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Playoff Mode Loading: Devils Enter Postseason Mode; Shutout Rangers |
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Playoff Mode Loading: Devils Enter Postseason Mode; Shutout Rangers
Smart, physical, patient, and opportunistic. That is what it takes to win, especially in the playoffs. Finally it seems that the 24‘-25’ New Jersey Devils have fully committed to that philosophy. With just five games remaining before the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Sheldon Keefe’s crew is firing on all cylinders.
On Saturday afternoon at The Rock, yoff mode was in full effect for NJ. A poised Devils team remained patient in their plan and exposed the structurally weak New York Rangers in all facets of the game. The 4-0 victory ended the season series against their hated rivals with New Jersey going 3-0-1 in four games while outscoring the New York 16-4 in the aforementioned contests.
If you ask me, this rivalry is set up for many similar outcomes over the next decade as the Rangers lack identity, structure, guidance, leadership, management, draft acumen, player development and well, pretty much everything.
With heavily paid and or aging stars in Panarin, Kreider and Zibanejad and little growth out of once coveted young players like K’Andre Miller and Alexis Lafreniere, the circus at MSG is seemingly back in a big way. Since signing his big extension Igor Shesterkin has been overall pedestrian, Vincent Trochek has crashed back to earth and the once fortunate and overachieving New York Strangers seem lost. Jesus Miller, I mean JT, attempted to help this team rise from the dead, pulling off many miracles in his first few games with the team but to no avail. This directionless and gutless team with a softer than Charmin, but way more nameless D corps (outside of Mr. Softee himself, aka Adam Fox) has set themselves up for failure for many years to come. With head coaches being made scapegoats every few years, a barren prospect pool the Blueshirt misery has only just begun!
With just one cup in what will soon be 85 years, fellow Devils fans, let’s take this time to reflect and remind ourselves, that even in the worst of times, at least we aren’t the Rangers!
The Stars Starred
Marky! Marky! Marky!
Jacob Markstrom is so back! What a performance from the big Swede! Markstrom’s 26 save shutout, and second against the Rangers this season, was beyond impressive. Marky made huge saves time and time again, most notably his grand larceny on Mika Zibanejad, seven minutes into the second period. Markstrom made the initial stop off of a slot deflection which saw the rebound, pinball off of Zibanejad’s skate and back onto his tape for an easy tap in goal. But the outstretched Marky wouldn’t have it, trapping the puck underneath his skate and keeping the game scoreless. With four straight wins, stopping 97 of the 104 shots faced in that span, it’s safe to say Marky Mark is giving nothing but Good Vibrations with this Funky Bunch of Devils.
Timo Meier
Give me fuel, give me fire, give me Timo f*#%in’ Meier! There have been many critics when it comes to #28’s game and everyone is entitled to their opinion, even when they are completely wrong! From afar, if you only look at goals, assists, and salary maybe you have a tiny, tiny argument. However, with a start studded lineup like the Devils have, it’s going to be difficult for Timo to ever match the point a game pace he provided in San Jose. There’s plenty of players that can bring points in this league, but Meier brings so much more. He’s an absolute bull with and without the puck, making other teams very uncomfortable. Have you seen the fear in opposing goaltenders eyes when he builds a head of steam, cuts behind their defender and heads towards the crease?
With Meier’s size, strength, power, compete level, scoring touch, and the fact that he ramps up to a whole new level every spring, his contract (in my always 100% correct opinion) is as the Icelandic player in The Mighty Ducks says “well worth it.” Players like Meier thrive in the Postseason, and as the Devils get there more regularly, dividends are sure to be paid out.
El Capitan
Nico Hischier is that guy. If you were to write down the top attributes that one would want in a captain, Nico checks all boxes. Humble, hardworking, open-minded, always evolving; Hischier is a true lead by example guy that makes everyone around him better. When Nico entered the league he undoubtedly had top end skill, but his desire to improve his game in all areas is what should be admired most. Whether it be face-offs, skating, shooting or his D-zone play and awareness, Nico gets better every single year. While it’s a given he will get Selke votes for the next decade, don’t be surprised if he gets some for the Hart Trophy as well.
No More Passengers
Just a few weeks ago I had complained about there being too many passengers on this Devils bus. However with the bus’ main driver gone for the season in Jack Hughes, a lot of credit should be given to first year Devils coach Sheldon Keefe. Keefe who is not known to have strong personal relationships with his players, clearly has their respect and attention. This group has bought in to his system despite major injuries, rallying in the face of adversity. While the bus may be missing its driver, Keefe has popped it in neutral, and all of his players have got behind to push it up the hill, and into the playoffs…
Make It Four And Then Some More
While Saturday’s win was a big one, the Devils must do what they haven’t all year. Extend a winning streak past four games. The lowly, lottery seeking, Boston Bruins march into town on Tuesday night. After breaking a ten game losing streak by beating Carolina on Saturday, the Bruins have been an absolute mess this season and the Devils must take advantage. While the ball is certainly rolling in a positive direction for NJ, anything but a W would surely taint the recent success. I have a 4-1 Devils win, how about you?
Hey Siri play “Glory Days” by Bruce Springsteen
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