with Dumoulin leaning forward, Wilson delivers a glancing blow from the blind side by leading with his right shoulder which catches Dumoulin high in the face and head from the side. The impact of both simultaneous hits flattens Dumoulin who lands hard on the ice in writhing pain with a glove off.

It’s ugly. Somehow, the refs decided no penalty was called. You can imagine how irate the Pens bench was along with the angry reactions on Twitter. There’s even a comparative double hit from both Wilson and Ovechkin that came against the Blue Jackets. Let’s show first Dumoulin’s reaction to the hit and then another close up view of Wilson’s shoulder which contacted the side of the head.

Obviously, he didn’t know Wilson was there at all. Dumoulin was bracing himself for Ovechkin’s hit. No surprise here since he saw him coming. Now, this is a better look at Wilson’s hit which didn’t even get a hearing from the NHL Department of Player Safety:

https://twitter.com/dmddusseau/status/990862772346015744?s=21

It looks worse up close. You can see the impact which a unsuspecting Dumoulin had no idea on. It’s amazing he has his wits a day later and was able to speak to reporters. As for the DOPS, why would they even have a hearing or suspend Wilson?

The odd part is opinions have been mixed. Watching NHL Network last night, both Kevin Weekes and Darren Pang felt it was a odd play due to Ovechkin coming from the other side. Weekes said he felt both Caps ran out of real estate which made the collision unavoidable. He also indicated that Wilson didn’t leave his feet which is true.

Considering that they say they want to eliminate such hits, the NHL again falls short here. They look like hypocrites. They punish some dirty cheap shots like the cross check Evander Kane delivered and the awful boarding from behind by Nazem Kadri that earned a three game ban in the first round. But other plays aren’t viewed the same even with a player of Wilson’s nature. Even if he said the right thing afterwards.

That wasn’t the only controversy yesterday. In the third period of Game 2 with the Caps leading 3-1, the Pens thought Patric Hornqvist had cut it to 3-2 with over 10 minutes left. Here is the goal that wasn’t:

Even NBC’s Doc Emrick called it a goal line. So did I. How wasn’t it? Braden Holtby was off his angle when Sidney Crosby went around the net and fed Hornqvist for what looked like a slam dunk. Only the NBC replays never had a definitive look. What’s the point of having cameras if they’re faulty? Another failure for the league partner. This is the best look at where the puck was:

It certainly looks conclusive enough to reverse. The ruling on the ice was no goal. They never signaled goal to my amazement. My question is what camera angles did they have? Just NBC. CBC has the best look.

Holtby does a great job scrambling back to get to the goal line and hide the puck. At no point could you tell if it were all the way over the line. I figured it had to have banked in off the inside of the near post and was sitting there just fully over for a goal.

Instead, the no goal was a huge break for the Caps. Even Mike Milbury thought it was a goal. Instead of a 3-2 lead with plenty of time for the Pens to come back against a fragile team that blew a two-goal lead in the third period of Game 1, it allowed the Caps to relax. A empty netter from Nicklas Backstrom that ironically Wilson assisted on finished off a Washington 4-1 win in Game 2 to send the series back to Pittsburgh all even. Game 3 is tomorrow night at 7:30 PM.

Such controversy isn’t good for the NHL. But this is what’s in place. They have no one to blame but themselves. The overturn in Vegas during sudden death along with the cheesy booking penalty is the worst case scenario. It leaves fans frustrated. Especially if you have a rooting interest and want a perfect conclusion to such a great game.

It’s not gonna change any time soon. Just another reason for hockey fans to question the direction of the league.

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Most deserving team, Sabres win NHL Lottery

Posted on April 28, 2018 by Derek

Finally, logic prevailed. I know I wasn’t alone in thinking it was gonna happen again. Especially when Carolina moved all the way up into the top three along with the Montreal.

When NHL Deputy Commish Bill Daly revealed picks three and one, the most deserving team won the NHL Lottery. The Buffalo Sabres will pick first overall in this June’s NHL Entry Draft.

The team with the best odds after finishing with the fewest points at 31st overall will indeed get to select top ranked Swedish prospect Rasmus Dahlin in June. It is a huge jolt for the Sabres who have been one of the league’s worst teams for a while. Even landing second overall pick Jack Eichel hadn’t changed that.

Now, they’ll land the impact number one defenseman who can make a huge difference. The smooth skating Dahlin is a two-way player who plays well defensively and is able to generate offense with his shot along with terrific skating in transition. He’s the kind of blue liner who will change the way Buffalo plays.

Now, Rasmus Ristolainen can be a number two defenseman which is exactly what he is. That he’ll likely get to play with his fellow countryman is a good thing. The Sabres have officially cornered the market on Rasmus’s from Sweden 🇸🇪 who play defense. 😂

Once Daly revealed that the Canadiens had only moved up one spot from four to three, it seemed obvious that Buffalo would finally win something. They’ve picked first overall twice in franchise history with Pierre Turgeon going number one overall in 1987 and hockey legend Gilbert Perreault the first ever Sabre selected in the 1970 Amateur Draft.

For Buffalo, they’ll have a few building blocks now in franchise players Eichel and Dahlin, who undoubtedly will become a Buffalo Sabre on June 22 at American Airlines Center in Dallas.

Featuring recent first round pick Casey Mittlestadt along with Sam Reinhart, Buffalo should be vastly improved. A lot also depends on what GM Jason Botterill decides to do with the goalie position. With former starter Robin Lehner likely not returning following some disappointing results, they only have Linus Ullmark on the roster. He’s 24. With plenty of cap room, they’ll be in the market for a new starter.

It should be interesting to see what they do. As for the Rangers, I don’t know what they’re planning. They could lose a first round pick if Tampa loses to Boston. I don’t care. It would still be a low pick. They’ll have at least two.

Here is the NHL Draft order from 15 to 1:

https://twitter.com/i/moments/990363198799917056

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Rangers drop to nine in rigged NHL Lottery

Posted on April 28, 2018 by Derek

I haven’t said anything on the new NHL Lottery format. That’s because it’s so ridiculous, I have nothing to say without expletives. 🤬

So, only this league and its idiotic TV partner could turn a simple lottery into a three ring circus. For some inexplicable reason, they decided to change the format by revealing 15 to 4 before the start of tonight’s first period of San Jose versus Vegas in Game 2 on NBC.

That in itself was and is a joke, debacle, travesty or whatever you want to feel free to add. I have no clue what the hell they are doing. Does anyone?

As usual, someone moved up that shouldn’t have. Form was holding for picks 15-12 until the Islanders wound up with their own pick dropping to 11 along with the 12 they own from Calgary for Travis Hamonic.

Once that happened, Carolina was guaranteed to move all the way up into the top three which won’t be revealed until <gasp> the second intermission. Why delay the inevitable? Never mind.

When they announced that, I knew the rest of the dominoes would fall. One by one, each team dropped down a spot including the Rangers, who went from eight to nine. I knew we had no chance of getting lucky. Why would we? The Rangers have never picked first overall. I think the league secretly hates us. Don’t tell all the haters including Devils fans whose team moved up twice including landing big fish Nico Hischier first overall in 2017.

