There is literally 0 reason to dress 7 defenseman, aside from complete indecisiveness.
The d-man isn't going to do any better than Zharkov or Tedenby in that spot, and more than likely someone is gonna get double shifted over them anyway. We have no PP specialist that needs 5v5 protection, so dressing 7 d-men would serve no purpose at all.
I really don't get why Zharkov isn't being called up. He's a reliable 4th liner who isn't going to make a game altering mistake. When our 12th forward is a toss up between Stephen Gionta, Eric Boulton, and Cam Janssen, all you can do is pick the one that's going to cost you a game, and that is mostly Zharkov.
If we are comfortable with Harrold in the starting lineup, then there's not much of a reason to put him on the 4th line. If we truly believe he's earned playoff time, then he's earned it on the blueline.
We could actually win the division with this record most years. Considering we have as many points as Boston the NE division leader and winner, and way more than the SE leader Florida. Also like TEN more wins!
It's funny to think the only teams in the Conference with more points than us is the teams in our very own division.
Ya know of all the losses I complained about this season including the Nilsson shutout, and Toronto shootout loss it's probably for the best. While at the time they happened I was concerned what kind of a road this team was going down they turned out to be for the best.
I just want to point out that we're likely going to have 500 total points between all 5 division teams. On average, each Atlantic team has recorded nearly 14 more points than each Southeast team. And since 24 of the Islanders games come against the Atlantic, I'd argue that they would be either the 2nd or 3rd best team in the SE.
Wow, I did not expect NJ to win. It's great that they've hit the century mark. It's also great that Philly beat Buffalo so that NJ is guaranteed the 6 seed. I would have raged if NJ had found a way to jump Philly and have to play the Pens in the first round...
Sweet win againt a good team. I guess nobody can complain about that one.
And Marty is getting hot just in time. Now only Zach, Kovy and Patty need to find the back of the net again. Deep playoff run, here we come.
Quote:
Originally Posted by manisback121
Peaking at the right time, that means we have a really good shot at cup!!!
I think you guys are getting a bit ahead of yourselves, but I won't deny it's a good sign to be able to finally beat Detroit IN Detroit. Let's just see how NJ does in the first round before saying they're on their way to the conference finals.
I think you guys are getting a bit ahead of yourselves, but I won't deny it's a good sign to be able to finally beat Detroit IN Detroit. Let's just see how NJ does in the first round before saying they're on their way to the conference finals.
I've been watching hockey for a long time, usually when a team is closing the season like this...it means they're peaking at the right time which means...
Do us a favor, look at the records for the last 15 years then make statements.
I've been watching hockey for a long time, usually when a team is closing the season like this...it means they're peaking at the right time which means...
Do us a favor, look at the records for the last 15 years then make statements.
Holy overreaction, Batman. I was just trying to say don't set your expectations too high, but if you want historical proof, the Devils won 11 in a row going into the playoffs in 2006 and only won one round, then won 6 of 8 at the end of the 2007 regular season, and only won one round. However, they slumped into the playoffs in 2000, then won it all.
Besides, the last ten games is a better barometer of how the team finishes most years, as opposed to a two or four game snippet. And in many of them they were around .500 in those last ten games.
Holy overreaction, Batman. I was just trying to say don't set your expectations too high, but if you want historical proof, the Devils won 11 in a row going into the playoffs in 2006 and only won one round, then won 6 of 8 at the end of the 2007 regular season, and only won one round. However, they slumped into the playoffs in 2000, then won it all.
So there's my "statement".
The 2000 slump was due to the coaching change and final protect over the brutal dictator Ftorek, or did you forget that part?
Now analyze the stats going back to how the team has played since 88 then check back in.
The more I watch that, though, the more I laugh at how lucky he was. Don't get me wrong. I love the attitude and the fact that he attempted to dance in like that. Wish more guys would try that. But he tried to make one dipsy doodle move, lost the puck, bounced right back to him, tried to make another move, lost the puck again and it ended up right on Poni's stick
Half of everything is luck.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hell Zeon
I don't mind playing Harrold over Larsson.
Larsson simply burnt out at the end of the season, and Harrold is playing a lot better than Larsson was in his last 20 games. It's a good lesson for Larsson.
A better lesson for Larsson is playoff experience. He might be a little burned out, but you know he has to be hungry to come back with an impact now for the playoffs. I'd give him that chance.
Quote:
Originally Posted by FirmestPiano
Nice win.
Really wanted Henrique to score on that chance that he had though, would be so sweet. Seems to be a little snakebitten right now.
I expect the playoff performer we saw in the OHL to show up. The kid knows how to produce in the clutch, I'm not worried about him at all.
A better lesson for Larsson is playoff experience. He might be a little burned out, but you know he has to be hungry to come back with an impact now for the playoffs. I'd give him that chance.
I wouldn't be so quick to put him back in the lineup, Harrold has been impressive and I would give him the start in the playoffs, but if he struggles I would insert Larsson back in.
I wouldn't be so quick to put him back in the lineup, Harrold has been impressive and I would give him the start in the playoffs, but if he struggles I would insert Larsson back in.
I'd roll 7 defencemen and play them both. Harrold is capable as a fourth line forward.
Besides, the last ten games is a better barometer of how the team finishes most years, as opposed to a two or four game snippet. And in many of them they were around .500 in those last ten games.
What a surprise.
Just gotta be someone on this board unhappy about a 28-7-2 record.
