Saturday, November 9, 2013

Shootout proves bedeviling in Toronto

The New Jersey Devils seemingly put together a template for a winning night in Toronto-strong defense,great goaltending and a little luck.
However,the one thing that has bitten the Devils all season struck again-the shootout.
Travis Zajac beat Jonathan Bernier,but his shot struck the post and James Van Riemsdyk scored the only goal of the shootout to give Toronto the extra point and a 2-1 win.
Michael Ryder's third period grounder that trickled through Jonathan Bernier (5 power play) was the only score for the Devils.
New Jersey will play Nashville Sunday in their next game...


Hell Raisers

1) Shootout woes continue as the Devils not only lose another one,but again fail to score a goal.
The team is now 0 for 14 on the season.

2) Cory Schneider was great in the net.I heard the overtime in the car on the way to work,but the Toronto radio crew were raving about a 3 on 1 save that according to them should have ended the game.
Cannot blame this one on the netminding.

3) Phil Kessel's regulation goal that he carried from the Leafs zone through until his goal was pretty to watch,but the power play that he scored on was set up by a bad hooking call on Andy Greene.
Greene didn't hook on the play,but that didn't keep the call from being made.

4) More on the Kessel play.Marek Zidlicky was beaten on the play and was called for hooking yet again.
Zidlicky did hook Kessel,but not enough to keep him from shooting.
If you are beaten so badly that you feel you must take a penalty to keep the opponent from scoring-Eliminate the Play! Zidlicky committed the penalty and didn't ruin the play....

5) Eric Gelinas played,put five shots on goal and assisted on Michael Ryder's goal.
Nice game from a guy who was on crutches the previous day.

6) The Ryder goal was one that reminded me of a baseball error as Jonathan Bernier didn't keep his stick down flat (baseball glove),the puck slid up and over his shoulder into the net.
Lucky,but I'll take it.

7) Strong effort on the road against a decent team with a hot goalie.
If someone can get on an offensive roll,this team could make up some of these points they are handing away...

Photo Credit:AP Photo

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