Okay. At least the Blackhawks fell too. Talk about a undeserving team after all the success they’ve had. My favorite part was seeing the absolutely blank, unemotional looks on whoever represented the Islanders. They may as well wave goodbye to John Tavares while they’re at it for keeping Dumb and Dumber.

The worst part was when the Canadiens moved into the top three with the Coyotes and Senators slipping. Something Buffalo contributor Brian called. He’s been saying it for weeks. While Chris Wassel celebrated the Rangers and Blackhawks demise, I highly doubt he wants to see the hated Hurricanes win the Rasmus Dahlin Lottery. It would stink. Ditto for Montreal. Can you think of two more undeserving teams?

All I can say is when this rigged process is over, the Sabres better win for the sanity of the league. Stop insulting fans intelligence. I don’t expect it to go in the Sabres’ favor. Why would it? They never have any luck.

I’ll just hope I’m proven wrong following the second period. If I’m not, a lot of people are gonna be upset.

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Team Nash 6 Tampa Blueshirts 2

Posted on April 28, 2018 by Derek

In the first game of a intriguing second round series between a team with one former Ranger in the lineup against a team with five ex-Rangers, Team Nash defeated the Tampa Blueshirts 6-2 earlier today.

That would be the Bruins who took a 1-0 lead in the Atlantic Division Final against the Lightning to take away home ice advantage. Despite getting outplayed and severely outshot, Boston made the most of their chances. They scored five times on 23 shots past Vezina candidate Andrei Vasilevskiy, who to be honest wasn’t at fault on most of the goals.

Even though at times they struggled with Tampa’s depth and speed defensively, the Bruins still boasted the best line in hockey. That line of The Rat, Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and David “Pasta” Pastrnak destroyed the Lightning by combining for three goals and 11 points with a plus-12 rating.

They were so dominant that it didn’t matter that Tampa coach Jon Cooper had the last change to get the match up he wanted of ex-Blueshirts Ryan McDonagh and Anton Stralman with normally reliable second line Ondrej Palat, Tyler Johnson and Brayden Point. The end result was victimizing all five for some dreadful plus-minuses. Try minus-four for Stralman and Palat. Minus-three for Johnson and McDonagh. A jaw dropping minus-five for Point. So those five Bolts went a combined minus-19. That can’t continue the rest of the series.

If I were to pinpoint a turning point in Game 1, I would have to look at the amazing save Tuukka Rask made to rob Palat near the end of the second period. He went post to post on what was a perfect cross ice pass from McDonagh. It looked like the game would be tied at three entering the third. Instead, Rask somehow came across to get his outstretched glove on Palat’s shot to deny the bid.

Rask was fantastic in this one finishing with 34 saves including a dozen in a crazy and unpredictable second. He was by far busier and had to make the tougher saves than Vasilevskiy, who only had 19 saves.

Despite the faster Bolts having a territorial edge in play early on, the Bruins struck first thanks to Rick Nash. A player who’s always had issues scoring in the postseason throughout his career, he was fantastic for the Bruins scoring twice while playing a 200-foot game. Easily one of his best in the playoffs.

With former teammate Ryan Callahan in the penalty box for a bad offensive zone tripping minor, Nash parked his big body in front of Vasilevskiy. He was able to neatly redirect a Pastrnak point shot that was going wide for the game’s first goal on the power play. A really nice deflection for a player who needed it after only having a goal and assist in the first round against the Leafs.

Bergeron made it 2-0 on the opening shift of the second. As usual, linemates Marchand and Pastrnak were involved. It only took 42 seconds for Bergeron to score his second goal in two games. He got his first in the Bruins’ Game 7 win over Toronto. For a player who missed one game in the first round and can’t be 100 percent, you sure wouldn’t know it. He’s the game’s best overall center. Bergeron would go on to add his third goal in two games later along with a helper.

The Lightning answered back quickly with unlikely source Dan Girardi scoring his first postseason goal since 2014. He took a drop from Cedric Paquette and let go of a wrist shot from the right point that deflected off a Bruin up high and past Rask to cut it to 2-1 at 2:31. Girardi has fit in well playing mostly with Norris favorite Victor Hedman in the playoffs. He nearly had his second when he moved up and almost got his stick on a Hedman pass. For a player who doesn’t produce offense, wouldn’t that have been something? No wonder Danny G remains one of my favorite former Blueshirts.

The Bruins had a apparent Marchand goal wiped out due to a crosschecking minor on Pastrnak in the corner. As Bergeron recovered a loose puck and passed for a open Marchand one-time blast past Vasilevskiy, ref Dan O’Halloran called the penalty first which took the goal off the board. While I understood the call, I didn’t think it was blatant enough to wipe out the goal. But it was made giving Tampa a power play.

After killing the penalty, Boston came in transition through the neutral zone. A David Krejci drop to Nash allowed him to step in and snap a perfect wrist shot top shelf inside the crossbar for a 3-1 Bruins lead. Just a well executed play with Nash given the room he never had with the Rangers.

A questionable Jake DeBrusk minor for interference allowed the Bolts another opportunity to climb back in it. That’s when things got very confusing. On the power play, Tampa was attacking when Rask’s skate blade snapped. With the Boston goalie trying to get the refs’ attention, play continued. Eventually, Mikhail Sergachev fired a shot from the point that beat a enraged Rask, who vehemently protested.

Thinking the play should’ve been blown dead due to his equipment issue, Rask went nuts tossing his blade. In actuality, they got it right. According to Rule 14, if it’s a equipment issue, the player is responsible. Loose Translation: Play continues. Had it been the mask coming off, it would’ve been a automatic whistle. Maybe Rask should’ve risked it.

Instead, the game was 3-2. Tampa really came after the Bruins for the rest of the period. But Rask wouldn’t allow them to get it tied with his strong denial on Palat the save of the game.

The third was a awesome display of execution and skill by the Boston top line. First, Marchand was his pesky self when he got free of a Johnson check to deflect home a Charlie McAvoy shot for a 4-2 lead at 3:32 to give the Bruins some breathing room. Prior to that, they went almost 10 minutes without a shot.

The Lightning were never the same. Marchand made a smart play to set up Bergeron’s second of the day. On the forecheck, he took a Pastrnak pass down low and created enough space between Stralman to make a great back pass for a wicked Bergeron one-timer by Vasilevskiy for a 5-2 lead with 9:49 left. Marchand finished with a goal and three assists. When he wasn’t in on the goals, he was driving the Bolts batty during scrums including another near kiss with him greeting Johnson, who was none too pleased throughout.

The Lightning got one more power play. For some inexplicable reason, Cooper pulled Vasilevskiy for a six on four with under seven minutes left. They never came close to scoring.

Even more stupefying was that Vasilevskiy stayed on the bench when Boston returned to even strength. It was the most idiotic move I’ve ever seen a coach make. And I’ve seen some bad ones before. Especially from former Rangers bench boss Alain Vigneault and even predecessor John Tortorella.

It didn’t take long for the Bruins to accept Cooper’s early gift. DeBrusk took a Marchand feed in the neutral zone and fired the puck into the empty net for the rookie’s sixth of the postseason with 6:19 remaining.

