Todd Cordell: Devils show well, come up on wrong end of goaltending duel vs Maple Leafs

Time to trade Lovejoy while he’s at the peak of his value.

Brutal game to watch... kind of getting tired of Daneyko's drunk talk and Deb Placeys face...

I thought Travis looked surprisingly fine for his first game back after a pretty serious injury. My disclaimer is I only got to see 2/3rds of the 3rd period and OT....

JacksonNYR...no one asked you to listen or watch.

Would've been nice to see Hall attempt to break up that Nylander goal. He certainly had an opportunity to at least district him and alter his shot or even completely end the sequence.

That said, Hall has been terrific and I'm not about to bash him, but I certainly don't want that type of play to become acceptable just because he's our star.

Would've been nice to see Hall attempt to break up that Nylander goal. He certainly had an opportunity to at least district him and alter his shot or even completely end the sequence.

That said, Hall has been terrific and I'm not about to bash him, but I certainly don't want that type of play to become acceptable just because he's our star.
- SteveJ123

Not really an excuse but Andy Gross said hall was out there for 1:16+ on that shift after having another shift over a min in OT and was pretty gassed

Not really an excuse but Andy Gross said hall was out there for 1:16+ on that shift after having another shift over a min in OT and was pretty gassed
- dmarsden2988

I hear ya on that. It's obviously a convenient time to say this, but it does seem like Hall stays out way too long in OT. I started to notice it a bit last year, and it definitely creates the opportunity for these types of situations.

That goes for a ton of players in the NHL (especially star players), so it's not like I'm going to crucify him. It's just a shame considering there was 2 seconds left on the clock.

Oh well, got a point and on to the next one!

I think the blog is a fair assessment of the game. Both goalies were very good and if Eddie Lack was playing for either team could have been a blowout.
The Devils are a much improved team that has taken 3 points in 2 games on the road against the Leafs who are solidly in second place in their division.
Hope you make the playoffs!

Henrique is on his way out

Henrique is on his way out
- Leniwm1

Why because he’s not being asked to play above his head anymore? Still a solid hockey player

Why because he’s not being asked to play above his head anymore? Still a solid hockey player
- Devils314

Don't need him.

Zacha, McLeod and others waiting in wings.

Trade him for quality dman - a solid stay at home dman.

He's got 1 more yr on contract left. He'll want a raise from 4 mil... Why pay that much for a now third liner when you can invest that in a position that we need. I love the guy, but don't need him.

Would've been nice to see Hall attempt to break up that Nylander goal. He certainly had an opportunity to at least district him and alter his shot or even completely end the sequence.

That said, Hall has been terrific and I'm not about to bash him, but I certainly don't want that type of play to become acceptable just because he's our star.
- SteveJ123

I thought the same thing, not sure what the hell Hall was doing on that play. The only thing I could think of was maybe he thought time was about to expire. Not that I am complaining, we won but it was just odd that he let Nylander walk right past him

Don't need him.

Zacha, McLeod and others waiting in wings.

Trade him for quality dman - a solid stay at home dman.

He's got 1 more yr on contract left. He'll want a raise from 4 mil... Why pay that much for a now third liner when you can invest that in a position that we need. I love the guy, but don't need him.
- Leniwm1

Zacha has yet to prove himself at the NHL level and what has Henrique done to warrant a raise? He had one 30 goal season, actually think we would be able to get him to sign a very team friendly deal as he likes being here, perfect 3rd line center

Zacha has yet to prove himself at the NHL level and what has Henrique done to warrant a raise? He had one 30 goal season, actually think we would be able to get him to sign a very team friendly deal as he likes being here, perfect 3rd line center
- Devils314

I agree 100%. I'd sign him to 8 yrs at 4mil or less... But this is the real world. And in sports, in your prime, you always get paid more. I hope he is ok with a cap friendly dollar but I highly doubt it.

I agree 100%. I'd sign him to 8 yrs at 4mil or less... But this is the real world. And in sports, in your prime, you always get paid more. I hope he is ok with a cap friendly dollar but I highly doubt it.
- Leniwm1

Rico has been a good man for this team. Hopefully we will get into a contract that is good value for the team and him as well.

Rico, Zajac and Greene are the only old school Devils still around, which doesn't mean much in respect to payroll and value, but I certainly think he is worth keeping and would agree if there was something substantial to be had, its worth a look, but even if it was a good deal, I would still be sad to see him go.

I think there is a good chance the Devils get manhandled tonight. The Jets are fast and big and have some weapons. Maybe there is enough in this Devils team to get by them but this will be a huge test. Boyle's return helps, Wood can stand on his own, but we still are not a big or aggressive team. It is likely players like Nico and Bratt will get pushed around a bit tonight.

Big Buff coming after our little Nico would look like Great Dane trying to mount a Chihuahua

Henrique is on his way out
- Leniwm1

He's been fine

Rico has been a good man for this team. Hopefully we will get into a contract that is good value for the team and him as well.

Rico, Zajac and Greene are the only old school Devils still around, which doesn't mean much in respect to payroll and value, but I certainly think he is worth keeping and would agree if there was something substantial to be had, its worth a look, but even if it was a good deal, I would still be sad to see him go.
- TRDevil

I feel the same way. I'd keep him for 5 years/ no more than 5 mil.

3-1 Jets.

Was that Wheeler that Santini just laid out?

Nico made a few key defensive plays there.

Nobody I'd rather have taking the shot on a 2 on 1 than Ben Lovejoy

Nico made a few key defensive plays there.
- TRDevil

Been real interesting watching a team loaded with size and skill playing a team loaded with speed and skill.

If Hellebuyck can play anywhere near this level, The Jets are going to be a real problem in the playoffs for Western teams, when the refs let a bit more interference and grabbing go.

Nobody I'd rather have taking the shot on a 2 on 1 than Ben Lovejoy
- willschulme