Huge game against the Rangers tonight. Already on 3 game losing streak. Now 9th in the Eastern Conference. Now on the outside looking in on the playoff picture. Going in the wrong direction at the wrong time. If they lose tonight, you'll be able to look back and say this was the turning point of the season; when we learned who the real 2016 Devils are.
The Capitals, Rangers and Islanders: the three teams ahead of them in the Metropolitan division, are all trending upwards at the moment. I believe each of these teams make moves at the deadline to help their cause. And don't forget about Pittsburgh either. With 22 games left in the season, the Devils are right in this. But, a big reason why I am already saying games like these are must-win is because I don't think Ray Shero is going to make a deadline move like those teams will. Getting a rental is risky and it's not the year to do it. I don't know yet if he'll be a seller either, but Shero has stated he will listen to offers. With less than a week to the trade deadline, we'll find out soon enough.
The Cammalleri injury is starting to make me nervous. I get that it's a wrist injury and those are tricky, but is it going to be too late by the time he does come back? Him returning to the lineup all but gives the Devils a reason NOT to make a trade at the deadline if they think they can make a run. You'd hope that he can fill the scoring void that a rental would and still give them a chance to make the playoffs. It will take pressure off of young guys like Blandisi and Boucher, who have been thrust into bigger roles, all-the-while getting the Devils top scoring line of Cammy-Henrique-Stempniak back together. But when? His return might even be the deciding factor of whether are not Stempniak is in fact shipped off to another team. Maybe I am overthinking this, but with less than a week to the deadline, a lot is depending on Cammalleri's return.
As for tonight's game, the Devils will keep riding Schneider as he'll get the start. I mean, they have to. The Rangers are hot right now and the Devils are not. While he hasn't quite been himself lately, it's a perfect time to bounce back. If the Devils can take advantage of Ryan McDonough being out, they have a good chance. If they can get three goals, the game should be theirs. As everyone knows with this team, that's easier said than done.
As a realistic Devils fan, I never thought the Devils would even be sniffing the playoffs this year. So, I am at least happy they are in the race. But, it's such a tease. The next week will be very interesting for this hockey team.
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