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Is Coach DeBoer's job on the line? **** Volchenkov 4 game suspension |
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*** Follow me on Twitter @NJDAdvocate
** Update
Anton Volchenkov has been suspended by the NHL for 4 games.
What happened to the Devils in such short period of time??!!
The easy answer is, Kovalchuk is hurt. But a team relying on one player so heavily is exactly what Uncle Lou Lamoriello has preached against and avoided.
So what happened????
Do not let last night's result of 5-4 loss to the Bruins fool you - it was not that close!
Early breakdowns, short handed goals and an attempt of a comeback due to the Bruins being comfortable and cocky with a 3-0 lead. The Bruins comfort is what let the Devils come back NOT the Devils.
I have had many questions and have heard much over the last few days about Coach DeBoer.
Is his job on the line?
Last night was the first time I have seen Coach DeBoer look "frazzled", especially towards the end of the game with positioning and asking Marty to stay on the bench. I just felt he was uncomfortable, confused and a bit out of it.
Maybe Uncle Lou had a talk with him in the bat cave?
Is he losing control of the locker room and players not buying into the system?
Maybe pressure of inching away from a playoff spot?
Is it something else?
Uncle Lou has been known to drop the hammer any time on a coach, see Ftorek and Julien.
He will cut anyone lose at any time "IF" he thinks the team has a legitimate chance of making a strong push. This is exactly why I do not think Coach DeBoer's job is on the line. This team is not a legitimate contender.
This team, one season removed from a Stanley Cup Final, was an over achieving team and now minus Parise. (a goal scorer the Devils desperately need)
Coach DeBoer needs to find a way to sneak into the playoffs for many reasons including financially for the New Jersey Devils. For now, his job is safe in my opinion.
Devils fans, what do you think?
On another note...
The Volchenkov hit, to no surprise, will have ramifications from the league. No doutbt and we will see after this morning's telephone hearing (which means it should be 5 games or less). I thought that the addition of Scott Stevens to the coaching staff would have been great for Volchenkov, who is not the player the Devils put faith in and snag a few years ago as a UFA. Volchie needs to take a step back and think about his game and what made him quite effective in Ottawa.
How is the team's smallest player, Stephen Gionta, the leader on the Devils with 79 hits??? Second is Clarkson with 70.
Because he a heart the size of New Jersey and gives 150% every shift!
Truly yours,
The Devils Advocate
@NJDAdvocate
New Jersey Devils Blogger • 
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