Forget that they're defying the odds when it comes to shootout loses but they once again can't hold a lead and beat the Islanders. Just a garbage team.
There is an excellent chance the Devils will have a chance at McDavid or Eichel. That's not great for the Rangers. As far as the Islanders. Their record is completely overrated by the shootout. They are 6-0 in shootouts.
I still think Carolina, Edmonton, and Buffalo are worse than the Devs, but it isn't crazy to say they end up bottom 2. I'd put my money on 4th or 5th worst team for the Devs. BUT I do agree there is a shot they can somehow slip to the bottom 2 with an injury or one of those teams I mentioned getting hot. Not crazy.
With players like Jagr, Cammalleri, Henrique, Havlat and Ryder they should be good enough to finish out of the bottom 5. It's just a stupid organization at this point.
They need to move on. At some point trade Elias, Zubrus and see if anybody wants Jagr for a playoff run.
Bettman will fix it so McDavid goes to Phoenix with their ownerships issues much like Cindy went to Pitt
The Islanders offense seems to find a way in 3rd periods to come through and then win in OT/SO's. They look pretty solid for one of the 3 division spots at worst. As for the Devils I don't think they'll be bad enough for a top 5 pick but I don't think they have enough to squeak in the playoffs either.
What was the point of bringing back Gomez at this point? Lou is so lost. He always brings back these ex-devil players and thinks the team will be fine. It is time for him to retire. Used to be one of the better GM's and now one of the worst.
I've said for the last 3 years that Lou has been a bumbling idiot for 8 years in the draft. He had one lucky run. Otherwise, he's sucked as a GM for almost a decade.
Lou is the issue...I have no doubt about that. Players don't want to play in NJ, that is why good players leave and they have to give ridiculous contracts to Zajac and Clowe (what an AWFUL deal that was). But a big reason players don't want to play there is Lou. Dude is stuck in 2003. Needs to step aside from running the team day to day and bring in a good young GM. Doubt he flat out leaves, but step aside and let someone else run the ship...for the sake of the team you say you love Lou you need to do it.
Knowing Mr. Lamoriello, he will pick his son, who presently is in charge of their Albany farm team, as the next Devils' GM. Always was a controlling individual.