Here are our three stars:

STARS ✨ OF THE GAME

3rd Star ⭐️ Tuukka Rask Bruins 34 saves

2nd Star ⭐️ Rick Nash Bruins 2 goals

1st Star ⭐️ Marchand-Bergeron-Pastrnak 3-8-11

Postseason Notes: Game 2 is Monday. Tampa really needs it for their confidence. With the exception of Nikita Kucherov, the top line struggled. Particularly captain Steven Stamkos, who blew some pointblank chances off Kucherov passes. J.T. Miller had a big hit but was too quiet. … They’re playing Game 2 in Vegas on NBC. The Golden Knights easily took Game 1 of the Pacific Division Final 7-0 over the Sharks. They’re without Evander Kane, who was suspended a game for a ill advised crosscheck to Pierre-Edouard Bellemare after a whistle that bloodied his face. He’s playing tonight. … In the oh so surprising, the Caps blew a 2-0 lead in Game 1 of the Metro Division Final to fall to the Pens 3-2. 🙁😌 I’m not watching that series. No reason. I’ll watch the other three.

Winnipeg is up 1-0 on Nashville after taking Game 1 of the Central Division Final 4-1. Mark Scheifele scored twice including a shorthanded goal and Connor Hellebuyck stood on his head with 47 saves. He truly was amazing. Game 2 is tomorrow night at 7 PM.

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Deja Vu: Bruins end Leafs season five years later, Second Round set

Posted on April 26, 2018 by Derek

The result was the same. For one hockey crazed city, it was deja vu all over again. For the other, it was celebration time. Five years later in a similar situation, the Bruins again got the better of the Leafs in Game 7. Unlike 2013, they didn’t need a miraculous rally from three goals down to stun Toronto.

This time, Boston needed only one goal to tie the score and swing the momentum in a very entertaining deciding seventh game. After playing a sub par second period to fall behind by a goal, the Bruins used a four goal third to eliminate the Leafs 7-4 before a chaotic environment at TD Garden to advance to a second round match up against the Lightning.

A wild game is just what NBC needed in a otherwise dreadful opening round devoid of drama or excitement. Of the eight series, this was the only one that needed seven games to decide. The classic Original Six rivalry lived up to the hype with the Bruins gaining the upper hand early before the Leafs came storming back to make last night possible. It didn’t disappoint.

The first period featured five goals. Each team traded power play goals in the first five minutes. The Leafs got on the board early with Patrick Marleau deflecting home a Jake Gardiner point shot past Tuukka Rask. But the Bruins came right back when rookie Jake DeBrusk scored on a redirection past Frederik Andersen.

Marleau again tallied when he took a nice Mitch Marner feed and beat Rask with a good wrist shot far side. The Boston netminder was not square to the shooter and was shaky. But the Bruins came hard in the second half and got the last two markers of a crazy period.

First, rookie Danton Heinen was able to get to some loose change off a Rick Nash centering feed that David Krejci got a piece of. Heinen’s quick turnaround shot beat Andersen to tie it at two. With under a minute left in the first, Boston had Toronto pinned in. Patrice Bergeron was able to sneak in on a line change and bury a rebound at 19:23 from Kevan Miller and David Backes for a 3-2 Bruins lead.

There was no momentum from the end of that stanza for the hosts. Instead, it was the Leafs who played a much better second outscoring the Bruins 2-0.

It didn’t take long for Travis Dermott to tee up a left point shot and beat Rask from distance a little over a couple of minutes in. A play set up by William Nylander with Roman Polak earning a primary helper.

There was only one penalty in the second. With Tomas Plekanec in the box, his team took advantage of some sloppy Boston play to score shorthanded. A back pass that Brad Marchand missed allowed Kasperi Kapanen to get behind for a breakaway. With Marchand hustling back, Kapanen was able to ward him off and cut in and put a series of moves on Rask before tucking home the puck on the last of about four dekes for a amazing solo effort. The shorthanded goal gave Toronto a 4-3 lead.

That goal seemed to take the steam out of Boston. Even though they were getting more shots (13) on Andersen, he was stopping them like he did at the end of Game 6. His defense was also suffocating the Bruins in the neutral zone by taking away time and space. They didn’t give up any dangerous chances. Despite just six shots, they converted on 33.33 percent to take a one goal lead to the locker room.

There was no doubt the Bruins crowd was nervous entering the third. Their team trailed in a Game 7 rematch in the same round as 2013. Could they come back again? Of course, the rosters were different but the Bruins still had a few key holdovers including captain Zdeno Chara along with Bergeron, David Krejci (3 assists) and Marchand. Rask wasn’t the goalie. It was Tim Thomas.

In a unpredictable game where there was no such thing as momentum, the Bruins played a great third period. They outscored the Leafs 4-0 to once again break Toronto hearts.

It only took 70 seconds for Torey Krug to tie it with a point blast from Miller off a critical Bergeron faceoff win. He’s money there and in these pressure packed situations. It was no surprise one of the game’s best superstars stepped up with a goal and two assists. Bergeron is my favorite player for a reason.

As if to prove it would not be the Leafs’ night, the Bruins turned a undisciplined Nash retaliation into a four-on-four goal. Once again, it was the super fast DeBrusk who blew through the neutral zone and by Gardiner sending a quick snap shot that eluded Andersen through the five-hole for the series clinching win with 14:35 remaining. Just a unreal individual effort by a young future star who plays like a power forward. No wonder I wish the Rangers could’ve gotten him instead of any draft picks for Nash. The Bruins were never doing it. He’s already a top six forward. DeBrusk had five goals in the series. Amazing production for a young player.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the two huge saves Rask made on Kapanen before the comeback. He stoned him pointblank and denied another chance which could’ve put the Leafs up 5-3. The biggest saves of the game. Without them, Boston probably doesn’t win.

With the game still hanging in the balance, David Pastrnak finished off a great passing play from linemates Bergeron and Marchand in front for a 6-4 lead with 8:21 left. When the Boston top line gets on the board, they win. They combined for seven more points to finish with 30 total points in Boston’s four wins in the series. In the three losses, they had no points and went a combined minus-16.

By that point, it was painfully obvious that the Leafs were done. They couldn’t beat Rask in the final period. Even with Auston Matthews finally getting some chances throughout, he continued to struggle. The sophomore only had a goal and assist in the seven games. He’ll no doubt need to improve in future postseasons.

A Marchand empty netter sealed the Bruins win with 51 seconds left. A fitting conclusion considering how hard The Rat works. He had been snake bit the previous two games but was better last night along with Bergeron and Pastrnak.

When it was over, the two teams met at center ice for the game’s greatest tradition. Each player shook hands. A heated rivalry went to Boston again. But at the end of the day, there was mutual respect shown along with great sportsmanship. That’s what makes the hockey playoffs great.

I felt bad for Toronto. Maybe it’s that I’m sentimental towards teams and loyal fan bases who haven’t won in a long time. It must suck for them. No first round wins since ’04. No big runs since ’99 when they lost to the Hasek Sabres in the Conference Final. And of course the gut wrenching classic Western Conference Final loss in seven to the Gretzky Kings in ’93.

Boston now will face Tampa Bay in the Atlantic Division Final. They get two days off to prepare. They’ll need it following a taxing series. Game 1 is Saturday afternoon on NBC at 3 PM.

