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Another Pathetic Third Dooms Devs. Next up Ottawa |
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Another Pathetic Third Dooms Devs
After being outshot 24 to 3 in the third period of Monday’s win versus Columbus, Coach Sheldon Keefe lauded his men for their “bend don’t break” mentality. On Thursday in Newark, those third period Devils bent early and often and eventually broke, surrendering four goals in the final thirteen plus minutes, while being outshot 15-4.
Breaking (very) bad, was Dawson Mercer, whose actions have been about as questionable as those of Jesse Pinkman in his fourth NHL season. Mercer, who has just nine points (6G 3A) since January 1st, is on pace for his worst season thus far. In his rookie campaign, Mercer had 42 points, he followed that up with 56 in 22-23, and just 33 last year. This season, Mercer is on pace for just 32-33 points with a 0.4 point per game average.
Was last night the cherry on top? With just under four minutes to go and the score tied at three, Mercer took a low percentage shot from the left side. While trying to pick the far corner, Mercer’s shot missed high and wide, rimming around the boards and over Paul Cotter’s stick, giving the Flames “assisted” breakout. A decision like this, given the time and score of the game, shows extremely poor situational awareness. If you’re going to shoot and aim far side-high, from such a low percentage angle, that puck must be on net. The opportunistic Flames picked that puck up off of the wall and turned defense to offense thanks to Mercer, who in concert with the puck watching Devils, completed their third period collapse.
While I could probably slam every player for their play at some point last night, it’s Mercer that I will take my anger out against now. Mostly because of the high hopes and expectations I once had for the young forward. The way in which the now 23 year old, burst onto the scene a few years ago had me thinking of him as a potential top six forward that could be a 25 plus goal scorer and 60 point guy. Unfortunately it seems his first two seasons were a bit of an anomaly, and he’s more a 15 plus goal scorer and 40 point guy. While he still provides value as a reliable(he hasn’t missed a game since he’s joined NJ) and hard working young talent, the offensive production, or lack thereof should be a bit of a concern. Is Mercer a 30, 40, or 50 point guy going forward? What are your realistic expectations for #91? Let’s hear it in the comments…
Ottawa Up Next
Brady Tkachuk and the Senators invade the Rock on Saturday at 7pm. The streaky Sens have dropped their last two after winning six straight. Hopefully the Devils can play a full 60 minutes and keep that Ottawa losing streak going. Expect Jake Allen in the net for NJ.
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