Reality Check: Devils Fall to Canucks in SO

When Dennis Cholowski stepped on the ice in the final minute of OT for New Jersey on Monday night, two things became even more evident than before. One, the unfortunate Devils’ injury report and two, this roster just isn’t any good. This is not the roster that was a top five cup favorite by every Vegas Sportsbook in the early goings of the 2024-25 season. This is much, much different.

Is there even another team in the NHL that would have Cholowski out in a 3v3 overtime situation? No, actually there’s not even many that would have him dressed in an NHL game. Since leaving Detroit in 2021, the 27 year old D man has played just 50 NHL games with four different teams, 33 of which were with the Islanders this season. Nothing against Cholowski, as I’m sure he’s a great guy, working hard and living his dream in the National, but Devils fans deserved better.
This was supposed to be a return to the dominance we saw in 22-23’. This was the year the Devils took over a top spot in the East where they would remain for the next decade. Instead, we are left wondering if 2023 was just a fluke.

Let’s face it, even if NJ holds on to one of the final few playoff spots, what will that get us? Four extra games? Five or six at absolute best? With the injuries to Jack Hughes, Dougie Hamilton and Jonas Siegenthaler, this Devils roster becomes even thinner than the paper it’s printed on.
Even more thin these days seems to be the Devils’ skin. That thin skin along with contrastingly thick skulls have lead to the mental lapses and structural collapses that have these Devils on another losing streak. Giving up goals in bunches, missing assignments, taking ill advised penalties , and panicking away third period leads have been recent trends for Jersey during this latest mini spiral. The effort is there, but the skill, execution and the fortitude are lacking. That combination of flaws will make them an easy out no matter who the opponent, IF they make the playoffs.

Quick Hits

Future Devil Quinn Hughes Is That Good

Every time 43 in white had the puck on Monday night, it was a threat to NJ. Playing well over 30 minutes, Quinn Hughes proved he is as dynamic of a play driver as anyone in the league. To completely control portions of a game like he does as a defenseman is unthinkable.
GM Tom Fitzgerald, go get this guy in the summer. Don’t make us wait until free agency in 27’.

Overly Patient Pesce Makes Devils Pay

With just 35 seconds to go and a one goal lead, Brett Pesce has the puck behind the Devils net. With time to clear the puck, he holds onto it, waiting for his forward to be in position for breakout along the boards. In doing so he allows two Canuck forecheckers to knock down his attempt. Vancouver would gain control and tie the game before the puck ever got over the blue line. Pesce has been outstanding for NJ this year, and the look on his face said it all, but damn, just bang that thing off the glass. Everyone is so scared of icing the puck these days, I wish more teams would fire it towards the empty net. Deal with the icing and the d-zone faceoff when it comes. The mission is to not let the opposition score. The mission is not to avoid icings.

And finally, March Timo is great and the shootout sucks…

Goodnight,
Chris

Hey Siri, play “Break Stuff” by Limp Bizkit…

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