[Devils-list] This was not a classic series

[Rick Berk]

Yeah, I know... it went seven games... but in no way was this series
"classic" in any way.  Why? Because all too often, the team on the losing
end mailed in the game.  The way I see it, the Devils failed to even show up
for Games 1, 3, and 6. An argument could be made for Game 7 as well. The
Avalanche looked terrible in losing Games 2, 4 and 5.  It wasn't
Devils-Rangers of 1994, where there were three multi OT games, Game 7 went
to double OT at 1-1, and both teams were obviously at the tops of their
games.  It wasn't Dallas-NJ last year, with a Game 5 Epic that was 0-0 into
the third OT, and a Game 6 that was 1-1 into double OT.  This series was a
series of inconsistency, where neither team wanted to take control.
Colorado was simply lucky in that their turn to win two straight came in the
last two games, rather than in Games 4 and 5 as the Devils turn did.  The
goaltending was at times pathetic, between Broduer and some of his softies
(even I, as a staunch Marty supporter cannot deny he sucked badly this
series), and WAH and some of his gaffes (particularly the "gift" that made
this a series in the first place).

What irks me most about this series is that the Devils didn't do any of the
things that got them this far in the first place.  They had defensive lapses
all over the place.  The offense simply disappeared (Case could be made that
the Avs forced them into that, but the Devs didn't do the things they
normally do on offense... there were times, when they would be cycling the
puck down low, and someone would bring the puck out to the top of the
circle, and NO ONE had gone to the front to set up a screen or deflection.
Of course WAH is going to stop the shots he can see... And then of course
there is Marty, who may have been hurt, tired, or both.  My vote goes to at
least tired. Maybe hurt.  But either way, he looked like he simply lost
focus.  Considering he started almost 100 games this season, its not
surprising, but the timing sucked hard. He needs to be rested more during
the season, particularly down the stretch when the playoff spot is locked
up. Oh well...on to the summer... on to my baby sometime in the next few
weeks... and on to planning for the NFL and NHL season coming in
September... gotta book travel... gotta set up my credential in Philly... a
new season... new shots... and hopefully the Devils with new desire, a few
new faces, and some old ones, with a new Mission...
Rick