All About The Jersey - Game Stream #82: New Jersey Devils vs. Toronto Maple LeafsA world class blog for Jersey's team: the New Jersey Devilshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47083/lou-fave.png2016-04-10T01:09:04-04:00http://www.allaboutthejersey.com/rss/stream/111601912016-04-10T01:09:04-04:002016-04-10T01:09:04-04:00Devils Burned Leafs to End '15-'16 on High Note
<figure>
<img alt="A salute to the fans by the Devils players. Tonight, the fans responded in kind." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OiV3GED1tAHbVef-O0hyrQ-oQps=/0x73:4223x2888/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49276887/usa-today-9241313.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>A salute to the fans by the Devils players. Tonight, the fans responded in kind. | Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>While the season would be over after tonight, the New Jersey Devils ended it on a high note by burning the Toronto Maple Leafs, 5-1. This game recap highlights Pavel Zacha, Patrik Elias, Adam Henrique, Kyle Palmieri, and much more.</p> <p>Yo, check this out. Tonight, all involved in tonight's game between the <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Jersey Devils</a> and the <a href="https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Toronto Maple Leafs</a> got what they wanted. That's a pretty awesome.</p>
<p>The New Jersey Devils came into tonight's season closer with the Toronto Maple Leafs with the knowledge the game meant nothing more than positioning for the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl-draft" class="sbn-auto-link">NHL Draft</a> and four straight losses. They gave up a pretty crummy goal in the first few minutes. There was a reason to be sour. Then the Devils went right to work and made Toronto feel the power of an aggressive attack. They swarmed all over the Maple Leafs to tie it up, they hit back in the second period to take the lead, they never looked back in the third, and they tacked on two pretty big goals to seal the win. The Devils snapped the losing streak and ended their season with a 5-1 win. The Maple Leafs got their thirtieth place spot in the league which means they can draft nowhere lower than fourth overall. The Devils got to end Fan Appreciation Week with a performance worth appreciating (as a fan, I greatly enjoyed this game), a deserved win, and the fans witnessing and lauding a number of achievements. I won, the Devils won, and, in their own way, the Leafs won in their loss.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2016/4/8/11389944/what-to-watch-for-in-the-final-game">CJ turned out to be partially right in his post on Friday.</a> He implored you, the reader, to watch this game in the hopes of seeing someone on the Devils hit the 30-goal plateau. <span>Adam Henrique</span> and <span>Kyle Palmieri</span> were on the cusp. Tonight, both of them did it. Henrique got his 29th when he put home the rebound on a long shot by <span>Adam Larsson</span> early in the second period. Past the halfway mark, <span>John Moore</span> hit Henrique with a long pass and Henrique gained the zone with <span>Tuomo Ruutu</span> supporting him. Henrique dropped it to Ruutu and the two went towards the net. Ruutu (or a defender) knocked the puck across to #14 and he chipped it past <span>Garret Sparks</span>. That was #30, that was the first point of the season for Ruutu (!!!), and the goal upgraded the score to 3-1. Henrique's goals took the game, Palmieri's goal sealed it. After multiple chances not working out for the winger, Palmieri did it with an empty netter. Not that the Maple Leafs were threatening to make a game of it late, it would ensure the win. On a team that has not scored many ENGs - only seven all season - that's not one to ignore. Both of them made their mark on the game for tonight's result. Both of them played quite well. Both of them hit the mark they wanted; their reactions after scoring their thirtieth did not hide their enthusiasm. And it's a small victory for CJ as he looked a little prescient from his post in retrospect.</p>
<p>Of course, the big story for this game involved a legend and the future. Let's begin with the future. Ahead of this game, the Devils assigned <span>Pavel Zacha</span> to Albany and called him up to New Jersey; and they signed <span>Steve Santini</span> and <span>Miles Wood</span> with entry level contracts that meant they could play today. All three young players made their NHL debuts tonight. I'll have a bit more to say about Santini and Wood later on. Good things, mind you. But Zacha looked great. Both played well off each other on the power play and at even strength. Zacha skated well, moved well off the puck, stole some pucks, and got three shots on net. What made him look so good was his passing. Zacha was not just making great reads on offense, but the execution of his passes were also great. Most of his passes did not require the receiver to adjust his body or his stick all that much. Whether it was perfectly weighted back pass or a killer cross-ice pass, Zacha made it all happen. He also picked up his first two NHL points; a faceoff win that led to New Jersey's first goal and a secondary assist on the ENG. He really impressed me and presumably a lot of fans who saw this game. They definitely cheered a little louder for #37 than some other players tonight. I know it's only one game and it was against a Toronto team that doesn't mind holding this the 'L,' but this night could be the start of a fine NHL career for <span>Pavel Zacha</span>. I'm hoping that is the case.</p>
