With 8 games remaining in the season for the New Jersey Devils, I start getting pumped for the playoffs. After Clinching a playoff spot for the 13Th consecutive season Saturday night with a win against the Montreal Canadians, I start looking at possible match ups. And I am quickly reminded of last season.
After winning the Atlantic Division , the New Jersey Devils were the 3rd seed in the East and were up against the Carolina Hurricanes. I knew going up against the Hurricanes was not gonna be a walk in the park and was gonna be a six or seven game series. After splitting the first two games at home, the Devils traveled to Carolina split the next two games. With a questionable non-call that ended game four the Devils came back home with a chip on their shoulder. I remember getting home from work the next day, jumping onto Devils Ticket Exchange and finding my seat for game five. In probably the best goaltender battle I've seen ever the NJ Devils won 1-0. Only to not show up for game six in Carolina and get blown out 4-0. Back onto Ticket Exchange for game 7, ooh look same seats sold. The Devils had a 3-2 lead with 1 minute and 30 seconds left in the game. The Devils "seemed" to have this one in hand. However, the Hurricanes had other ideas. I don't remember who scored the tying goal but, I do remember Eric Staal stealing the puck from Niclas Havelid with under a minute to go. Staal headed in to the Devils zone and my head went down and I had to cover my eyes. And then the music. I yell at the top of my lungs "MOTHERFUCKER" and quickly turning around to apologize to the family sitting behind me.
Devils "Fans" start emptying the seats and heading towards the exits with time still left on the clock. I know the game is over but, I'm not going anywhere. NJ Devils send a fury of pucks at Cam Ward only for him to stop them all. As I left the arena, I was still dumbfounded. Yet, still as I pass Carolina fans celebrating I had to pat them on the back and say "Good series and good luck." I remember Kevin Weeks saying "We(healthy scratches) were watching the game at the practice arena and were headed to celebrate with our team in the locker room, only to come in to see a bunch of dejected faces." Or something to that.
Through out the 2009-2010 New Jersey Devils season, watching games live or watching games on TV I have said "You know what this reminds me of?" Mostly due to defensive injuries and having to call up young defensemen from the AHL and not having playing enough games to get settled. With Mark Fraser being the exception till the return of Paul Martin and the acquisition of Martin Skoula. Fortunately, since the Olympic break there hasn't been to many of those moments.
With 8 games remaining it is unclear who the New Jersey Devils will face in the first round. I just know it won't be that team who resides across the river.
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