With everything in perspective, this loss really doesn't push me into denial on the Flyers, our record vs. them, our lack of confidence tonight, power play execution, lack of aggressiveness with our defenseman.

I completly feel confident in this team, especially the gel I felt the last few games of the season. Viewing the spectacle from the arena tonight wasn't the best experience to have in a round 1/ game 1 experience, but hey we won the first game last year against Carolina...Look how that one turned out....

Definetly was some line juggling going on, at one point I saw Zajac, Zubrus, and Rolston on the ice together. Some interesting combo's, but the glaring point was lack of quality execution on the power play as it stands with tonights game.

Boucher or Douche as they were yelling from the stands where I was (nice touch), seemed like he may have actually seen 10 of the 24 shots we had on him. He gives up rebounds and we will get our breaks/bounces as long as the grinding continues down low. I have no doubt in my mind. I will give him credit, he made some crucial saves and did what he had to allowing Philly to eak out the win.

Friday will be huge momentum point for both teams, let's see the devils turn up the intensity, work on the passing a little bit between now and then, and take this thing back to NJ with a 3-1 lead.

We all can see the burst in his skating, the vigor he places in his shots on goal and a desire to be good, I mean really good at the NHL. There is just one thing I keep thinking about in regards to Kovy, how to play as one with his teammates.

Chemistry can occur at a spur of a moment and last for days, months, even years. It also can take just as long to be created for whatever reason. Kovy looks like a leader who has not been able to lead since he has joined the Devils. Possibly his linemates are not used to having a player be so dynamic on the ice offensively. In the same token you could try comparing Kovy to Parise, but I think it's hard because they are two very different offensive players. As John Fisher wrote early in the year, Parise gets a ton of goals very close to the net, versus what I can tell so far, Kovy may not fit that scrappy style as well.

When Kovy and the word leader I dont see that as a fit with NJ.  I think he lead by default in Atlanta based on there talent and desparation for a player to step up to the plate on ATL team, organization and even the cities representation for hockey. The situation is completly different here in NJ and for upcoming years I dont know if a player who is looking for a max deal would want to play without a C, A, or A listed on the front of  his Jersey. O.k. this is getting  off the topic but I can't help but wonder... 

I would like to see Kovy get more physical with his play, because I think this could spark his offense. The more aggression he get's out there could allow for him to open up his offense skills with more comfort. He is not a small guy by any means and he plays up-tempo but unless Sean Avery is playing every game against him, the aggression looks checked at the door.  Possibly the addition of Clarkson could be a pairing which could ignite the fire?

The guy is pretty fresh off a trade, the Olympic festivities (where's the defense Russia?), and even his wife is about to have a child. Too say his world has changed pretty dramatically in the last month is an understatement. The clock is ticking and we have a month for all to get comfortable before the playoffs, I can only think they will figure a way to make it work.

I just hope to God, Baby Jesus, and/or Ricky Bobby we can right the ship and get past the divisional round for starters. I have never felt a darker day as a life long Devils fan then walked out of the Pru after the Canes games 7 and wondering, WTF just happend?

Bottom line, this is the Devils under Lou and Jacques, feels good to have April right around the corner again. 

Does this move make sense? He is a very good defenseman, offensively agressively and a help to a pretty weak power play at the moment.

Buttttt, Burke is going to probably ask for the moon and who knows what Lou has up his sleeve.

Should we go after this guy?

From Rumor Central on ESPN

"The guy to get: D Tomas Kaberle
Yes, the Maple Leaf has a no-trade clause, but we think he'd prefer to skate for a shot at the Cup. The 31-year-old Czech's dynamic offensive skills would be just what the doctor ordered for the Devils: He ranks third in points (46) among NHL defensemen. As E.J. noted before, though, the Devils may be loath to part with more prime prospects, and that could be what it takes to pry Kaberle loose"

Worst skater on team. Worst Defenseman we have. Still has two years left on his deal after this year. 32 years old. For 6'4" and 220 he plays so damn weak on his skates. He is like a H.S. hockey player where you can telegraph everything he does and it still amazes me that he is one of our PK guys as he is just not good enough to play on the 5 on 4.

With that said, he has been a lifetime devil. I think we should cut out ties after this year and figure this out for the future. With Oduya in Atlanta the devils will no doubt address the defense issue in the off season.

Would love to see some smash mouth D back in the fold as we dont have much besides a little Fraser now and again.