<p>Then there's the legend. And on Zacha's line was the legendary Devils forward, Patrik Elias. The other winger moved around a bit on some shifts, but it was mostly <span>Devante Smith-Pelly</span>. Elias did return to action this week. As a 39-year old pending UFA with knee issues, it would be fair to think tonight could have been his last game. It's looked that way for months. If this was Elias' last game with the Devils, then he made his mark in it. It would be a fine way to say "goodbye." That mark turned out to be three shots on net, a drawn penalty, two assists, and blasting a one-timer past Sparks in the final seconds of the game (sweet pass by Palmieri to set him up). It wasn't perfect, I wasn't a fan of the penalty he took and his backchecking wasn't exactly on point. Still, he did plenty more good than bad and he played well with Zacha - both on special teams and at even strength. After being named the first star of the game and during his interview with Deb Placey, he got a rousing "One More Year" chant. With this kind of performance it's hard to say no to that.</p>
<p>I cannot stress enough how happy the fans were by the end of this game. Most knew the season would be over regardless of result after this game. My belief is that most wanted a good performance to close out the season. They got more than that. They got a Devils team that out-shot the Leafs 19-2 in the first period. That's as many shots as they had in the entire game against Buffalo on Tuesday. Garrett Sparks was forced to be great as the Devils just kept coming at the Leafs, who had no answer for the aggression, in waves. The shots were more even in the second period, but the Devils hit back to really put the Leafs in a hole. While there were some poor possession shifts in the third, the Devils busted out of a cycle of concession and controlled most of the third period on their way to seal the win. They out-shot, out-attempted, out-passed, out-disciplined (six PP's for NJ, three for Toronto), and out-controlled Toronto. They were decisively better than their opponents for the first time in weeks and the score reflects that. Yes, Toronto is a bad hockey team and had plenty of reason to not win this one; but that's a positive for the Devils. They played a lesser team and beat them like they were a lesser team. Anyway, the Devils played great to close out a less-than-great season. By the noise made during the game and the ovation at the end of the game, the sold out crowd loved this game. The definitely appreciated it. I know I did.</p>
<p>Essentially, if you're going to end a season where they both overachieved and met a number of expectations at the same time, then end it on a high note. The Devils did that. Check that out, yo.</p>
<p><b>The Game Stats: </b>The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20152016/GS021222.HTM">NHL.com Game Summary</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20152016/ES021222.HTM">NHL.com Event Summary</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20152016/PL021222.HTM">NHL.com Play by Play Log</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20152016/SS021222.HTM">NHL.com Shot Summary</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20152016&game=21222">Natural Stat Trick Advanced Stats</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://hockeystats.ca/game/2015021222">HockeyStats.ca Game Stats</a></p>
<p><b>The Opposition Opinion: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/2016/4/9/11399754/recap-devils-5-leafs-1-leafs-finish-last-in-nhl">JP Nikota has this recap up at Pension Plan Puppets.</a></p>
<p><b>Let's Talk About Santini: </b>Steve Stantini made his debut and showed off what he's about. He looked good in motion with smooth strides on and off the puck. Santini moved briskly as well, both are pluses. He appeared comfortable when he had the puck in his own end of the rink, which was also a plus. He had to play plenty of defense along with <span>David Schlemko</span>; from what I saw, he didn't seem completely out of his depth. He's also big and strong. While he did not throw a lot of big checks, he made a strong one on <span>Andrew Campbell</span> early in the game. He got a roughing call for it, which I thought that was kind of weak as I saw it live. It seemed legal to me, but I'll leave that opinion to those who had the benefit of slow motion replay on TV. Unfortunately, it knocked Campbell out of the game; he didn't return. That aside, I was pleased with what Santini showed in his first game. I get why the Devils wanted to bring him out of college before his senior year. He's definitely someone the Devils will hope turns out to be more superlative defender in time.</p>
<p><b>Let's Talk About Wood: </b>Miles Wood was a surprising signing in my eyes. The 20-year old just finished his freshman year at Boston College; I would not have minded if he stayed in college for another year. Tonight, I got to see why the Devils signed him right after that first year with the Eagles. Like Santini, Wood has a NHL-sized body and he skates rather well. He moved fast and even beat some defenders to loose pucks. Perhaps it was partially because of who he was playing with (<span>Tyler Kennedy</span> and Henrique, mostly), but he was crashing, banging, and going hard for pucks. It worked out fairly well. He nearly came close to scoring a blooper in the first period where a shot he blocked nearly got put into Toronto's own net by a second player touching it. Alas, it dropped wide. Overall, it was a decent debut for Wood. Like Santini and Zacha, we'll need to see many more games before figuring out what they'll become, but tonight was a good first step to show that they could be NHL players one day - even considering the opposition.</p>
