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Better Showing; Let’s Play The Blame Game |
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The Devils came out buzzing on Tuesday night in Carolina. Playing fast, physical and furious, Jersey broke through early. A Jesper Bratt goal just under four minutes into the first period gave the Devils a 1-0 lead. However that was all the Devils could muster on offense, getting shutout the remainder of the way in a 3-1 loss. Now down 2-0 in the series we find ourselves in do or die mode when the Devils return to action at The Rock on Friday.
Coming into Tuesday’s game I had about as much confidence in this depleted roster as I do in a cruise ship made of toilet tissue, but credit Coach Sheldon Keefe who had his men prepared for battle. New Jersey, missing half of their defensive corps and of course number 86, showed a level of compete and a will to win that we haven’t seen much all year. In the end it just wasn’t enough. While the depth guys played well, they yet again contributed zero scoring, a problem that has plagued this team for the past 60+ games.
While the finger pointers, the nay sayers and irrational critics have emerged from the darkness, there’s really no one at fault here. Some names we see getting thrown under the bus are Tom Fitzgerald, Sheldon Keefe and Timo Meier of which none can be justly blamed.
Tom Fitzgerald
Let’s face it Fitzgerald did not exactly shine at the last two trade deadlines. Last season, asks were extremely high and looking at the big picture(which many fans often don’t) standing pat was probably the best move for NJ. This year a similar strategy due to other circumstances, although painful was also the right move. Theres no debate when I say the Jack Hughes injury ended our Stanley Cup hopes. So why move assets that can be used for 25-26’?
Tom Fitzgerald is a patient GM, a big picture guy and the perfect fit to continue to build and maintain this Devils core that is just about to reach its prime.
I’ll end this with a little FYI: Tom Fitzgerald is Keith Tkachuk’s first cousin. Yes, the father of Brady(and Matthew)Tkachuk who a lot of you yell about GMTF not getting at the deadline every year(Ottawa is stupid but not that stupid). The same Brady Tkachuk that married wife, Emma whose parents live in Manasquan, New Jersey. The same Brady Tkachuk that in late 2024, built a forever home in…Manasquan, New Jersey.
So how about we ease up on the Fitzy based anger, take a step back and enjoy the process. Pretend it’s like a Bob Ross painting, at first you’re like “WTF!?” Yet upon completion, in complete awe. Let the painter paint!
Sheldon Keefe
The first year Devils coach…I should just end it here. IT’S HIS FIRST YEAR! Give this man some type of a leash. He’s been dealt a very difficult hand so far. Injuries have plagued this team yet again and Keefe has managed it as best as possible.
The struggles come down to one thing and one thing only and that is personnel. This is a coach that had to play Justin Dowling in 52 games this year. No offense to Dowling who has played as best as he can, but at age 34 he is not suddenly an everyday NHLer. I’m going to end the lack of depth argument with this; Dennis Cholowski received 3v3 overtime minutes this season. The injury bug bit and but hard this year. Just like I said to be patient and let the artist paint, be patient with Sheldon Keefe and let the chef cook. He just needs better ingredients…
Timo Meier
This is a player that makes so many contributions game in and game out. He’s the big physical presence that wears down defenders. Difficult to box out, plays hard in the corners, is an elite shooter, has a nose for the net and is flat out scary when he’s coming at you full speed. Yes, he’s not the 80+ point guy that he was with max minutes, top power play time and zero expectations in San Jose, but he’s still a hell of a player. Meier, who has played on his off wing and on the second power play unit for most of his tenure in NJ is a model citizen. A Swiss companion for Nico Hischier and Jonas Siegenthaler, who never complains and always gives 100%.
In the first two games against Carolina thus far, Meier has led the team in XGF%, and was second in that stat column for all teams in both tilts.
Show up and show out on Friday! Be proud and loud and if things don’t go our way, just remember the painter is painting and the chef is cooking!
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