The second round officially begins tonight. The Caps host the Pens in Game 1 of the same old same old Metro Division Final. I won’t watch a second of it because I don’t believe in the Caps and am sick of the Pens. Maybe me not watching will bring Alexander Ovechkin and Co. some luck. They’ll need it. I don’t think they’re any match for Sidney Crosby, Phil Kessel. Even with Evgeni Malkin missing tonight, I expect the Pens to cruise in five games.

The best match up pits the Golden Knights hosting the Sharks in the Pacific Division Final. I see it being fast and furious with it going back and forth. I’m taking the Knights in seven due to Marc-Andre Fleury.

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Leafs and Bruins play Game 7 tonight!

Posted on April 25, 2018 by Derek

Of all the series in a lackluster first round, this one has stood out from the rest. A matchup between bitter rivals will require a Game 7 to decide who advances to the second round where the Lightning await.

For the Maple Leafs and Bruins, it’s go time tonight at TD Garden in Boston. Only one team will win while the other has all summer to think about what could’ve been. By coming back from a 3-1 deficit in taking Games 5 and 6, the Leafs have to be feeling really good about themselves. Starting with the brilliant play of netminder Frederik Andersen, they’ve shown tremendous heart to force a deciding game. Facing a hated rival they once choked against, can they finish the job?

For the Bruins, all the pressure is squarely on them. This is a team many felt could make a deep run with a Stanley Cup possible. It was never gonna be easy against the very fast and skilled Leafs. Going in, I felt it would probably be a seven game series with the more experienced Bruins prevailing. However, I didn’t expect Boston to take their foot off the gas pedal. They’ve left the door open for Toronto to pull off a 3-1 comeback for the first time in nearly 80 years in franchise history. They last did it in the 1942 Stanley Cup Final stunning the Red Wings to become one of only four teams to overcome a 3-0 deficit. Twenty eight teams have come back from 3-1 down in NHL history.

Toronto is in this position due to the sensational play of Andersen, who has caught fire. Over the last two games, he’s stopped 84 of 88 shots in both wins to push Boston to a do or die Game 7. In Game 5, he made 42 saves to stave off elimination with many coming (19 saves) in a tilted third that saw the Leafs hang on for a 4-3 victory. He followed it up with 32 big ones in a Game 6 Toronto 3-1 home win at Air Canada Centre before a raucous environment. On a emotional day where the Maple Leafs held a moment of silence for the 10 victims who died along with 15 more pedestrians injured due to being hit by a van in North Toronto on Yonge Street, the Leafs gave their city a reason to smile. Mitch Marner had two points including the game-winner on a nice backhand past Tuukka Rask. Tomas Plekanec sealed it with a empty netter to loud cheers both inside the arena and outside.

The Leafs are here despite Auston Matthews having only a goal and assist with a minus-five rating. Marner has led the way with eight points (2-6-8). The second-year center who flew under the radar entered on fire and has remained that way. Toronto has gotten good series out of Morgan Rielly, James van Rymsdyk, Plekanec, Tyler Bozak along with unlikely source Andreas Johnsson. After being suspended for three games, Nazem Kadri has contributed two assists in two Leafs victories. If Matthews or William Nylander spring to life later, it could be lights out for the Bruins.

Interestingly enough, Boston has gone as their dominant top line has. In the three wins, Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak have combined for 23 points (6-17-23). In the three losses, they’ve been totally shutdown with no points and a combined minus-16. So, what’s it gonna be for the big line tonight at home? They have missed on a number of chances the last two games. Marchand also was taken off the puck by Plekanec that led to Marner’s winner in Game 6. Don’t forget Bergeron missed Game 5 due to a injury. He returned for Game 6. The number one centerman has five assists but no goals in the series. Pastrnak leads all skaters with 11 points (4-7-11) including a hat trick and three helpers in a blowout win. Marchand has two goals and five helpers.

Torey Krug has led the way on D with eight points while Zdeno Chara has struggled at times with Toronto’s speed. He and Charlie McAvoy haven’t had great series. Outside of Jake Debrusk, Sean Kuraly and David Krejci, Boston hasn’t gotten enough support from key vets Rick Nash and David Backes. Despite creating opportunities on the forecheck, Nash again has been a huge disappointment in the playoffs with just one goal. Backes plays hard like Nash but has two goals. They’re a combined minus-seven.

For reasons only known to coach Bruce Cassidy, talented rookie Ryan Donato has only played one game hardly getting ice time while veteran Tommy Wingels has gotten into three. As mystifying as Boston coughing up a third round pick to play Nick Holden in one playoff game.

It could very well come down to the goalies. Andersen is hot coming in. So, he’s very confident which has to give Toronto a mental edge. Rask is as proven as anyone left in the tournament. But his poor Game 5 hurt his team. He bounced back and played well making 27 saves on 29 shots in Game 6. That included a highlight reel poke check denial on Matthews.

The first goal could have significance. While I don’t put a whole lot of stock in it, I have to believe it’s more important for the Bruins. They don’t want to fall behind and create doubt on home ice. The Leafs have proven they can come back.

It should be exciting theatre. There’s nothing like a Game 7. Especially coming off arguably the best game of these playoffs.

Who will win? Call me a hypocrite or if you’re from Boston, a turncoat. After I had the Bruins not only winning this series but the next two to reach the Cup Final. I just have a feeling about Toronto tonight. This was always the worst matchup for the Bruins and now it’s come true. They have all the pressure.

I’ll even pick a final score.

Leafs 4 Bruins 2

Matthews gets one. So does Kadri. Toronto scores a empty netter to gain a measure of revenge for 2013. The miracle Boston third period comeback from three down with Bergeron tying and winning the series in sudden death. It’s worth noting the Leafs also trailed that series 3-1 before blowing a 4-1 lead in the third of Game 7. I’m going against that historic choke game.

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Couturier’s hat trick and five points while hurt overshadow Guentzel’s four goals

Posted on April 23, 2018 by Derek

Sometimes, the NHL Playoffs demonstrate how courageous these players are. The level of pain threshold they play through is unreal.

Patrice Bergeron once played with a broken rib and separated shoulder in Game 6 of the 2013 Stanley Cup Final. Even though the Bruins lost the Cup in excruciating fashion to the Blackhawks, Bergeron’s bravery is one that is fondly remembered by hockey fans.

Injuries to Ryan McDonagh, Dan Girardi, Marc Staal and Keith Yandle played a role in a crushing seven game series loss to the Lightning in the 2015 Eastern Conference Final. They all played through the injuries and nearly reached a second straight Stanley Cup Final. The bitter ending still hurts because it was the beginning of the end of that special group.

On Sunday, Sean Couturier played through his own pain. Following a incident at practice when he collided with Radko Gudas, he somehow managed to dress for Games 5 and 6 for the Flyers in a first round series defeat to the hated rival Pens. We didn’t know the extent of the injury until after yesterday’s game that saw the Pens eliminate the Flyers 8-5.

What was known was that Couturier was doubtful for Game 5 at Pittsburgh. But there was the Flyers’ best overall forward on late scoring the game-winner through a maze of players with 1:15 left in regulation to extend the series. It was almost as if it were his destiny to win that game on one good knee.