<p><b>Back on the Board: </b>I want to highlight Devante Smith-Pelly as he scored his first goal since March 20. That's an eight game goalless streak. That ended when he slipped a puck won by Zacha off a faceoff between the legs of Sparks. It tied up the game and the Devils just kept rolling from there. It was good to see DSP back on the scoresheet. Amid the milestones and the debuts and Elias putting up a three point game in the face of an uncertain future, Smith-Pelly deserves some attention. He played a good game. Sparks robbed him (and Zacha) of another appearance on the scoresheet with a robbery on a killer one timer at the left post in the third. It was a final punctuation mark on a short eighteen game run where he put up eight goals and five assists. Stefan who?</p>
<p><b>The Criticisms: </b>I know it's moot to look at issues with one game now that the season is over and the analysis will shortly shift to full-season analyses. Still, it wouldn't be a recap without them. Let's get to it. <b> </b></p>
<p><b></b>I was not a fan of the goal the Devils allowed. Schlemko made a pass into the neutral zone to Ruutu. Ruutu had the puck knocked away from him by Campbell. This caught the Devils in some kind of change, which led to <span>Brooks Laich</span> being in behind the Devils all alone with <span>Cory Schneider</span>. Laich beat Schneider but hit the post. Meanwhile, Gionta and Ruutu were trying to get back. Gionta misses the rebound and neither is really on or necessarily aware of P-A Parenteau unless it was too late. Schneider oddly turned around after it hit the post, which made it easier for Parenteau to score. It was a bad play, a bad goal allowed, and I was fearful that was going to set the tone for the game. Thankfully, the Devils more than responded.</p>
<p>That's really my main criticism. I wasn't a huge fan of the two tripping calls the Devils took as they were in the offensive zone. The Devils killed them and expecting a perfectly disciplined game is too high of an expectation. I wasn't a huge fan of some bad shifts in the second and third; but the Leafs are allowed to play the game as well. Besides, the Devils would hit back with offense of their own and Cory Schneider made some excellent saves as usual. The Leafs never got close to getting back into the game, so I could deal with it. Having a lead helped, of course. The power play didn't score, but DSP's goal came a second after one ended and the team put up ten shots. It's not the units' fault that Sparks made a lot of tough saves to rob multiple Devils of a PPG. It helped a lot that the Devils just pounced on Toronto being short a defenseman and not being all that good in their own end and in the neutral zone to begin with. But the Devils' issues paled in comparison to Toronto's issues tonight. They were made paler by the Devils' successes.</p>
<p><b>Milestone Recap: </b>Let's see if I can remember the ones achieved tonight off of the top of my head. First NHL games for Zacha, Wood, and Santini. First NHL assist and point for Zacha. Thirtieth goal for Palmieri and Henrique, making this season the first time the team had two thirty-plus goal scorers since 2011-12. Both are career highs in goals for each. Career high in wins achieved by Schneider with 27. I think that's it.</p>
<p><b>One Final Thought for the Game: </b>Ruutu's assist was his first and only point of the season. In a way, that's more impressive than Henrique and Palmieri scoring their thirtieth goals. OK, not really, but it's still shocking he even got one tonight. So here's some trivia: the Devils end the season with only four players without a point this season. They are O'Brien (four games), Mozik (seven games and a defenseman), Gragnani (three games and a defenseman), and Thompson (three games).</p>
<p><b>Final Position: </b>20th with a record of 38-36-8.</p>
<p><b>This Is Not a Goodbye, This is See You Later: </b>I'm very glad this game was a great game by the Devils. The result was great as was the performance. They beat up on a team that wanted last place and they got it. These recaps are a bit sad, though, as it's the last one until September. Once again, it'll be a long offseason.</p>
<p>So I'd like to take the time to thank many people. I first thank those who are close to me in my life. You've supported me and this site, both directly and indirectly. You know who you are.</p>
<p>I thank all of the writers on the site. Brian, Mike, CJ, Gerard, Alex, Chris, Steve, Nate, Matt, Shane, and Nicholas have all helped out in this season. Some for multiple seasons. Without them, this site would not be this site. They helped it make it what it is today. As with previous writers like (I hope to get them all, sorry if I didn't): Tibbs, Steve, Tom, Kevin, Matt V., Matt E., Jerry, Karen, Josh, Ryan, and all of the rest.</p>
<p>I thank all of the people who have sat in Section 1 at the Rock all season long for at least putting up with me for a game, multiple games, or a whole season. As you probably guess from this site and Twitter, I have a lot to say - and that includes live during a game. And I'm not a quiet one; let's just say I belong in the South Ward at Red Bulls games (although I try to keep it clean at the Devils game - like this site).</p>
<p>I thank SBNation / Vox Media for continuing to host the site and providing an easy-to-use platform for posts to get up and get eyeballs on them. Travis and Tyler were instrumental in guiding me in how to change the name of this site at the beginning of the 2015-16 campaign. They've been very helpful in not trying to force content or drive me or the other writers (I hope not at least, they haven't said anything) to write about certain things in a certain way. In this day and age of clickbait and TV-news style of attention grabbing, that's big. Thanks.</p>
