GDT: Devils @ Islanders, 7:30 PM, Apocalypse Now

[Unknown Caller]

Look at Smith's career numbers. He's not going to turn into some offensive dman at 33. He needs to know his limitations....I think Bahl would be better suited as a stay at home guy.

Nobody is saying Smith is going to light it up offensively all of a sudden, but my point is he has all of those opportunities with Jack because he can process the game at a level that allows him to be in position to generate those chances.

Bahl is probably better defensively, but he's not going to start capitalizing on the chances that Smith isn't. The likely outcome is he isn't even in that position to begin with.

 

[HischierSeDgewOrk]

Nobody is saying Smith is going to light it up offensively all of a sudden, but my point is he has all of those opportunities with Jack because he can process the game at a level that allows him to be in position to generate those chances.

Bahl is probably better defensively, but he's not going to start capitalizing on the chances that Smith isn't. The likely outcome is he isn't even in that position to begin with.

I guess my point is they should have other d pairings on when Jack is on the ice. Puck dies on Smith's stick. I need Jack to Luke or Jack to Nemec

 

[Camille the Eel]

I guess my point is they should have other d pairings on when Jack is on the ice. Puck dies on Smith's stick. I need Jack to Luke or Jack to Nemec

and the opposition so far is concerned with stopping Jack and playing him for the shot. That’s evidently the book on us right now - they sold out to block Jack from shooting in the first 3 games and that’s opening up everyone else around him.

 

[Devilsgrl35]

Going tonight. I cannot even remember the last Devils win I saw on the Island so I apologize in advance for the loss.

 

[JimEIV]

Smith is getting opportunities with Jack because they are trying to put more defensive Dmen behind his line.... that's mostly the reason.

Especially with a lead.

 

[Call Me Al]

smith also took two really unnecessary penalties last game that we’re lucky didn’t cost the team at all. he’s a fine fill in /7th guy but i’d rather see bahl in there

 

[Devs3cups]

 

[JimEIV]

I'd rather see Bahl too but I imagine these coaches rather have experience... especially with our loosey goosey forwards.

Similar thing for Holtz.

 

[MachoDiablo]

I totally get why some people don't think the Isles will be good this year (I don't have them making the postseason, myself), but they have the talent to be a cut above the teams the Devils have played so far, so there's a good test to be had, here.

First two losses were obviously hideous, but the possession play of a lot of the skaters looked better, something that finally bore fruit in the third game. Keep that up and beat the Fishsticks, please and thank you.

 

[HugeInTheShire]

I'd imagine Zetterlund will be in for Holtz tonight, same energy as the last 2 periods of the last game.

 

[JK3]

Hate saying it's a big test but it'll be interesting to see if we can keep up all the pressure in the ozone, especially trying to get to the middle of the ice.

 

[Whaddagoal]

Last year, hope Hughes remembers this:

 

[Bleedred]

Blackwood might end up as good as him….

And then I realized I’m not in 2020 anymore and need to find my way back home.

 

[devilsblood]

Without Trotz are the Isle's still playing a low event defensive game?

Kind of hope they do, just to see how we fair against a tighter style.

 

[captainscott12]

And it seems like every nice pass Jack makes back to a d-man happens to go to Smith. Seems like he's always on the ice with Jack. Infuriating as he shoots into goalie chest every time. Get Bahl in there.

glad im not the only one that said this in their brain

 

[JimEIV]

Would be nice to find a way to win this but I don't have very high hopes.

 

[jkrdevil]

ESPN+ Sucks, but the good news is no Bucci or Hextall tonight.

 

[bossram]

I totally get why some people don't think the Isles will be good this year (I don't have them making the postseason, myself), but they have the talent to be a cut above the teams the Devils have played so far, so there's a good test to be had, here.

First two losses were obviously hideous, but the possession play of a lot of the skaters looked better, something that finally bore fruit in the third game. Keep that up and beat the Fishsticks, please and thank you.

The Isles have been pretty competent thus far and Sorokin is...Sorokin. He's good.

It'll be a test for the Devils. They need to carry play again and get some finish.

 

[MartyOwns]

i downloaded a free hulu trial for this and apparently i still can’t watch it. f***ing lame

 

[Bleedred]

If I'm not mistaken, I believe this is the last game on ESPN+ until the new calendar year.

I looked it up a couple weeks ago and I believe that's the case, unless I overlooked one while skimming.

 

[Guadana]

Its not a test. Its a challenge. Isles is a better team. Their defensive core is good and structured, their goalie is much much better. Their offensive line isn't better on paper, but more experienced. They can play safe style of hockey and wait for our turnovers and blueline collapses.
I'm not saying we will not win, but Islanders is better team on paper, they were 9th team year ago, when they were hitted by covid and schedule. It would be great to play netter than Islanders, it would mean Devils can really compete for play off spot, I just don't wait that kind of level from our team. Good goaltending would help, but im not waiting good goaltending for now.

 

[Unknown Caller]

Its not a test. Its a challenge. Isles is a better team. Their defensive core is good and structured, their goalie is much much better. Their offensive line isn't better on paper, but more experienced. They can play safe style of hockey and wait for our turnovers and blueline collapses.
I'm not saying we will not win, but Islanders is better team on paper, they were 9th team year ago, when they were hitted by covid and schedule. It would be great to play netter than Islanders, it would mean Devils can really compete for play off spot, I just don't wait that kind of level from our team. Good goaltending would help, but im not waiting good goaltending for now.

The Islanders are not a better team outside of goaltending, but the discrepancy in net is so significant that it's going to be hard for the Devils to overcome. 5v5 the Devils are just a straight up better team.

 

[Satans Hockey]

i downloaded a free hulu trial for this and apparently i still can’t watch it. f***ing lame

It should be on Hulu but you have to search for it and usually doesn't appear until around game time

 

[Louskoolaid89]

If we don't win we still suck! LFGD!

 

[Saugus]

Love the GDT theme!

I've been out of town for a few days, and unable to watch the last two games. I have to miss this one too for a happy hour I'm going to.

Hoping to come home to news of a win.