Here are Stan Fischler's thoughts on the Devils' loss to the Lightning on Saturday night.
It's tough to tell which two of our Metropolitan Division teams are falling faster: the New Jersey Devils or the New York Islanders.
But The Maven is talking more specifically about New Jersey, which The Hockey News Yearbook picked to finish second.
So, here we are with our beloved Devils just trying to get in contention for a playoff -- I'll be happy with a Wild Card -- berth.
By contrast, last night's foe at Amalie Arena in beautiful Downtown Tampa Bay actually has designs on yet another Stanley Cup -- greedy folks, they are down South -- to add to their Original Pair.
To that end, their 6-3 victory over New Jersey had considerable meaning. Good for them as they steam toward the playoffs. Bad for us.
For the Visitors, G.M. Tom Fitzgerald has stashed away dreams of a second-place finish. "Just Getting In" is now the prevailing theme. And that likely means a trade or three or whatever it takes to re-strengthen his club -- with goaltending one of several priorities.
Last night the club got 36 saves out of Vitek Vanecek out of 40 shots in a match that the home team dominated. The Bolts went up 3-0 and outshot the Devs a whopping 19-4 in the second period.
Goals by Ondrej Palat, Jesper Bratt, and Tyler Toffoli made it close (4-3) in the third, but when coach Lindy Ruff pulled Vanecek twice, Tampa Bay's guys said, "Thank you very much" and closed out the contest, 6-3.
It once had been thought that Vitek Vanecek could be the permanent starter and -- that failing -- Akira Schmid, who knocked off the Rangers in the first playoff round, could be an effective replacement.
Should either of them falter, the Fail Safe Guy would be Nico Daws. So far, none of the trio has grabbed the gold ring, although Vanecek cannot be blamed for the latest defeat.
There are plenty of issues beyond goaltending. The defense, overall, has been weak and-- as is the case all over the NHL -- injuries have hurt; especially the loss of Jack Hughes.
For a team that supposedly was expected to maybe even compete for The Cup, the current nosedive is alarming, especially when one considers that Dougie Hamilton, the club's prize defender, has been hurt and/or considerably less effective than last season.
It's too soon to give up on a playoff berth yet, but Boss Fitzgerald is going to have to make some startlingly effective moves between now and the Trade Deadline if anything good is going to happen.
One rumored Devils-Flames deal would have New Jersey getting defenseman Chris Tanev and goalie Jacob Markstrom for Devs forward Alex Holtz and a first-rounder in the 2024 Draft.
If the proposed deal is as real as it now is a rumor, The Mave would make that move in about half a second.
If you think The Maven is kidding, let me remind you that -- out of the last ten games -- YourDevils are 3-6-1.
'Nuff said!
Enjoy the All-Star Break.
I'm not sure that Pal Fitz will!
Make sure you bookmark THN's New Jersey Devils site for THN's latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.