<p>I thank the New Jersey Devils. As bad as they have been at times in this season, I love them. As good as they have been at times in this season, I love them. Following them is my passion. In a season loaded with big changes, they're still the Devils. The passion has not wavered. Do I criticize them? You bet. But I do it because I want them to be better as an organization. I want them to return to being contenders and get some more Cups. Will they do it? We'll see. But I still want to follow them even amid the bad times, the significant changes, and more.</p>
<p>Most of all, I thank all of you, the reader. What really drives me to do this site are two things: One, I have a lot to say about the Devils. Two, people are interested in what I have to say. Whether it's one post or every day, knowing that someone cares enough to read it, comment on it, complain about it, agree with it, disagree with it, and share it. That's always motivating. It helps justify what the site is about and how we approach it. I'd like to think we don't dumb things down or condescend to any Devils fan. Yeah, there are rules. Yeah, I run the site with an iron fist. Yeah, I'm longwinded and my writing is fraught with errors. Yeah, not everyone is going to love, like, or even get what we sometimes post. But this proves that there are people who like this way and want to see it continue. And so I do. For you.</p>
<p>In this day and age, it's a bit sad I have to specify this, but I will anyway. If you're a fan, then I do this for you. Whether you're in New Jersey and attend every game, or you only go to some games, or you travel or you live somewhere else, if you support the Devils, then I do this for you. Whether you're a hardcore, diehard, bleed-Devils'-red-until-death fan or someone just getting into the game or someone entirely casual in supporting New Jersey, then I do this for you. Whether you're among a lot of Devils fans or you're the only one who likes the Devils or even hockey, then I do this for you. Whether you're reading just this site or just the news blogs or going to the forums on NJDevs and/or Hockey's Future or visiting r/Devils (is it time for another AMA?) or just liking Tweets on Twitter, then I do this for you. Whether you're a fan that your peers think you're the scum of the Earth or a fan that your peers think you're a paragon of virtue, then I do this for you. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2015/9/15/9326835/we-are-all-about-the-jersey-new-jersey-devils-promo-explanation">What I said back on September 15 still applies.</a> This is a site for Devils fans and you readers are largely the fans I do this for. And so I thank you all again for making that true every single day.</p>
<p><b>And So...:</b> Allow me to plead to you to not leave the site entirely for the offseason. We will have plenty of content here at the site. We have a draft lottery to look forward to. We have the playoffs to wish Our Hated Rivals and the Second Rate Rivals absolutely and utterly fail in. We have the AHL playoffs to live vicariously through Albany supporters ahead. There's the World Championships and, much later, the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/hockey-world-cup" class="sbn-auto-link">World Cup of Hockey</a> in the future. Plenty of prospect profiles for the draft; posts on free agents; plenty of analysis now that the 2015-16 season is complete; and maybe even some new stuff we haven't done before. All that and the NHL Draft and July 1, 2016. The 2015-16 season is over, but hockey does not stop at All About the Jersey.</p>
<p><b>Your Take: </b>What did you think of this game? What did you like the most? Will you stick around for the offseason?</p>
<p>March & April in Review will be up tomorrow. Our awards for the season will be up on Monday. I wasn't kidding when I said the hockey never stops. For the last time until September, thanks to all of the commenters in the Gamethread; thanks to those who followed the site's account on Twitter, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/aatjerseyblog" target="_blank">@AATJerseyBlog</a>, and thanks again to you for reading.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2016/4/10/11400374/new-jersey-devils-ended-season-high-note-burned-toronto-maple-leafsJohn Fischer2016-04-09T18:00:03-04:002016-04-09T18:00:03-04:00Gamethread #82: Devils vs. Maple Leafs
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DswTQ0xM1hVpa_3Ckld2VyMhDxM=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47827643/large_inlouwetrust.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>It all ends tonight. The New Jersey Devils will end the 2015-16 regular season tonight against the Toronto Maple Leafs. This final gamethread for the 2015-16 season is the place for Devils fans to discuss tonight's game until the recap is up.</p> <p><strong>The Time: </strong>7:00 PM EDT</p>
<p><strong>The Broadcast: </strong>TV - MSG+; Radio - 660 AM & 101.9 FM WFAN</p>
<p><strong>The Matchup: </strong>The <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Jersey Devils</a> (37-36-8) vs. the <a href="https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Toronto Maple Leafs</a> (29-41-11; SBN Blog: <a href="http://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/">Pension Plan Puppets</a>)</p>
<p><strong>Songs for Tonight: </strong>Yes, songs as in plural. More than one.</p>