In a wild and wacky sixth game in Philadelphia, Couturier was remarkable. In what was a crushing loss that turned ugly late due to a few foolish fans who tossed beer on the ice, the Flyers center was brilliant. Somehow, he recorded a hat trick and two assists for a five point game in a tough loss that ended the season. He did it while playing with a torn MCL. Fortunately, it won’t require surgery. He later revealed that if it were in the regular season, he would’ve missed a month.

How well did Couturier play? Try this amazing skill on a mini break with back pressure and little wiggle room. It’s one of the best highlight reel goals I’ve seen given the injury and pressure.

I’ve seen plenty of great goals. I love the way he was able to hold the puck and maneuver it around Matt Murray to his forehand tucking it in with Patric Hornqvist all over him. Wow. Here’s another look at it:

https://twitter.com/barsouthncelly/status/988195403546820608?s=21

The amount of patience, poise and strength it takes to pull off such a move is incredible. Hockey players are special. They can make plays that leave you breathless.

I can only heap praise on Couturier, who just might be the most complete center in the Metro Division. No disrespect to Sidney Crosby, who was his usual brilliant self lighting up his favorite opponent for 13 points in the six game series. But he’ll never be up for the Selke which goes to the top defensive forward. An award Couturier deserves for his brilliant season moving up to center the Flyers top line.

He finished with career bests across the board in goals (31), assists (45), points (76) and plus/minus (34) in all 82 games. The third time he’s played in every game. Couturier missed one game in the first round due to the injury but still managed to lead the Flyers in scoring with five goals and four assists totaling nine points in five games while going plus-one. No other Flyer has over three points with Claude Giroux only having a goal and two assists with a minus-10 rating.

While Couturier’s heroics came in defeat, Pens second year forward Jake Guentzel continued his playoff dominance. He had his first career four goal game with a helper for a five point performance that sparked the Pens in a comeback win.

In a game they once trailed 4-2 late in the second period, the Pens scored the next five goals including the last two of the second. Guentzel set up Hornqvist following a bad Gudas giveaway that led to Crosby feeding Guentzel down low where he dished across for a open Hornqvist that made it 4-3. Before the period concluded, Guentzel scored the first of four straight goals when he deflected in a Olli Maatta point shot with 54 seconds left stunning the Philly crowd.

Guentzel put the Pens ahead for good 30 seconds into the third when he buried a Phil Kessel pass. Following some poor Flyers power plays, he one-timed a perfect Crosby feed past Flyers goalie Michael Neuvirth that gave him a hat trick with 7:12 left for a 6-4 lead. The play was a bit controversial due to Kris Letang getting his stick in the skates of Couturier along the boards which sent him to the ice. The refs made no call due to Letang getting stick on puck. So, there is was no penalty which drew the ire of Flyers fans.

It only got worse when 10 seconds later, he got his sixth for a 7-4 lead. His fourth goal and fifth point giving him 13 in the series. As many as Crosby on a day Evgeni Malkin didn’t play. A special kind of game for a young player who broke the rookie playoff record with 13 goals and 21 points last year helping the Pens repeat.

Of course, as fate would have it Couturier completed his hat trick by getting to a Giroux shot for a rebound goal that made it 7-5 with 2:53 left. But that’s as close as they came. A missed crosscheck with the game and series decided led to a Bryan Rust empty netter to conclude the scoring.

Beer bottles were littered on the ice creating another ugly scene in Philadelphia. No matter how much fans disagree with the officiating, you can’t do that. It was sad because it ruined a great game along with a memorable performance by the injured Couturier. The Flyers fans who stayed till the bitter end saluted their team for the season they gave them.

That’s the problem. The misconception is that all Philly fans are bad. It’s not true. It’s the ugly actions of a few who give them the bad label and poor generalization that’s as bad as anything in this country.

I’ll remember Sunday’s game for two awesome performances by two young players. Couturier the bigger story given what he played with. Inspirational.

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HARD HITS: First Round lacking usual bite

Posted on April 22, 2018 by Derek

HARD HITS

By Derek Felix

Normally, the first round of the NHL Playoffs has a couple of riveting series. This year has been lacking that usual bite.

To say it’s been disappointing would be a understatement. While there have still been plenty of highlight reel goals and saves from elite talent, I can’t think of one match up that’s gotten me out of my seat.

With the Lightning eliminating the scrappy Devils on Saturday in five games, that made it four teams already into the second round. Despite Tampa’s ridiculous scoring depth and talent edge, at least it was competitive. Unlike the lopsided sweeps we got in the Pacific with the Golden Knights dominating the Kings and Sharks humiliating the Ducks, the Devils battled hard. They showed up and made the Bolts earn it. Kudos to John Hynes’ club on a superb season that proved no fluke.

As for the Kings and Ducks, the less said the better. Both teams need to undergo serious overhauls. That’s how overmatched they looked against arch rivals.

It also speaks to the cohesiveness and chemistry both Vegas and San Jose have. They toyed with their opponents at times. It’s amazing to think how good the expansion Golden Knights are. A credit to Jack Adams lock Gerard Gallant and his players for buying in. They have a great chance to advance to the Western Conference Final.

With the Knights featuring a balanced offense led by William Karlsson, Jonathan Marchessault, Reilly Smith along with proven netminder Marc-Andre Fleury, they should give the Sharks all they can handle. Logan Couture, Joe Pavelski and Evander Kane lead a potent attack along with Brent Burns in a compelling Pacific Final that pits Martin Jones against Fleury. Hopefully, it won’t disappoint given the skating and quick transition of both teams.

There are still four series left entering Sunday. The Penguins can again close out the Flyers with a win in Philly. At times, the Battle of Pennsylvania has been one sided with Sidney Crosby having his way. It’s astonishing that the Flyers are still alive. They can thank surprise Game Five starter Michael Neuvirth for that along with hero Sean Couturier, who pulled his best Willis Reed by scoring the game-winner with 75 seconds remaining after his status was uncertain due to a bad knee stemming from a injury suffered in practice thanks to Radko Gudas. He’s even injuring teammates.

Winnipeg also easily advanced over the all too predictable Wild who were no match for their high powered offense. Devan Dubnyk did all that he could but finally caved in a embarrassing Game Five that saw the Jets chase him for four goals in the first period en route to a 5-0 shutout. Vezina nominee Connor Hellebuyck’s second consecutive shutout. TMT (Too Much Talent) with Mark Scheifele, Blake Wheeler, Patrik Laine, Paul Stastny, Dustin Byfuglien and a balanced attack doing in the Wild, who couldn’t compete once they lost jinxed high paid forward Zach Parise to another injury. Without Ryan Suter, they were no match.

The Jets have the look of a serious contender. It’s great to see Winnipeg advance past the first round. Even if it’s not the original franchise which is on the way back up in Arizona, they’ve done a great job turning it around since the days of the Thrashers. Paul Maurice doesn’t get enough respect for how good a coach he is.

The interesting subplot is that they’re still waiting for a winner between the top seeded Predators and Avalanche. Colorado extended their Cinderella season by stunning Nashville on late goals by Gabriel Landeskog and Sven Andrighetto to pull out a come from behind 2-1 win to send the series back to Colorado. They did it thanks to the amazing return of The Hamburglar, Andrew Hammond. He only started one game in the NHL this season but in a big spot, stood on his head making 44 saves. If the Nathan MacKinnon Avs can win on home ice later, they’ll force the heavily favored Predators into a pressure packed do or die Game Seven. Who ever would’ve believed that could be possible?

