GDT: The New Jersey Devils vs The Pittsburgh Penguins

[Devilsfan992]

The whole team game isn't quite there yet though. Passing is still sloppy. To many bad passes into skates, behind guys, or to no one at all. Zone exits and entry sucks too. Need to clean things up, but still the right direction.

I don't completely disagree with you, but it's been much better since the start of the season. Even Harrold showed really crisp passing with probably the best pass of the night.

 

[MartyOwns]

My thoughts on the game:

Marty is god

That is all.

he's been pretty below average as of late...not quite 'garbage' but almost..hopefully he can turn it around

 

[DevHock]

Question, is Kovalchuk being picked here based on reputation and for the simple fact that a 41 year old can't possible be better than a top 10 player in the NHL?

If you actually compare their first 20 games respectively (2010-11 Kovalchuk) and Jagr this year, their paces are pretty similar.

Kovalchuk already had a whole half season under his belt to get accustomed to his teammates while Jagr came in to a new team, missed all of preseason, most of training camp, has had far less offensive support than Kovalchuk had (injured Elias and no Parise) and yet is on pace for 66 Pts as of now.

If Jagr scores 80 + Pts and 30 + goals, would you still believe that 2010-11 Kovalchuk was better than the current Jagr?

Jagr is also doing this by playing in a full 4-5 less minutes a game.

Jagr is stronger on the puck, is more cerebral, is better at utilizing his linemates and his passing, vision are superior to Kovalchuk and believe it or not, (as evidence of the first goal Jagr scored tonight) he still has an elite wrist shot.

I also bet if Jagr was given more minutes, he will still be as effective if not more (I think even at his age he can handle 20 + minutes as he's shown he's capable of).

The only edge Kovalchuk had was his speed which is understandable since Jagr is 41, despite that though, Jagr has been a lot faster than most thought he would be.

Oh and Jagr is +9 for a pace of + 37. Kovlachuk might have played more minutes and played shorthanded as well but it doesn't make him a better or more effective player than Jagr has been so far. From what I've read, Kovalchuk seemed to be a liability at times at evenstrength in 2010-11 and made a lot of dangerous, high risk plays.

Kovy was awful when MacLean was coaching (like everyone was)

but remember that 17-2-1 stretch they pulled off in February and March to actually tease us about the playoffs that year?

14 of those wins were by 1 goal, in those games Kovalchuck had 9 goals and 7 assists
he recorded a point in 12 of the 14 games
the 9 goals came in 9 different games

Kovalchuk had a 20 game stretch where he was clearly the MVP of the league in 2010-11

Jagr's been great for us, but he'd be hard pressed to match that level

 

[jagrgodr]

Jagr continues to troll the penguins hard. Loved the cocky head shake!

He did that celebration in Kladno after a hat trick, but even better in kladno

 

[njdevils1982]

Jagr continues to troll the penguins hard. Loved the cocky head shake!

He did that celebration in Kladno after a hat trick, but even better in kladno

defence? pffft,, who needs defence?

 

[njdevils1982]

"crosbys pace" blah blah blah,,,,,blah.....**** off.

 

[StvBroDan]

Kovy was awful when MacLean was coaching (like everyone was)

but remember that 17-2-1 stretch they pulled off in February and March to actually tease us about the playoffs that year?

14 of those wins were by 1 goal, in those games Kovalchuck had 9 goals and 7 assists
he recorded a point in 12 of the 14 games
the 9 goals came in 9 different games

Kovalchuk had a 20 game stretch where he was clearly the MVP of the league in 2010-11

Jagr's been great for us, but he'd be hard pressed to match that level

Who is this person you speak of?

 

[jagrgodr]

 

[glenwo2]

LOL!

You're right.

These old guys have to carry those young ones' sorry butts all the time.

 

[Kensu]

just realized Zajac was a +4 for the night

 

[NJDevs26]

Also watching the replay I notice a 21 year old Larsson barely displayed any emotion after scoring. I like that. I prefer my Swedes to act like 1970s era Russians.

This is one of those cases where being at the arena you see something you don't on TV...Larsson banged the boards with both fists immediately after the goal a la Jeff Friesen. And I like emotion personally. Especially after the play's over.

Zajac's even gotten a bit emotional after a couple of his linemates' goals recently.

 

[glenwo2]

This is one of those cases where being at the arena you see something you don't on TV...Larsson banged the boards immediately after the goal a la Jeff Friesen. And I like emotion personally. Especially after the play's over.

Actually, they did show Larsson on TV doing that.

 

[SeidoN]

just realized Zajac was a +4 for the night

he sucks though

 

[Buckingham Claude*]

Where would this team be without Jagr and Brodeur? Honorable mention to Zidlicky as well for being the most creative offensive player on the team most nights.

Zidlicky has played better but how good can you feel bout a D Man that gave up two breakaways from the blue line two nights in a row? I wish he would be a little more careful.

 

[ThePSEGPowerPoster]

Pairing Zidlicky and Harrold, even on a PP, is ridiculously stupid. I cannot wait until Volchenkov is healthy or Sal or Merrill gets his chance.

We win in spite of Pete.

 

[Just Win]

just realized Zajac was a +4 for the night

The entire ZZJags line was +4 last night. They have been a force every single game they have played together so far. They must have the puck 3/4 of the time they are on the ice.

 

[JK3]

After reading the last few days of posts I've never seen such bipolar behavior.

Nice to get this win though.

Strap yourselves in for the road trip from hell, should be entertaining.

 

[Holtz My Bahls]

After reading the last few days of posts I've never seen such bipolar behavior.

Nice to get this win though.

Strap yourselves in for the road trip from hell, should be entertaining.

Honestly, I think we are in for a pleasant surprise. I'm feeling surprisingly optimistic about this road trip. That could be all gone with one bad loss but for now I'm optimistic.

 

[Just Win]

After reading the last few days of posts I've never seen such bipolar behavior.

Nice to get this win though.

Strap yourselves in for the road trip from hell, should be entertaining.

That is like saying you have never been on hfboards before. You have too many posts to claim that. Might as well call it bipolardisorderboards.com.

 

[JK3]

That is like saying you have never been on hfboards before. You have too many posts to claim that. Might as well call it bipolardisorderboards.com.

Haha oh I know this place, it just seems more prevalent now than past years.

 

[glenwo2]

S.O.D.F's.


Same Old Devils Fans.

 

[NJDevils1]

I feel like our defense has had a lot more big hits recently. Not sure if its just a coincidence or if they're looking to hit them more now

 

[JimEIV]

Zajac looks really fast playing with Zubrus and Jagr

 

[JK3]

Thank goodness for MAF, could have been ugly for us if someone else was in there.

 

[glenwo2]

Thank goodness for MAF, could have been ugly for us if someone else was in there.

Bet you the Devils would've been shut out again....