Here are my quick hits following the Devils’ 5-2 L in CAR, heading into tonight’s New Year’s Eve game in ANA:
Tough Call
As much as you never want to draw the refs into the result of a game, I want to touch on the Timo Meier situation, a clean hit that was called a 5-minute game misconduct for kneeing in the 3rd period of Saturday night’s game. This incident was a key momentum moment that completely changed the direction and outcome of this game, as it was 2-2 in the 3rd period before this incident occurred. Timo does not change the trajectory of his leg, and in my opinion, the refs panicked at this moment to make a call due to Necas laying on the ice, despite not calling a penalty during the play. Then, to put the nail in the coffin, the Canes score the GWG on the ensuing PP, and Necas does not miss a single shift. In fact, he played 1:43 of the remaining 3-minute major (2 minutes were played at 4on4) and had 5:18 of total TOI after the incident. Fortunately, the NHL Department of Player Safety made the right call by not issuing any supplemental discipline to Timo after the fact, but boy, was this a tough pill to swallow for the Devils and even for Dano, Bill, and myself in the booth watching this all unfold live on Saturday night.
Split Season Series
Well, Devils fans, like I said, this was not the ending anyone had expected or hoped for on Saturday night. But nonetheless, what a matchup we witnessed throughout all four games between the Devils and Canes this season, splitting the back-to-back set this past weekend and ultimately the season series, with the final scores being 4-2, 4-2, 4-2, and 5-2, respectively. Whether it be in the first round or beyond, this is setting up to be an electric potential playoff series between these two teams – and look no further than the Timo and Haula situations on Saturday to the fact that there’s certainly a rivalry brewing here, as well. Thankfully, the Devils got two days off from this hard, demanding back-to-back set with CAR to rest, reset, and recover for the California trip starting tonight!
Bounce Back
I’m looking forward to seeing the type of response we get from the Devils tonight in Anaheim. It’s been extremely impressive to watch this team consistently prove they are mentally resilient by bouncing back after tough losses this season, and I’m expecting no different tonight!
Big Test
ANA is coming off a 2-goal comeback win at home against the reigning Western Conference Champs (EDM) on Sunday, so you know they’re going to be looking at this Devils game as an opportunity to build on that and spark their season after starting well below .500. For me, it all starts with putting the Ducks on their heels early tonight to remind them of their 6-2 loss against you back in October!
Happy New Year, everyone! Hopefully, you're able to join us for some New Year’s Eve hockey tonight, starting with our pregame show at 7:30 p.m. EST, as Rachel and I get you set for puck drop before ball drop!
Happy New Year, and Let’s Go Devils!
-Sal
Here are some graphics from Saturday night’s broadcast!