Assuming Nashville does win that series, the big match up awaits with Winnipeg. One with electricity and intensity on both sides. The drawback would be that it’s Round Two. We’ll see if the Preds can deliver the series the NHL needs.

The Maple Leafs finally showed some life going into Boston last night and holding off the Bruins to win 4-3 in Game Five. That means a Game Six in Toronto. Win and they can force a deciding seventh game. That would add exciting theatre to a bland opening round. They can thank Frederik Andersen for bailing them out by making 19 of his 42 saves in a lopsided third period. They got to Tuukka Rask sending him to a early exit by scoring four times on 13 shots. If Auston Matthews can spring to life on home ice, there will be a Game Seven. Just imagine the pressure on Boston in this huge rivalry if it happens.

Hopefully, Columbus can back up John Tortorella’s guarantee after blowing a 2-0 series lead to the resurgent Capitals, who have taken three in a row thanks to Braden Holtby being reinserted by clueless coach Barry Trotz and two overtime wins with Nicklas Backstrom playing the Game Five hero on a unreal redirection of a Dmitry Orlov shot in one heck of a OT.

That’s been by far the best series with four of five games needing sudden death. The Blue Jackets took the first two but the Caps won Games Three and Five with Lars Eller’s bizarre goal that deflected off him and Zach Werenski in double overtime swinging the series. Does Columbus have a answer at home? They can’t really go 0-3 in their own building. This is a franchise that’s never advanced past the first round. It’s up to Artemi Panarin, Cam Atkinson, Thomas Vanek, Pierre-Luc Dubois, a healthy Alex Wennberg along with Werenski, Seth Jones and former Vezina winner Sergei Bobrovsky. They have enough talent. Do they have the heart? We’re about to find out.

Aside from the unusual quiet Round One, you have League partner NBC continuing to screw its own audience with two 3 PM games for a second straight week. I don’t get it. Between this and the other identical 7 PM starts, they have been awful. I’m not talking about the broadcast talent here or studio analysts here. They do their jobs well. Even Mike Milbury, who’s been okay filling in for Ed Olczyk with Doc Emrick. Pierre McGuire is excellent when he’s not on Pens games waxing poetic about Crosby.

It’s hard to fathom why the NHL’s TV partner hasn’t promoted each game more. Marketing has never been the league’s strong suit. Maybe that changes if two bitter rivals go seven in the Eastern Conference. Many fans who don’t have a rooting interest are holding out hope for the Leafs to force a Game Seven against the Bruins. And who wouldn’t love to see the heavy underdog Flyers somehow muster up the energy to take the two-time defending champion Pens seven with all the pressure squarely on Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Phil Kessel, Kris Letang and Company?

It would at least give the first round that added spice it’s lacked.

BODY CHECKS

-What is worse? The fact WFAN hardly aired any Devils games down the exciting stretch including their return to the playoffs or MSG not bothering to do a postgame show following their elimination. Just because they’re not the Rangers doesn’t make it right. I was stunned that MSG did nothing after airing the games that weren’t NBC exclusives. They deserved better treatment.

-One other thing. WFAN is a joke for not cutting away from yesterday’s lengthy Yankees postgame show. They missed the first two periods for silly reports from Suzyn Waldman on Game 19 in April of a 162-game baseball schedule. Utterly ridiculous.

-Even though I took the opposite side on the Nikita Kucherov hit that ended Sami Vatanen’s season, if they suspend Drew Doughty for one game on a similar hit, then the precedent dictates that Kucherov should’ve also gotten a game. There’s no consistency or integrity from the Department of Player Safety. I understand Devils blogger Hasan’s point. And wouldn’t you know it. Kucherov put the final dagger in the Devs’ season with his 10th point.

-I still can’t believe some foolish Bolts fans had the audacity to boo Brian Boyle. Talk about clueless. Boyle is the epitome of class and perseverance personified. He will win the Bill Masterton Trophy for his tremendous fight against cancer, helping inspire and lead the Devils back to the postseason.

-The best studio analyst isn’t on NBC or NBCSN. It’s former Devils great Scott Stevens. The way he breaks down games is great. He really uses a lot of fine details and highlights where some of the defensive breakdowns are that lead to goals. His take on the Kucherov hit was solid. But I liked how he noted Holtby not trusting defenseman John Carlson on a two-on-one to take away the pass on a Matt Calvert shorthanded goal. Had he fully trusted his teammate, Holtby would’ve remained aggressive challenging to take away the angle. Instead, he backed up and gave Calvert enough real estate to score. Don’t forget Stevens coached team defense as a assistant in both New Jersey and Minnesota. He sounds like a future coaching candidate for a vacant job. No. He’s not coming to the Rangers. Can someone retire Larry Brooks already?

-From a Russian article in which he was interviewed, Pavel Buchnevich didn’t have any reaction to Alain Vigneault’s firing. The former third round noted how at times, he was afraid of being benched along with not playing when the team led. It doesn’t paint a rosy picture. Everyone knew the gum chewing coach had to go. He also mishandled Jimmy Vesey. A player who plays a hard nosed game. Under the right coach, he can improve. It would be a mistake to move him.

-I know he’s playing with great players in Kucherov and Steven Stamkos but that J.T. Miller sure makes things happen on the forecheck. It’s kind of nice that he’s no longer benched or taking shifts on the fourth line.

-It was a strange moment when Ryan McDonagh made a great defensive play to clear the zone and pass to Ryan Callahan for the empty net goal that ended that series. Anton Stralman was also out. Considering how hard the Devils social media account trolled Rangers fans on Twitter, a bit of twisted irony that the last two former Blueshirts captains combined to end the Devils season. Funny how that works sometimes.

-In a week, the NHL Draft Lottery will take place up in Toronto. Please let it not be Edmonton.

-The Devils should be in the market for a defenseman and center to aid Taylor Hall. Would John Tavares have interest in moving from Brooklyn to Newark to a more organized team on the right track? What about Jersey native Carlson coming home?

-All those silly rumors of Ilya Kovalchuk to the Rangers, who are rebuilding because it always makes plenty of sense to overpay a aging scorer who hasn’t been in the NHL for a few years.

-If I am Jeff Gorton and there is enough cap room, I would consider going after Evander Kane, who plays with the physical edge and skill that would be perfect. A top two lines featuring Chris Kreider and Kane would be imposing. But that’s only if the Rangers are willing to spend the money. They have quite a few Group II’s with Kevin Hayes, Brady Skjei, Vesey, Ryan Spooner and Vladislav Namestnikov all featured.

-After resigning as coach of the Hurricanes, Bill Peters is expected to be hired as the new Flames coach. I wonder why he left.

-He didn’t have a point in the final two games but Hall proved his career best 39-goal, 93 point season wasn’t a fluke. He definitely bought in.

-I’ve taken to calling Brad Marchand The Rat. He would be proud.