<p>First: For the grunge enthusiasts, I think the Devils' season is summed up by the ending track on Local H's <em>As Good As Dead</em> album: "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGPt8QDBv-4">Manifest Destiny Part 2.</a>" "You're onto to something good, but it can't be all that matters." Seems appropriate to me.</p>
<p>Second: For the hardcore fans, I really dig "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkWl3dfWb9c">Still Alive</a>" by Gideon from their 2012 album, <em>Milestone</em>. It features Matt Honeycutt of Kublai Khan, it has a great chorus, and, well, it goes hard.</p>
<p>Third: If you're really into the dark, death-y stuff, then you know all about the New Jersey-based group, The Banner. While the subject matter is often a bit too heavy for a mere hockey game (Maybe Joey Southside would think otherwise? He's a Devils fan, maybe he reads this?), this is an end of the season. This is a sun setting. So from 2014's <em>Greying</em>, this is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx3iKv3ve0o">"Sunset."</a></p>
<p>Fourth: Lastly, let's have an instrumental. I've probably used a bunch of songs by And So I Watch You From Afar over the past few years. They're great. So that's why. From their 2013 album, this is the title track: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMRGINbOlG8">"All Hail Bright Futures."</a> That's the thing about futures. They tend to be brighter in a distance. And even if it doesn't go so well, there's always another future.</p>
<p><strong>The Reminder of Rules: </strong>The rules remain the rules. Here's a quick reminder. Please keep your comments clean, legal, and all about the game itself. Other scores are OK, but let's make sure the comments here are primarily about the Devils and this game. Also, let's respect each other, there's no need for drama or unwelcome nature of any sort. This is a gamethread, <em>let's focus on the game.</em> Thank you for reading and commenting all season long! Go Devils!</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2016/4/9/11396160/gamethread-82-new-jersey-devils-vs-toronto-maple-leafsJohn Fischer2016-04-09T07:00:03-04:002016-04-09T07:00:03-04:00Game Preview #82: Devils vs. Maple Leafs
<figure>
<img alt="Palmieri! Sparks! The last game of the season!" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/m_zKUfKeypDieTPk74TfiwvbQX8=/0x16:3302x2217/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49271157/usa-today-8985086.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Palmieri! Sparks! The last game of the season! | John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It all ends tonight. The New Jersey Devils will end the 2015-16 regular season tonight against the Toronto Maple Leafs. This game preview goes into whether either team would want to this game, who could debut for the Devils, and who's even on the Leafs.</p> <p>This is the last preview. Until preseason, of course.</p>
<p><b>The Time: </b>7:00 PM EDT</p>
<p><b>The Broadcast: </b>TV - MSG+; Radio - 660 AM & 101.9 FM WFAN</p>
<p><b>The Matchup: </b>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">New Jersey Devils</a> (37-36-8) vs. the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/">Toronto Maple Leafs</a> (29-41-11; SBN Blog: <a href="http://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/">Pension Plan Puppets</a>)</p>
<p><b>The Last Devils Game: </b>On Thursday night, the Devils hosted Tampa Bay. With the Devils already eliminated and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rawcharge.com/">Lightning</a> secured second in the division, there was nothing to play for. Yet, there was a legitimate effort from both sides to want the game. The Devils came out well with a power play to start it and then proceeded to go about nineteen minutes without a shot on net. The Lightning took advantage in the run of play. They would get one goal: Andrej Sustr's shot hit the post and Erik Condra put the rebound home after two tries. The second period went better for New Jersey from a performance standpoint in that Ben Bishop had to do some work. He would be beaten when a long shot by <span>John Moore</span> hit off Sergey Kalinin's leg and the deflection fooled him. Very nice. Less nice was Tampa Bay's response: a 3-on-2 rush that ended with Cedric Paquette slamming in a one-timer on <span>Keith Kinkaid's</span> left flank. But the Devils never gave up on the game. Although it looked bleak early in the third period. Jonathan Drouin stole the puck from <span>Patrik Elias</span>, passed it up to Vladslav Namestnikov, who then dropped it back for Drouin. Drouin scored through the five-hole to make it 1-3. The Devils would claw back into the game. <span>Bobby Farnham</span> won a puck from behind the net from Bishop. While the goalie recovered, that allowed Kalinin to take the puck and jam it in shortside to make it 2-3. The Devils came close to tying it up but it wasn't to be. The Lightning would get an empty netter after another sad looking 6-on-5 situation by New Jersey. The Devils lost their fourth in a row, 2-4, but at least it was a watchable game. <a href="http://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2016/4/7/11390722/new-jersey-devils-faded-by-tampa-bay-lightning-2-4-fourth-straight-loss" target="_blank">That's how I saw it per my recap.</a></p>
