On to round two!

Well, it took 7 and a half games, but the Devils finally won a series and will be into round 2 for the first time in a while (2007). Henrique was the hero, but Marty really was the reason for us making it to round 2.

He put in a vintage performance last night seeing more than 40 shots and stopping all but two. Both goals were tough ones and he certainly can't be faulted.

As for the Flyers, I am concerned. We are hurting and there is no denying it. Kovy is going to be pounded because rumours are out that he is hurting and the Flyers aren't the kind of team that will go lightly on them. Fact is, we need our third and fourth lines to continue doing what they do and we could just have a chance!

One neat fact after the first round is Marty has more points than Jason Arnott, Jamie Langenbrunner, Peter Sykora, and Duncan Keith to name a few. Marty has the same number of points as Mike Green and Jeff Carter.

What do you do when you have no playoff hopes?

Well last night's loss the the Bruins has sealed the Devil's post-season fate. It was a nice run, the Devils Army had some hope for a while, but last night's performance including 5 straight pk's ended any serious chance we had at playing for the Cup.

So with no team in the post-season, what do I do now? What do you folks do, when your team is no longer in the playoffs? I know Leaf fans talk about how next year is going to be different and the media in Canada supports that by endlessly looking at how the Leafs can sign UFA's which are long past their prime or are often damaged goods (see Lindros, Allison or Versteeg).

What I have done in the past is just picked another team to ride while the playoffs are on. In addition to being a Devils fan, there are a few other teams that I do like to watch and wish them luck if the Devils are out of contention.

The list looks something like this:

1. Devils

2. Blackhawks (Liked since '90, Belfour was the reason and I worshiped him until he went a little crazy in Dallas)

3. Kings (Since the '08 World Hockey Championship I have huge respect for Kopitar)

4. Oilers (They are fun to watch and I remember being a kid in awe of their fire power)

After the list is exhausted I usually find some team to support but it isn't ever the same.

So I ask, what do you do when your team is out?

Got hope?

Here is a very cool mathematical representation of what COULD happen over the next few months as the NHL playoffs approach. For us lowly Devils Fans (and love to Oilers Fans) we both still have a mathematical shot at making the playoffs. The Devils cannot finish higher than 3rd but there still are many permutations that exist with us finishing from 3rd to 8th.

Have fun looking up your teams! Even though the Canucks are 99% likely to make the playoffs, there IS A CHANCE, they could still end up 15th....but not likely, and I am sure you are relieved to hear that Michael!

NHL Outcomes