Award Picks:

Norris-Victor Hedman

Vezina-Pekka Rinne

Calder-Mathew Barzal

Selke-Sean Couturier

Byng-William Karlsson

Adams-Gerard Gallant

Masterton-Brian Boyle

Lindsay-Taylor Hall

Hart-Nathan MacKinnon

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Your 2017-18 Devils: A team to be proud of

Posted on April 22, 2018 by hasan4978

For the Devils, today’s 3-1 loss to the Lightning in Tampa represents both an end and a beginning.  Of course, the end being that today represents the last game the Devils will play until they open the 2018-19 season next October in Sweden.  Yet, this game also represents a beginning in terms of what will be expected of this organization down the road.  I as a fan can believe this is only the start of bigger and better times ahead (and I do), obviously if GM Ray Shero and coach John Hynes have their way this team will be followed by a better, more mature outfit ready to build off of the strides this organization made during 2017-18.  Hynes perfectly summed up what should be the mentality in a quote I saw just now…’we can be proud, but we can’t be satisfied’.  I’m not up to talking about 2018-19 right now though and speculating about FA signings, departures, trades or what happens with the seventeenth overall draft pick.  That can be saved for the actual start of the offseason once the Stanley Cup is awarded in June since it’s highly unlikely there’ll be major news before then coming out of Newark, plus today’s not about 2018-19 anyway.

I’m not doing a big recap of this afternoon’s game either.  What’s to say, and what does it matter anymore?  Many including me felt today was the eventual, inevitable result against a more talented, seasoned team, particularly once Sami Vatanen went down in Game 4.  Of course we again weren’t helped by the one-sided refereeing which called a couple of very questionable penalties on us while not penalizing the Lightning for the same clutching and grabbing they couldn’t wait to put us in the box for…but I wasted all my rage on that in between yesterday’s blog and my griping watching this game with my friend at a bar uptown.  At least this team went out on its shield and not with a whimper, though it was mostly due to the rejuvanated Cory Schneider who had by far his best game in 2018 this afternoon and at least gave me hope he could again be the caliber of goalie he’d been hyped up as in previous seasons.  Plus once this team went down by two goals at last in the third period after bravely killing off penalty after penalty, they held true to their character not giving up and came back to score an empty netter, nearly tying the game after that.

I’d rather take this final blog of 2017-18 to salute a team that deserves thanks and appreciation for bringing pride back to the crest, not to mention the enjoyment back of watching Devils hockey after years of offensively challenged teams who had more drama off the ice than on it.  Pretty much every member of the organization deserves a stick tap starting with Shero himself, who has tirelessly worked over the last three years to rebuild an organization that hit rock bottom and is the person singularly most responsible for the turnaround.  From trading for guys like Taylor Hall, Kyle Palmieri and Vatanen to improved drafting that brought in guys like Jesper Bratt (not to mention Nico over Nolan) and signing guys from college FA Will Butcher to Masterson nominee Brian Boyle, Shero’s fingerprints are all over this team.  Starting with his hire at head coach Hynes, who was the leader this organization needed this season – holding guys accountable while at the same time showing patience and developing a younger core of players.

Of course the players themselves also deserve their just due.  In goal it was a tale of two seasons for Cory Schneider and Keith Kinkaid.  Without the latter’s 16-3-1 stretch drive run the Devils don’t make the playoffs.  Without the former’s early season play they might not have had the cushion that sustained them through a long period of up and down play, before the season-saving stretch drive.  If Kinkaid showed during the drive to the playoffs he can be a legitimate NHL goalie, then Cory got his chance to prove during the playoffs that he can still be the starter this team will need going forward.

Among the defensemen, it wasn’t always the easiest season for Andy Greene but he perservered through another campaign of handling tough matchups at age 35 and as one of the few Devils who had previously made the playoffs with this organization, this season had to give the captain a tremendous amount of satisfaction and pride.  For Vatanen, many including me viewed him curiously when he arrived in the much-discussed trade for fan favorite Adam Henrique, but he won everyone’s respect by becoming a legit top-pairing D on both sides of the ice this franchise needed.  Butcher had a tremendous season as a rookie and (like the organization as a whole) showed potential for still better things ahead.  Though not always popular with fans given his stay-at-home style, Ben Lovejoy provided more vet leadership that a young D needed.  For Mirco Mueller to come in cold down the stretch and play as well as he did in crucial games was vital.

Up front, it starts with Hall whose ascension from good player to star and Hart candidate this season was a joy to watch and he more than anyone on the ice deserved to feel a moment of accomplishment when he finally made the playoffs for the first time in his career.  Hall’s 2017-18 season will go down among the great seasons in franchise history and the most fun I’ve had watching any single Devil since 2006 Patrik Elias in his spectacular comeback from hepatitis.  Top overall pick Nico Hischier exceeded all reasonable expectations in his first NHL season as an 18-year old, playing every game and more than holding his own against the world’s best hockey players.  Not just that but his demeanor and character show he’s a young man worth eventually being dubbed a franchise player.  Palmieri fought through injuries all year and put up another solid season, showing once again he’s a legitimate first-line wing and character player whose recent long-term extension is well-deserved.  For Travis Zajac (like Greene) it also had to be a tremendous satisfaction in being around for the full cycle of the rebuild after going through all the dark seasons here – and in Zajac’s case personally satisfying to rebound after an offseason injury and a frighteningly slow start, back to being the Travis of old in the second half of the season through the playoffs.

Fellow vet centerman Boyle provided a first-half jolt that compensated for not having Travis return to full strength till later on in the season, and also provided locker room leadership and emotional toughness tested in more ways than one on and off the ice this season for the likely Masterson winner.  Also deserving of praise were role players like Brian Gibbons whose first half showed he can play in the NHL and gave us an early lift,  Stefan Noesen who blossomed into a legit NHL contributor this season, and same thing for his fellow Plato, Texas native Blake Coleman who was one of the biggest surprises on a team full of them this year.  Younger than any of them was Jesper Bratt, who dazzled in the fall – but like most 19-year olds eventually ran out of gas, though he saved one of his best games for his playoff debut this afternoon.  Miles Wood also showed promise in his second year, though he became too tentative after his suspension he still clearly has the tools to be a part of the team’s future.  Deadline arrival Patrick Maroon acclimated to the team surprisingly well and might be offered a deal to stay, depending on what both player and team want this summer.  Finally, Marcus Johansson rebounded from a tough year physically and on the ice to return and showed flashes of being the player Shero traded for this offseason.