<p><b>The Last Maple Leafs Game: </b>The Maple Leafs visited Philadelphia on Thursday night in a game that the Maple Leafs probably wanted to lose and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.broadstreethockey.com/">Flyers</a> really wanted to win. Of course, life isn't simple. The Maple Leafs would prevail early on. <span>William Nylander</span> and <span>Colin Greening</span> scored in the first period to give Toronto a 2-0 lead while evening up the Flyers in shots. The tank was on hold for the first period. It looked like it would return in the second period with the Flyers scoring early on thanks to Brayden Schenn's 26th of the season and out-shooting the Maple Leafs 15-5. What they didn't count on was <span>Michael Grabner</span> picking off a pass and going off to the races for a goal. An even strength goal, at that. Up 3-1 heading into the third, it looked like Philly was going to choke their playoff run away. The Flyers realized they needed goals - and would get them. Andrew MacDonald scored off a giveaway to put Philly in one. In the last minute of regulation, Wayne Simmonds deflected a shot by Mark Streit to tie up the game. In overtime, MacDonald went from being a part of a heroic comeback effort to being a goat. He tripped <span>Jake Gardiner</span>, handing Toronto a 4-on-3 power play. Gardiner himself would make the Flyers suffer with a one-timer slapshot going past a screen for the "win." Win is in quotes because it briefly moved Toronto up to 29th in the league, which isn't what they want. All the same, they beat the Flyers and that's a good thing in my eyes. <a href="http://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/2016/4/7/11389932/leafs-4-flyers-3-ot-toronto-wins-game-annoys-fans" target="_blank">Charlottes Webster has this recap at Pension Plan Puppets.</a></p>
<p><b>The Last Devils-Maple Leafs Game: </b>Back on February 4, the Devils visited the Toronto Maple Leafs. It started decently enough with <span>Jacob Josefson</span> putting home a power play goal fairly early into the first period. Toronto's Shawn Matthias responded a few minutes later, seconds after a power play expired. The goal was a part of a bombardment of shots by Toronto after Josefson's goal. The shots settled down, although the Maple Leafs took many more attempts than New Jersey. That was the result of Toronto having the better run of play. The 1-1 tie would carry through the first and second periods. It would be broken in the the third period by <span>David Schlemko</span>, whose shot just found its way through traffic. This held up until <span>Tyler Bozak</span> tied the game back up late in the third. Overtime definitely favored Toronto, but Keith Kinkaid was on his game amid the pressure provided by the Maple Leafs. That and 39 shots against. A shootout was necessary and the Devils did not win it. While it was a 2-3 loss, <a href="http://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2016/2/4/10920864/devils-take-step-back-lose-2-3-to-leafs-in-so" target="_blank">Alex wrote in his recap</a> that this performance was a step back from the prior one that saw them beat Our Hated Rivals. I can't disagree. <a href="http://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/2016/2/4/10920138/recap-leafs-3-devils-2-so" target="_blank">JP Nikota had this recap at Pension Plan Puppets.</a></p>
<p><b>The Goal: </b>It's the last game of the season. Just play a decent game, don't be or get stupid (looking at you, Joseph Blandisi and Bobby Farnham), and try to enjoy it. If you break the four game losing streak, great. If not, it's a bummer but it'll be quickly forgotten about provided it's not a blow out. As it's the end of Fan Appreciation Week, just give the fans something to cheer and appreciate.</p>
<p><b>Why?: </b>You want some reasons to get up for this game? <a href="http://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2016/4/8/11389944/what-to-watch-for-in-the-final-game" target="_blank">Check out CJ's post from yesterday.</a> Plenty of things to shoot for from Palmieri striving for his thirtieth of the season to something on the scoresheet from the defense.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2016/4/8/11389944/what-to-watch-for-in-the-final-game" target="_blank"></a><b>Does the Opponent Need This Game?: </b>In a way, they do. They need to lose this one if they want last place. Taking two points from Philadelphia moved them up past the NHL's Veterans of the Lottery Process, Edmonton for a bit. Fortunately for the Maple Leafs, Edmonton pasted Vancouver on Thursday. A loss for Toronto can help get them thirtieth in the league. That will give them the best odds in the lottery for first overall as well as having the first choice in the following rounds. Are they looking to lose this one? After beating the Flyers, <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://twitter.com/HennyTweets/status/718261136165117955?lang=en" target="_blank">Paul Hendrick tweeted that Garrett Sparks will start this game.</a> That's a pretty clear sign. <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://twitter.com/HennyTweets/status/718261136165117955?lang=en" target="_blank">Sparks has an <i>overall</i> save percentage of 89.3% in sixteen appearances.</a></p>
<p><b>Should the Devils Want This Game?: </b>If you're like me and you'd like to end this season a high note, then sure. Who wants to end a lost season with a five game losing streak? If you're all about draft positioning (or an <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.coppernblue.com/">Oilers</a> fan), then you'll likely want an 'L' to the lowly Maple Leafs. A win could see them move up to twelfth overall depending on how the other games break down. A loss would make it possible to finish as low as ninth. So if you think three spots in the first round are that big of a deal, then you may not want to be too unhappy if Toronto scores a bunch of goals to get a 'W.'</p>
<p><b>Debuts: </b>The Devils made two moves with respect to prospects yesterday that could lead to two more debuts tonight.</p>
