Another lost opportunity haunts Devils

Yet another lost opportunity fluttered by the New Jersey Devils as they squandered another chance for two points by losing in the shootout-this time to the hapless New York Islanders 2-1 at the world's most decrepit arena.
Adam Henrique's second period goal (25) tied the game at one for the only Devils tally of the evening.
Next up-the Florida Panthers on Monday night in Newark.

Hell Raisers

1) Right off the bat-I don't hold Cory Schneider accountable for this loss.
The Franz Nielsen shot would have beaten any goalie and with this team,one goal was all that it was going to take in the shootout.
The Brock Nelson goal probably should have been stopped,but it would have made no impact on the outcome.

2) More Cory Schneider.
Schneider could have had a shutout if not for the Islander goal,which was more luck than anything.
Peter Harrold was trying to clear the puck (which is correct),it just took a bad bounce off Patrik Elias and into the net.
Bad luck and Schneider was flawless in regulation otherwise.

3) More shootout talk.
I know 0 for 10 and one goal all year,but let's look at something else.
A severe lack of one on one performers on the club.
If the shootout is going to continue as a way to decide games in this form (Not a guarantee ),the Devils are going to have to change the way they build their team.
Not that the Devils have to totally revamp their roster,but I would bet Lou Lamoriello is watching this season long developing story and think Lou is going to sign at least one,if not two players that have better than average shootout numbers to bulk up this part of the game that appears to be the top factor in the team missing the postseason.

4) Jon Merrill took a shot off the jaw as he attempted to deflect a shot in the third period
Merrill left the ice bleeding and was unable to return to the ice for the remainder of the game.
No word on Merrill's availability for the Panthers on Monday.

5) Adam Henrique played very well with the only goal and put five shots on net,but the other interesting note for me was his inclusion in the shootout.
Henrique came closer than the other two attempts,but that showed how pleased Peter DeBoer is with the play of Henrique as late.

6) Finally,this one might have been the end of the line.
Wins by Columbus and Detroit (the two wild cards at the time of this writing) put those two teams five points ahead and Toronto and Washington are three points ahead with eight games to play.
One point doesn't seem like much,but earning that point last night could put them in a position of catching the Leafs and Capitals after Monday night.
It just seems too much in my opinion right now.

Back later with a quick boxing challenge update.