Your mom's check bounced. I can't love you anymore
- Jsaquella

In her defense, she did say not to cash it until Friday.

Blackhawks re-signed Carcillo for two years

I always thought the attendance at Devils games is more of a reflection on how difficult it is to get fans riled up after a state-named sports team, as opposed to a local name.

If you guys were the Atlantic City Gamblers, or whatever, and played your games at the shore it would be much easier to identify with locally, and develop a stronger fan base. The more local a sports team the more passionate the fans, imo.
- FlyerGuy

No they all go over the GW to watch the Rags this year. Typical North Jersey/New York bandwagon riders.

I always thought the attendance at Devils games is more of a reflection on how difficult it is to get fans riled up after a state-named sports team, as opposed to a local name.

If you guys were the Atlantic City Gamblers, or whatever, and played your games at the shore it would be much easier to identify with locally, and develop a stronger fan base. The more local a sports team the more passionate the fans, imo.
- FlyerGuy

I think it is a perfect storm of issues. Southern NJ is dominated by Flyer fans. Northern NJ is dominated by Ranger fans. Then we built our stadium in a swamp, followed by a burnt out ghetto. For all the good decisions NJ's organization has made since the mid-80s, arena location has not been one of them.

It is what it is.
- WayneZ

If you get Devils and Islanders fans together, you might be able to fill 1 arena...

They were all at home preparing their costumes for St Patty's day. It is a very big event in NJ. It's understandable.
- WayneZ

so, after Saturday what's the new excuse going to be...LOL

I think it is a perfect storm of issues. Southern NJ is dominated by Flyer fans. Northern NJ is dominated by Ranger fans. Then we built our stadium in a swamp, followed by a burnt out ghetto. For all the good decisions NJ's organization has made since the mid-80s, arena location has not been one of them.
- WayneZ

Tend to agree but where else could they have built the new arena?

I think it is a perfect storm of issues. Southern NJ is dominated by Flyer fans. Northern NJ is dominated by Ranger fans. Then we built our stadium in a swamp, followed by a burnt out ghetto. For all the good decisions NJ's organization has made since the mid-80s, arena location has not been one of them.
- WayneZ

It wasn't the case in the late 90's early 2000's when the rags sucked and Devils were good.

Tend to agree but where else could they have built the new arena?
- NickA

Quebec.

If you get Devils and Islanders fans together, you might be able to fill 1 arena...
- RooNosHockey

Or we could just gather all of the goaltenders Philly has burned through in the past 2 decades. That could fill an arena.

See, silly goose, stupid organizational jokes go both ways.

It wasn't the case in the late 90's early 2000's when the rags sucked and Devils were good.
- JoeRussomanno

What? Yes it was they have always been around...

I think it is a perfect storm of issues. Southern NJ is dominated by Flyer fans. Northern NJ is dominated by Ranger fans. Then we built our stadium in a swamp, followed by a burnt out ghetto. For all the good decisions NJ's organization has made since the mid-80s, arena location has not been one of them.
- WayneZ

Also when the Devils came to Jersey, the Isles were in the middle of their dynasty. Hard to come in and steal fans form the Flyers, Rangers and dynasty Isles...and yes, arena location has never been a strong suit of the Devils.

It wasn't the case in the late 90's early 2000's when the rags sucked and Devils were good.
- JoeRussomanno

Sadly, its always been the case. NJ has yet to find a way to pack an arena, hell game 7 of the 2003 finals and there were still empty seats. Im sure they counted it as a sell out, but there were empty seats. Thankfully, im a fan of the hockey, not the business.

Isn't really much to say about that game last night. The Flyers didn't come to play NJ did and with that strangulating style they play, you can't expect to run off a bunch of late goals especially now that Brodeur is playing more like his old self. I ranted about Briere last night so not gonna say much here except for the fact the highest paid guy on your team needs to contribute throughout the season, not just go to sleep and wake up for the playoffs.

Or we could just gather all of the goaltenders Philly has burned through in the past 2 decades. That could fill an arena.

See, silly goose, stupid organizational jokes go both ways.
- WayneZ

Such a wonderful fan base... Tell me, did the team drive cars around the parking lot for thier parade?

Am I the only one wathing the Devils constantly hooking and holding through the game? I was loughed off by my friend (Devils fan). He told me it's not officiated strictly anymore and it's our fault - not to use it.
He even admitted we were slightly more penalized sooner, though

gotta give props to Clarkson for the year he's having. dude brings alot to the table and is always involved

What? Yes it was they have always been around...
- NickA

I worked in the North Jersey area in the late 90's early 2000's all I ever ran into were stinking Devils fans. There's a few of you who stay true but for the majority that's been one team whose fanbase has the luxury to switch out between two three teams locally. Oh and in the 80's Isle fans were all over the place. Its funny how winning does that. Don't feel bad, when the Penguins sucked they almost lost their franchise b/c their phony fans acted like the team didn't exist. When the flyers sucked the building was still packed so there you go.

gotta give props to Clarkson for the year he's having. dude brings alot to the table and is always involved
- Crimsoninja

same with Kovalchuk for turning himself into the player he is right now. no longer just a one-trick pony. An offensive force and a decent defensive player.

Sadly, its always been the case. NJ has yet to find a way to pack an arena, hell game 7 of the 2003 finals and there were still empty seats. Im sure they counted it as a sell out, but there were empty seats. Thankfully, im a fan of the hockey, not the business.
- WayneZ

I cant blame teams like Islanders and Columbus for not selling out, thier teams suck, and the Colessium is aweful... But when you have a team that Wins, and wins often, and the fans dont show up... that is just pitiful. If I were to have my way, the Devils would go to a more deserving area. Probally the most pitiful fan base in the NHL. Who doesn't support your team, especially when your winning?!?!?

Am I the only one wathing the Devils constantly hooking and holding through the game? I was loughed off by my friend (Devils fan). He told me it's not officiated strictly anymore and it's our fault - not to use it.
He even admitted we were slightly more penalized sooner, though
- Ondrej F

I do admit i often wonder how Parise gets away with some of his forechecks. Zubrus too. However, we also seem to have the hardest time drawing penalties. Clarkson literally gets shot in the corners, and never draws penalties. That shot he took last night is the perfect example. Clearly hammered, in the numbers, faceplants, and I didn't even bother looking for the ref's arm.

Am I the only one wathing the Devils constantly hooking and holding through the game? I was loughed off by my friend (Devils fan). He told me it's not officiated strictly anymore and it's our fault - not to use it.
He even admitted we were slightly more penalized sooner, though
- Ondrej F

I gave up complaining about the refs post-game a while ago. Once in a while a bad one will stick in my crawl but otherwise it's a big waste of time. Just like the endless debate about suspend-able hits it's useless. The officiating in the NHL is like the weather, just deal with it.

I cant blame teams like Islanders and Columbus for not selling out, thier teams suck, and the Colessium is aweful... But when you have a team that Wins, and wins often, and the fans dont show up... that is just pitiful. If I were to have my way, the Devils would go to a more deserving area. Probally the most pitiful fan base in the NHL. Who doesn't support your team, especially when your winning?!?!?
- RooNosHockey

Ok. We get it. NJ doesn't have Philly like attendance. For shame.

same with Kovalchuk for turning himself into the player he is right now. no longer just a one-trick pony. An offensive force and a decent defensive player.
- bradleyc4

not to mention a master pugilist

That shot he took last night is the perfect example. Clearly hammered, in the numbers, faceplants, and I didn't even bother looking for the ref's arm.
- WayneZ

He should start watching for the referee AFTER the hit, not before