I rely on gut feelings often when I am watching playoff hockey. There was calm in the early games vs the Tankers and a lot of anger after game 5. Game 6 elation and then to today, and it was pretty much what I expected. It wasn't easy. The game went to OT. The Flyers have superior depth.
I wasn't worried at any point. I guess I just expected to win and even letting them tie after first star Voracek's only real blemish of the day didn't shake me.
2 assists but he was crucial in every goal that was scored for us today. The first with an excellent pass. The second with a quick forecheck that led to the turnover. The third with a walk down and fine pass to Hartnell. The fourth by beating Zidlicky and passing it one handed to Briere.
The whole line was outstanding but Jake was the best of them.
Great to see a VanRam sighting in OT. Drives to the net and stops there. Sets the screen for the winner. Brodeur complained about him in his post game comments. Great!
I also applauded late in the third when Giroux was doubled to play with Schenn and Simmonds. Of all our forwards I feel Read's game has been the most suspect. He was fooled by Elias on the first goal and that is all on him. His Pk game hasn't been too swell either this playoffs. Not that he is always bad, but when the game is tied he is not doing enough to get out there.
Well, there it is. If the Flyers don't play with energy or make mistakes the Devils have players that will score. Parise was as good as Kovalchuk was bad. That could change, you never know. The Flyers have another gear though that I honestly don't think the Devils could match.
One game leads don't win series, but for the sake of mention I want a stiff challenge here because the Rangers are looming large on the horizon. That would be a series of patience and tight plays along the boards, which would require Jagr, Hartnell, Schenn, Simmonds, and JVR to be better than their often seamless defense coverage.
More challenges to come, but the Devils may have just blown their big chance to make this interesting. The game two first period might be the usual slow start, but won't go as lamely as this game one first did. I know it sounds cocky, but again I really don't think the Devils can match the Flyers at high gear.
Good to get out in front!
Posted on Apr 29, 2012, 8:17 PM from IP address 64.201.178.177