Deja Vu

Game two of the Stanley Cup Finals had lots of similarities to game one and the result was similar as well as the Los Angeles Kings defeated the New Jersey Devils for the second game in a row by a  2-1 loss in overtime.
This time,the culprit was Jeff Carter (Bleech),who scored to end the game for Los Angeles.
Ryan Carter scored the Devils only goal that tied the game in the third period.
The Kings lead the series 2-0 and the series moves to Los Angelese Monday night for game three....

Hell Raisers

1) I know this will sound like sour grapes and it probably is,but there no less deserving hero than Jeff Carter,who's off the ice antics got him shipped from Philadelphia and his lack of production along with his selfishness and petulance enabled him to almost force a trade out of Columbus.
To have Jeff Carter score the game winner makes a tough loss even worse to take....

2) The Devils again had their chances to win with Ilya Kovalchuk smacking a puck off the crossbar late in regulation.
The puck was a bouncing puck that was on its side,but man,I wish the Devils had that one back....

3) The Devils still have not been playing as well in the series as in the others and they still have forced overtime in both games.
Give the Kings credit and I take nothing from them,but the Devils offensively have not been able to take advantage of their chances and not all of that credit goes to Jonathan Quick either....

4) Sometimes,the season is what was meant to be and watching these two games,it seems that this is the year of the Kings.
I am not diminishing the Kings play as it has been very deserving,but it does happen.
I had that feeling in 2000 for the Devils second cup as the Devils caught a lot of breaks and bounces,it appears that the Kings are catching the wave this season.

5) It is not over,but boy will it be tough.
You have to win four out of five with two of those wins having to take place in Los Angeles.
Take into account the Kings run that they have only lost two games in the playoffs to date and the mountain seems insurmountable....

6) But it isn't.
It is not like the Devils have been steamrolled in these two losses,all it takes is a break and a strong effort in game three and things will turn around.
However,can and will are two different things...

7) The Carter/Gionta/Bernier line scored the Devils only goal,but were on the ice for both LA goals...

8) The Devils did improve some areas in game two as the forecheck was much better and the Devils were able to put more shots on goal against Jonathan Quick,but they still are not getting enough rebounds and second chances.
It seems to me that the Devils are getting one shot and then the opportunity goes by.
That needs to change Monday night..

9) The power play is still stymied by the Kings.
I have been impressed by the Kings PK,but the Devils are almost too worried about the Kings skill shorthanded,it seems that has resulted in some tentative power plays.

10) I know the Devils are down 2-0,but for an inch on Kovalchuk in game two and Mark Fayne's missed open net,this series could be 2-0 Devils.
Just something to consider....

Photo Credit:AP Photo