Hey, Devils Fans!
Tonight is an opportunity for NJD to improve to 5-1-0 in their last 6 games and finally gain some real traction here as they fight for their lives in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The fact that they’ll be playing another team below them in the standings, and, one that has struggled of late in the Buffalo Sabres, means that this is a game the Devils HAVE to win. It doesn’t matter what other teams are doing or what the percentages say, you have to continue to block out the noise and focus on what’s in your control — which is playing hard and winning a 3rd straight game tonight for the first time in calendar year 2024!
Tuesday's 6-3 W in TOR was mostly on the back of Jake Allen — phenomenal once again, especially in that 1st period — but, I want to give some credit to the 'Big 3' of Jack/Nico/Jepser for their combined 8 PTS in this one, as they continue to will this team night in and night out down the stretch.
Although I can’t say I’m surprised to see how this trio has been playing lately, I can say that I’m impressed with how they’re finishing the season here. Seeing these guys elevate their game at this time of year tells me that they're not only maturing as players — but, also as the core leaders of this Devils team — going out there every night and sending a message to the team and to the rest of the league that they are not going to quit on this season. They want that X next to their name in the standings, even if it takes until Game #82!
Update after the TOR game — Mr. March Madness added yet another goal & assist to his totals this month.
And, well, Devils Fans, while Meier March Madness may be coming to an end, there’s still one game left tonight, and it comes with an opportunity for Timo to make some history. With a goal tonight against the Sabres, Timo would not only pass Stephane Richer for the most NJD March goals in a single season, but, he’d also join the Great 8, Ovi, in slim company as the only two players since 2005 (when hits were first tracked) to record 14+ Goals in a month while averaging 2+ Hits/GP. For me, this speaks volumes of the prototypical power forward that Timo is, and what he's capable of when he's fully healthy, playing with confidence, and feeling good about his game.
Tune in to our MSGSN pregame show tonight as Erika Wachter & I continue to break down Timo's month of March; the maturation of Jack, Nico, and Jesper; chat about Jake Allen's first 6 GP; and preview the 9 remaining games, starting with tonight's must-win game in BUF. It all starts at 6:30 PM!
-Sal