<p>First, the team assigned <span>Pavel Zacha</span> from Sarnia to Albany. Sarnia was eliminated from the playoffs, though Zacha certainly did his best. In seven games, <a href="http://new.ontariohockeyleague.com/stats/team_players/55/15" target="_blank">Zacha scored six goals, put up seven assists, and took 29 shots on net. </a> He was in form. But Zacha isn't going directly to New York. No, the <a href="http://devils.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=877835&navid=DL%7CNJD%7Chome" target="_blank"><i>New Jersey</i> Devils called up Zacha</a> right after assigning him. He could play tonight and according to Matt Loughlin, the play-by-play announcer for Devils games on the radio, he will. He'll be wearing #37.</p>
<p>Second,<a href="http://devils.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=877846" target="_blank"> the team announced that they signed Steve Santini to a three-year entry level contract yesterday.</a> The deal starts right away. The junior defenseman out of Boston College has passed up on his senior season for the pros. This comes after a stellar year for Santini as he was named <a href="http://bceagles.com/news/2016/3/16/mens-hockey-three-eagles-earn-hockey-east-postseason-honors.aspx" target="_blank">the Best Defensive Defenseman in Hockey East</a> for this season as well as a trip to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-frozen-four">Frozen Four</a>. As the Eagles were eliminated, the Devils clearly wanted to bring him into the fold as soon as possible. There's nothing stopping him from playing tonight and I think they will given that he's been assigned #38 and he's been assigned to New Jersey.</p>
<p>Third, well after the Santini announcement, <a target="_blank" href="http://devils.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=877851&navid=DL%7CNJD%7Chome">the team announced last night that they signed Miles Wood.</a> Like Santini, it's an entry-level contract that starts right away. Should he play tonight, he'll wear #44. He's 20 years old, but he just finished his freshman year with Boston College. It was a big year for Wood. <a target="_blank" href="http://bceagles.com/cumestats.aspx?path=mhockey&">He finished fifth among the Eagles in points with ten goals and twenty five assists. </a> He dubiously led the team in penalty minutes too, so Wood is clearly not at all shy of the physical game. Just as impressively, he represented the United States at the World Junior Championships and played on their fourth line. Being named to the team is impressive in of itself considering he was not a part of the USNTDP.</p>
<p>These two moves help explain a few of the demotions made by the Devils on Friday. <a href="https://twitter.com/NJDevilsPR/status/718477898600976384" target="_blank">The team did announce that they have returned</a> <span>Blake Pietila</span>, <span>Mike Sislo</span>, and <span>Vojtech Mozik</span> to Albany. With two forwards sent down, that opens up space for Zacha and perhaps Wood, depending on who's scratched. Mozik going down isn't a guarantee that Santini will play as I believe <span>David Warsofsky</span> is still around. That said, I don't think Santini was signed right before the last game and assigned to the Devils and just not be a part of it.</p>
<p><b>Who Else Will We See from New Jersey?: </b>Most of the regulars. I wonder whether John Hynes will keep <span>Adam Henrique</span>, <span>Travis Zajac</span>, and <span>Kyle Palmieri</span> together. They didn't do so well against Tampa Bay, but I think tonight's match-up may be easier for them. This could very well be the last time we'll see Patrik Elias, David Schlemko, <span>Tuomo Ruutu</span> (if he plays), <span>Stephen Gionta</span>, Tyler Kennedy, and Bobby Farnham as they're all unrestricted free agents this summer. Among them, I'll be pleased to see Elias and I'd like to see Schlemko come back (maybe, don't hold me to that). Kinkaid started against Tampa Bay, <a href="http://fireandice.northjersey.com/fire-ice-1.174987/elias-whatever-happens-happens-kinkaid-weighs-in-before-final-start-of-season-1.1540654" target="_blank">which was his final start of the season per this post by Andy Vasquez at Fire & Ice.</a> Barring anything unforeseen, <span>Cory Schneider</span> will start this game against Toronto. That's also something good to look forward to given he's undoubtedly been New Jersey's best player all season long.</p>
<p><b>Who's On Toronto?: </b>It's been a rough going for Toronto in this season. Their latest loss was <span>Nazem Kadri</span>. He's fine. <a href="https://twitter.com/nhlplayersafety/status/717017369944723456" target="_blank">He was just suspended last week for a vicious cross-check</a>, so the <a href="http://www.nhl.com/stats/player?reportType=game&report=skatersummary&season=20152016&gameType=2&sort=points&aggregate=1&teamId=10&pos=S" target="_blank">Leafs will be without their leading scorer in points and shooter.</a> <span>Leo Komarov</span> has been held out of action, leaving <span>Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau</span> as the team's lone active forward with more than 35 points. Needless to say, whatever line he's on will likely be the most threatening line against New Jersey.</p>
