A win for the Devils over the New York Rangers and the Rangers would be sitting at home out of the playoffs.However,a flat second period followed a two goal first by Ilya Kovalchuk (31) and Nick Palmieri (9) and the Rangers used the 5-2 victory and a Carolina loss later in the evening to clinch the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
New Jersey finishes their season today at home in a meaningless game against Boston.
Hell Raisers
1) Martin Brodeur was not sharp.At all.
The game changing goal was the goaltender being at the mercy of the poor miscue (coming next),but the other goals cannot be tossed at the feet of anyone else..
2) The goal that tied the game just a minute into the second was simply a huge mistake by the Devils.
The Rangers caught the Devils napping during a line change that resulted in a 4 on 1 rush and a goal by
Wojtek Wolski .
It was all Blueshirt controlled from there...
3) Since I missed the Toronto game,just a note on Zach Parise,who sat that game and the remainder of the season.
No reported issues with the knee,just taking care of business since these games mean so little..
4) Was not thrilled with general lack of fire after the tying goal and would like to see more against Boston today.
Just because things are over,doesn't mean that the paying fans deserve half-assed hockey.
Even if a loss is more beneficial long term,if you are on the ice-go all out...
5) Devils draft situation is this.
A loss in regulation today-79 pts 6th draft spot (pre-lottery)
A loss in overtime or shootout- 80 pts tied with Atlanta for 6th (Atlanta plays Pittsburgh today,enters game with 80 pts,1 ahead of the Devils).
A win -81 pts moves into a tie with Columbus (season finished with 81 pts),could be a three way tie for the sixth spot-If Atlanta loses in extra time....
Photo Credit-Bruce Bennett-Getty Images
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