0-12

The New Jersey Devils lost their final road game of the season with their 12th loss of the season in the shootout by a score of 2-1 in Ottawa vs the Senators.
Michael Ryder scored the only Devils goal (18) in the second period to force a tie that was not broken until the shootout.
The Devils return home tomorrow for meaningless games against the Islanders tomorrow and the Bruins on Sunday afternoon to conclude a disappointing season.

Hell Raisers

1) I figured I'd see a less than scintillating game considering the Devils were eliminated from the playoffs last night and Ottawa went out before that and I was accurate.
Honestly,this game was pretty darn dull and I don't have a ton to write about.
Especially when you consider I'd rather have been playing MLB The Show instead of watching a game between one team that has a defense like a colander and the other that would struggle putting the puck into the ocean..

2) It was nice seeing Adam Larsson give the shootout a try and he almost scored after a strong deke that Robin Lehrer barely stuck a leg out against the post.
Considering how bad these things have gone for the Devils,I'm all for trying anything and I thought with one exception (a giveaway that created a point blank shot on goal) Larsson played well...

3) Look for a post in the next week or two that will cover this disappointing season and I am planning a article over the summer before free agency starts that will look at some changes that I would consider for the franchise...

4) The Devils aren't only 0-12 in the shootout this season,they lost their last four in the previous season,so their winless streak in the shootout is actually a NHL record 16 games.
Considering an eventual move to extend overtime and therefore lessen shootouts in the future is in the offing,this is a record that will be unlikely to be broken.

5) Chico Resch was talking about the players "believing in the Pete DeBoer system".
I like Chico,he's a homer and despite his flub ups and sometimes head shaking comments,he's our guy,but he really missed the boat here.
I don't hold all of the Devils woes on DeBoer,but this is two missed playoffs in a row now.
For the Devils franchise,this is unacceptable-I'd let him go,but he may stick around to start the season,where a slow start could see even more howling for his head...

Will try to be back later with an inbox cleaning.