Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals was a well played and exciting game until the final 90 seconds when the two Devil players that have had both bad series and bad games stepped to the forefront by allowing scoring opportunities to the Hurricanes that resulted in goal and a shocking season ending loss for the Devils to Carolina 4-3.
Devils goals to Jamie Langenbrunner,Brian Rolston and Jay Pandolfo.....
Hell Raisers
1) Give tons of credit to Carolina.
No excuses,just poor execution by the Devils.
Carolina made the plays they had to and deserved the win.
2) Rooting for Boston over Carolina and (reluctantly) Pittsburgh over Washington.
I can now watch NESN and root for Milan Lucic to pound Eric Staal around (which the Devils refused to do).
I am not a fan of either Pittsburgh or Washington.
Washington because I hate their front running fans and Pittsburgh seems to think that the game only exists when they have one of the top players in the game.
"Hockeytawn"-my ass.
3) The hustle play of the series was Carolina's Tim Gleason's dive to barely keep the puck in the Devil zone and then begin the succession of play that tied the game.
That was the difference in the series.
Carolina defensemen.
4) On to the Devils.
Please tell me that I will never have to see Mike Mottau or Niclas Havelid in Red and Black again.
Mottau played decently early in the series,but was bad with a capital B over the final two games,while Havelid was putrid throughout the series,let alone his total resume' as a Devil.
Havelid's inability to cover the backside on Jussi Jokinen's tying goal was jaw dropping,but that paled in comparison to Mottau,who allowed Eric Staal free reign on the series winning shot....
5) No one has more respect for Devils GM Lou Lamoriello than I,but the Devils badly need a defensive upgrade in the off season.
The Devils have been built on defense and under Brent Sutter,the offense has gained potency and the Devils are more fun to watch for some fans,but the defense has let the team down two years in a row.
No offensive threats and a lack of bricklayers around the net has left the Devils vulnerable.
Paul Martin is solid enough,but not a true number 1 blueliner and Bryce Salvador is reasonably solid,but the others?
Colin White has changed his game for the worse since injuring his eye,Johnny Oduya has improved,but still makes too many mistakes,I am willing to give Andy Greene another chance,but I am tired of Mike Mottau and really sick of the small dose of Niclas Havelid.
The Devils need at least one defenseman and perhaps two to truly contend in the second season.
6) I would wager the Bobby Holik experiment is over considering his limited playing time in the series.
That was a cheap,short term gamble that just didn't pay off.
7) I would not have a problem with Brendan Shanahan returning though.
Shanahan always left his heart on the ice and with a training camp under his belt,could be quite a valuable player for the 09-10 Devils.
8) Marty Brodeur was solid enough in goal,but with the exception of Game 5 not dominant.
Brodeur was far from the reason for the loss,but could have played better in the series.
In a week or two,I will be back with reflections on the season and some ideas for helping the team improve.
Those of you that love the baseball coverage can now get ready for baseball to take over for a few months.
Back soon with Pirates vs Brewers and some other things as well.....
Photo Credit
Bill Kostroun-AP Photo
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