The New Jersey Devils and fans were brought back down to earth last night after being shutout by the Islanders.
By Patrick Comia
“Not yet ready for primetime.” That was a saying used to describe the up and coming comedians of NBC’s long-running show, Saturday Night Live.
That might be what some fans are thinking today. After watching last night’s game, the Devils may not be there yet, but it’s getting there.
FINAL: @NYIslanders (4) – @NHLDevils (0)
Recap: https://t.co/aZTn5oKElS
#NJDvsNYI pic.twitter.com/nuIinZ919T
— NHL (@NHL) December 14, 2015
You had to think that the Devils, who have done the unthinkable with their success this season, were going to put on a better showing at the Barclays Center.
But down two of your top centermen didn’t help things leading into their showdown with the rival Islanders.
Before last night, they were undefeated in regulation in their previous nine games, having earned at least one point in that stretch.
However, the Devils were catching New York on the back end of two consecutive game, having been in Columbus on Saturday. One would think advantage New Jersey, but what happened on the ice of the Barclays Center told another tale.
The Islanders played like they were the ones coming off a day or two of rest, and took it to the Devils early. Ultimately, their offensive push led to Cory Schneider getting pulled and replaced by Keith Kincaid.
But, it was not all his fault. The offense, which has been doing several things well with what they have, was unable to keep a consistent offensive presence towards Thomas Greiss.
Chalk this game up as bad-timing. They ran into a juggernut of a team in the Islanders, and couldn’t get out of the way fast enough. And with Travis Zajac and Adam Henrique loss before their rival meeting last night, the Devils came with knives to a gun fight. Just ill-equipped up front to contend with the scoring lines of John Tavares and company.
Best thing for the Devils to do is regroup and come out firing tomorrow night.
This game was just bad luck, and not telling of how well the team has performed. In their two pervious meetings, the victor between the Devils and Islanders were decided by one goal. And one went to a shootout. Let that sink in.
Nothing to hang your head down on. Last night was a blip for New Jersey, and nothing more.
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