Even if today the season didn’t end the way many of us hoped for as a Devils fan, there are still a ton of happy memories that can be looked back on fondly this season (not even counting Elias retirement night which was spectacular on its own).  Just to name a few:

  1. Opening afternoon against Colorado, where the team’s high-octane 4-1 win at the Rock was a harbinger for better things to come and helped power the 9-2 start to the season
  2. Hischier scoring his first two NHL goals in Ottawa, and against former juniors coach Guy Boucher in a wild 5-4 OT win
  3. New Jersey’s wild pre-Thanksgiving 7-5 comeback win over the Blackhawks in Chicago that portended two franchises going in vastly different directions this year
  4. Boyle scoring a poignant, key goal on Hockey Fights Cancer night the day after Thanksgiving in a 3-2 win over the Canucks
  5. Henrique’s return to the Rock which turned out right for everyone involved with the fan favorite getting a well-deserved standing ovation on his return (and a not-so-welcomed breakaway goal) while the home team got a 5-3 win
  6. Boyle again doing a star turn just before Christmas, scoring both the tying goal and shootout winner against the hated Rangers (and one of his former teams) in the middle of a five-game winning streak
  7. Hall being Hall, with one of his first big moments coming from an electric OT winner against the Caps in January that started momentum toward the MVP chants which beame a staple down the stretch at the Rock
  8. Kinkaid coming up big in a mid-February comeback win in a shootout at Philly to stop a four-game losing streak and begin a memorable trek from zero to hero
  9. Most importantly, our 10-2-1 stretch drive starting with that six-game do-or-die West Coast trip that might as well have been called a playoff month since just one more point dropped would have written a very different end for this Devils team
  10. Finally, winning a playoff game at the Rock in front of a raucous, sellout crowd which gave fans and players alike both a taste of what went on here in the past and what can happen here again in the future

In short, there are many things to be thankful for as a Devils fan and many reasons to be hopeful for better times ahead.  For now I’ll just salute one and all, the 2017-18 Devils, a team to be proud of.

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Devils must overcome devastating loss on controversial hit to keep season alive

Posted on April 21, 2018 by Derek

Coming off a epic Game Three highlighted by MVP candidate Taylor Hall’s three points in a huge 5-2 victory before a raucous environment at The Prudential Center, the Devils suffered a devastating loss in Game Four to the Lightning on Wednesday in Newark. They fought hard and had plenty of chances but ultimately couldn’t beat Andrei Vasilevskiy when it mattered most in a 3-1 home defeat.

They now find themselves in the unenviable position of trailing the top seeded Lightning three games to one with Game Five today in Tampa. The game is on NBC at 3 PM. For some perplexing reason, the NHL partner scheduled two games at the same time. On the other channel, the Caps will take on the Blue Jackets. The second straight week NBC did this. Why I have no idea.

A feel good story this season, these scrappy Devils who have more than proven they can play with the Bolts, will face playoff elimination in enemy territory. We’re about to find out again if they have the heart and resolve to keep it alive for one more home game. If they can extend the series, anything’s possible.

Right now, it’s going to be a uphill battle. Especially without top defenseman Sami Vatanen, who will not be available due to a controversial hit from Tampa top scorer Nikita Kucherov. There was no penalty on the play. I’ve seen the replay enough times and heard different vantage points. There’s no question Kucherov caught Vatanen in a vulnerable position with the puck in the vicinity. He was turning when Kucherov leveled him with a shoulder hit to upper chest that contacted the head.

Obviously, there’s a lot of variables here. The whole debate on big hits where head contact is made is one of big discussion. Should every hit be viewed the same way? In my humble opinion, absolutely not. Each must be judged carefully and differently. Let’s take a look at the hit in question which didn’t lead to any supplemental discipline:

As former Devils legend and Hall of Fame defenseman Scott Stevens noted on NHL Network, Kucherov caught a turning Vatanen with a shoulder to chest hit knocking him down. You can see that the full extension also caught his jaw and side of the head.

Was it dirty? I don’t believe so. I would say it was borderline. Not all hits are. Some have compared it to the Drew Doughty hit on William Carrier which drew a one game suspension. He was penalized on the play. At the time, I didn’t agree with the one game suspension and still don’t. Both hits are similar. So, I’ll leave that where it is. Why did Doughty get a game and Kucherov nothing? The NHL Department of Player Safety can be very sketchy. How do they determine if there should be supplemental discipline? They didn’t even fine Tampa defenseman Victor Hedman for his spear to Devils rookie Nico Hischier’s crown jewels. Hedman later apologized to Hischier for the dirty play.

It’s almost as if everything has been put under a magnifying glass when it comes to hitting. Open ice hits happen due to the speed of the game. The league is working on eliminating head shots. It’s not a easy job for former pugilist George Parros. It doesn’t seem to matter who’s in charge of league discipline. It remains a thankless position that will leave teams and fans scratching their heads.

Since we’re being objective, let’s take a look at Stevens’ Herculean hit that destroyed Eric Lindros from 2000 in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Final won by the Devils:

I haven changed my mind on that one either. Lindros had his head down while stick handling through the middle of the ice. Stevens lowered the boom with a wicked shoulder that KO’d Lindros for over a year. When he came back as a Ranger, he was still a point-per-game player until he got his bell rung in a ugly loss at San Jose in late December 2001 when I was moving to Bristol, Connecticut to work for ESPN. Number 88 was never the same afterwards.

One thing that has been brought up by BONY’s own Hasan is intent to injure. He felt strongly that Kucherov was trying to hurt Vatanen, who likely has a concussion. It’s hard to say. Hockey is a full contact sport. So, there are gonna continue to be huge collisions that can cause serious injury. Would any Devils fan who loved Stevens agree that his open ice hits were among the most vicious in the dead puck era? Just ask Ron Francis. A well respected tough in your face, old school defenseman, Stevens put a hurting on prone opponents. He never left his feet on any big hit. They were always clean even if you disagreed. Was he trying to injure players? I can’t definitively answer that. It was a totally different game.

Did Kucherov leave his feet to deliver the blow to Vatanen? It was minimal at best. I wouldn’t say he launched himself. Could it have been a charging minor? Possibly. It wasn’t interference because of where the puck was. Something former Devil turned MSG analyst Ken Daneyko confirmed after looking at a couple of replays. I don’t think it warranted more than a two minute penalty.

Unsuspecting players can get crushed. That’s where the huge debate rages on. When it’s a shoulder or elbow directly to the head, that’s as bad as it gets. If it’s a hit from behind in which the player doesn’t let up such as Toronto’s Nazem Kadri, who’ll be back finally for Game Five tonight in Boston after serving a three game suspension, that’s dangerous.

Hitting has always been part of the game. We saw plenty of it from the Golden Knights in their sweep of the Kings. When even the skilled Lightning are using physicality against the Devils, it explains why the playoffs are way different from the regular season. In order to be successful, you have to have a aggressive mindset. Players are taught to finish checks.

The speed of the game doesn’t help. It’s why there are so many more incidents. Players are bigger and faster. Whether you agree with Hasan’s strong post which is understandable or mine, hitting isn’t going away. Not unless they turn it into the No Hitting League.

I like hitting. The Rangers the last couple of years under recently fired coach Alain Vigneault were a dull, unemotional vanilla team that fans didn’t like. I’m not advocating for the soon to be extinct enforcer or one dimensional fourth liner. Just a tougher team where the skill guys don’t back down.

I don’t have the answer to the league issue. What I do know is the Devils must respond in Game Five today. If that means ratcheting up the intensity, I’m all for it. If they’re to win and save the season, they’ll have to remain disciplined and poised. That means avoiding bad penalties and being the aggressor.

To quote Apollo Creed played by Carl Weathers in Rocky III while training Rocky played by Sylvester Stallone for a championship rematch with Mr. T’s Clubber Lang:

“There is no tomorrow!”

So, it’s up to Cory Schneider, Taylor Hall, Hischier, Kyle Palmieri, Travis Zajac, Andy Greene, Will Butcher and the rest of the Devils to put Game Four behind. They’ll have to be at their best to get the win. We’ll see if they’re up to the challenge.

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