The power of the mustache.

Despite being down 3-1 to the Los Angeles Kings in the Stanley Cup Final, the Devils remained in good spirits for their Friday June 8th practice. They spoke candidly to the press regarding the situation they are in. Head Coach Pete DeBoer said it best: “You know it’s going to happen again, so why not us?”

He was referring, of course, to the odds of a team coming back from a 3-1 series deficit. It hasn’t been done since the Maple Leafs did it in 1942. The odds are stacked against the Devils, but the belief is there.

Inside: Devils’ practice lines, injuries, and commentary; the power of the Devilish mustache; big brothers, sons, and all about them.

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Ryan Carter. (via clydeorama/Flickr)

The Devils fell to the Kings in OT, 2-1. Yes, the same score as Game 1.

However, what differentiates Game 1 and Game 2 is that the Devils played much better this time around. It seems that the ‘feeling each other out’ period is over. The Devils started strong on the forecheck during period 1 and had some scoring chances. What ultimately ruined their strong opening momentum was their own power play.

In other words, what the hell’s happened to the Devils’ power play?

» Continue reading “Devils Fall Behind In Series, 2-0″

Jesus Christ, again? (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

This will not be your typical recap, because this was not your typical game. Well, actually.

By all rhyme and reason, this was your average New Jersey game. They obtained a two-goal lead by absolutely dominating the first, then blew it by allowing the Rangers to gather momentum after a rush on the power play. The second and third periods belonged to the Rangers, but it wasn’t enough to get the puck past Brodeur.

The game went to overtime. Devils fans clutched at their hearts and poked needles into their voodoo dolls of the year 1994.

The game went to overtime, but our rookie won it for us this time. 1:03 into the extra period. Adam Henrique, doing it again. The final score: 3-2.

» Continue reading “Devils Advance to the Stanley Cup Finals, Defeat Rangers in the ECF 4-2″

Stephen Gionta (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The New Jersey Devils beat the New York Rangers with a 5-3 win tonight in a topsy-turvy Game 5. As a Devils fan, I can say one thing: this was a game of survival. And defense, and some luck, and what-the-hell-just-happened-there. They stole this one.

Three things:

1. The Devils need to be far better on their face-offs. Halfway through the second period the Rangers had won 20 of 33, which did much to disable the Devils’ forecheck.
2. Devils’ power play remains a problem. They were 0 for 2 this game and it doesn’t seem like the coaching staff has done much to address the problem. Overpassing, carrying the puck too far, allowing giveaways… watching the Devils on the power play can be a nail-biting experience.
3. This team is much better with a Gionta on it. Obviously.

» Continue reading “Devils lead the Rangers in the Eastern Conference Finals, 3-2″