<p>According to the<a href="http://leftwinglock.com/line-combinations/toronto-maple-leafs/?team=toronto-maple-leafs&strength=EV&gametype=1" target="_blank"> recent lines at Left Wing Lock</a>, Parenteau has been skating with Tyler Bozak and Brooks Laich. That line will likely be followed by Colin Greening, William Nylander, and <span>Tobias Lindberg</span>. I wouldn't sleep too much on that line. Since February 4, <a href="http://www.nhl.com/stats/player?reportType=game&report=skatersummary&startDate=2016-02-05&endDate=2016-04-08&gameType=2&sort=points&aggregate=1&teamId=10&pos=S" target="_blank">Greening has had as many points as Parenteau</a> - which is second only to Kadri. That line contributed two goals against Philadelphia on Thursday, too. As an X-factor, one has to be concerned with Michael Grabner breaking away - whether it's on a penalty kill or at even strength. The Flyers found that out on Thursday as well. It would have been nice to have seen Kasperi Kapenen in the lineup but Thursday night was his ninth game in the NHL. One more game and this season would count for his contract. Toronto wisely sent him down to their farm team to let the deal slide.</p>
<p>On defense, the Devils will have to be a bit more concerned with Morgan Reilly and Jake Gardiner. Gardiner was the OT hero, drawing the call and scoring on the power play to win Thursday's game. He's got a nice shot and he knows how to use it. Since February 4, <a href="http://www.nhl.com/stats/player?reportType=game&report=skatersummary&startDate=2016-02-05&endDate=2016-04-08&gameType=2&sort=points&aggregate=1&teamId=10&pos=S" target="_blank">he's racked up fifteen points and sixty shots on net.</a> Reilly is similarly productive: thirteen points and sixty two shots since the last Devils-Maple Leafs game and <a href="http://www.nhl.com/stats/player?reportType=game&report=skatersummary&season=20152016&gameType=2&sort=points&aggregate=1&teamId=10&pos=S" target="_blank">he leads the defense in points and shots for the season.</a> The two have been playing significant minutes <a href="http://leftwinglock.com/line-combinations/toronto-maple-leafs/?team=toronto-maple-leafs&strength=EV&gametype=1" target="_blank">on separate pairings per Left Wing Lock in their last game</a>. The Devils will have to be aware of where they are on the points when Toronto enters the Devils' end.</p>
<p>Behind them all will be Sparks. Here are his splits. Yep.<a href="http://www.nhl.com/stats/player?reportType=season&report=goaliebystrength&season=20152016&gameType=2&sort=evSaves&aggregate=0&teamId=10&pos=G" target="_blank"> That's a 90.7% at evens and a 81.4% on the PK.</a> I'm not convinced the Leafs are putting together their best lineup for this one. Then again, they can only do so much between injuries and other moves.</p>
<p><b>Overall...: </b>Toronto isn't a bad possession team. In fact, <a href="http://www.corsica.hockey/teams/" target="_blank">they're above 50% per Corsica.</a> That's rather surprising for a team who could finish dead last in the league. So what's been wrong? Quite possibly everything else. Their main issues this season in my view includes injuries hurting their roster (off the top of my head: Joffery Lupul, James van Reimsdyk, <span>Peter Holland</span>, Leo Komarov, <span>Milan Michalek</span>, etc.), a lack of depth in talent, some serious scoring woes (Lowest <a href="http://www.corsica.hockey/teams/" target="_blank">5 on 5 shooting percentage in the league</a> per Corsica. <a href="http://www.nhl.com/stats/player?reportType=season&report=skatersummary&season=20152016&gameType=2&sort=points&aggregate=0&teamId=10&pos=S" target="_blank">Look at their list of scorers</a>, and their<a href="http://www.nhl.com/stats/team?reportType=season&report=powerplay&season=20152016&gameType=2&sort=ppPctg&aggregate=0" target="_blank"> next-to-last PP conversion rate</a>), and poor goaltending except from their original starter <span>James Reimer</span> - who got dealt in-season. I'm sure there's more to it, but it's been a rough season in Toronto. The fans have at least accepted they're going all in on the draft lottery. They're close to getting the best odds. Can they drop another game? We'll see, but the Devils have been known to flop pretty hard this season.</p>
<p><b>No Fan Fest: </b>Since the weather is expected to be crummy tomorrow, Fan Fest has been cancelled in advance of the game. Alas, the fun will just have to be inside the Rock.</p>
<p><b>Thank You: </b>I thank you all for reading all of these previews. They are long. I know they go on and on. But I'd like to think they get one more prepared for the game than just telling you the basics. Or split up in separate posts for what time the game is on and where it is on television followed by other posts about other parts of the game. I hope you have appreciated reading them as much as I have been writing them.</p>
<p>I hope you all stick around during the offseason. We'll have the month in review and our awards for the players after Saturday. We'll have plenty of prospect profiles before the draft. We'll have open posts for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl-playoffs">Stanley Cup</a> Playoffs, the Calder Cup Playoffs, and the World Championships. We'll write loads of words about what the team should do and in analysis of this past season. We may even have something completely new. The season will end tonight for the Devils, but the hockey doesn't stop at All About the Jersey.</p>
<p>Where will I be tonight? In my usual seat: Section 1, Row 16, Seat 5. I hope to return there in the Fall.</p>
<p><b>One Last Thought: </b>The Devils went to a shootout against the Leafs on February 4. Their previous meeting before that, on December 8, also went to a shootout. I would not want to see this season end on a shootout - unless the Devils win it, of course.</p>
<p><b>Your Take: </b>Well, what do you think of tonight's game? What do you want to happen? What do you think will happen? Please leave me your answers and other thoughts about tonight's game in the comments. Thank you for reading.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2016/4/9/11395588/game-preview-82-new-jersey-devils-vs-toronto-maple-leafsJohn Fischer