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Reactions: Just one game ... Devils, Stars fans agree: It ain't over
Posted: Wednesday May 31, 2000 06:40 PM
CNNSI.com asked users to respond to the Devils' Game One defeat of the Stars, and responses were mixed. Devils fans said there was more to come, while Stars fans reiterated that the Stanley Cup is far from won. Six goals on any pro goalie in any game is a lot. Six on Belfour in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup finals is inexcusable. But Belfour has been playing great and eventually we had to expect a bad night. So to me, those couple of weak, five-hole tricklers that Eddie let past him are inevitable and unfortunate. Study the tape, acknowledge the errors, move on. What concerned me in watching last night's game however, were the opportunities the Devils forwards created in front of Belfour -- several of them resulting in goals -- by simply out-hustling and out-playing the Dallas defense. Belfour will make the saves he missed last night tomorrow. Who knows when Marty will get hit with the sieve virus. But Dallas must start enforcing -- especially in the slot.
All playoffs long, the media has been hyping up the foes of the Devils -- Toronto didn't score, Philly didn't play physical enough. Not near enough credit has been given to N.J. for the things they do -- keeping the Leafs from shooting, shutting down Philly. The Devils are a great team. I get really annoyed when I read "Dallas 4 Wins Away From From The Cup." Check out N.J.'s stats for the year. They have set records, have the probable rookie of the year, had a rookie lead the league in short-handed goals, had the best conference finals comeback ... just to mention a few. This team has gotten, and continues to get, no respect. I think the media should look deeper into the hockey year before writing their columns.
The top three Devils consistently pummeled the Stars with their aggressive forechecking. The Stars usual forechecking of Modano and Hull was almost non-existent.
You all believed that Arnott was done when he left Edmonton, but you were all wrong. All he needed was to play on a good line and he would prove why he one of the best checking forwards in the league.
Brett Hull, huh? ... Belfour, huh? ... Devils being flat on offense, huh? ... I didn't see any of that. The Devils came on the attack early on, and never let up. They played their usual defense to keep Hull and company from lighting up Brodeur, but sometimes the best defense is a top-notch offense. The Devils did one thing different this game than the previous three series, their shots found the net. Accurate shots, rebounding, and, of course, aggressive, fast offense is the key for the Devils. Dallas' offense was good, but with offensive surges from the Devils, it kept them from really getting started. That only made the Devils defense stronger. Belfour seemed too caught up in the Cup pre-grame celebrations, and perhaps forget that you gotta play to win. He seemed very disconnected from the defense, and the game. I've said it before, and I'm saying it again. The Devils are playing desperate hockey from the get-go. That's thirst, and determination. The Stars are flat and very much layed back. That's a lack of want for the Cup. It ain't gonna be like this next game. Expect the Devils to follow upon their aggressive play, and Dallas to be in the revenge mode. That makes for two goalies who potentially get lit up. I expect a few goals apiece for each squad, but the folks who make the least mistakes, will go away with the next game.
Well, I have been a Devils fan since they moved here from Colorado and winning the cup in '95 was great and I think they have a shot to do it again. Last night was a surprise and a great game. However, the Devils need to stay focused. Dallas is the defending Stanley Cup champion and is going to come out and play a heck of a lot better on Thursday night. I think it is imperative that the Devils win Game 2 because Dallas and Ed Belfour in particular play so well at home. If the series is tied 1-1 going back to Dallas it will be tough. They need to try and be up 2-0. As much as Dallas wants to forget Game 1, I think the Devils should do the same. Great game but still three wins away from the Cup. They won Game 1 against Philly and lost the next three so they can't afford to do the same thing here and I don't think they will. I thought before the series started it would be the Devils winning in six and I still think it is going to be a tough series.
You have to give credit to the entire Devils organization for the Game 1 whipping of the defending champs. The Devils shrugged off their seven-game series with the Flyers and came in at full speed. They were mentally and physically prepared to beat the Stars. The Stars played on their heels, allowing the Devils to stand in the eagle's line of vision all night, where were their big men to clear the crease? Hitchcock didn't get his team ready, Robinson did. That's what Game 1 was all about. We'll have to see if the Stars can recover.
I suspect Eddie will shake off the cobwebs and come out with a vengeance in Game Two. Dallas plays like a team possessed when these types of wake-up calls happen. New Jersey has reason to be nervous.
Anyone still think the West is just gonna show up and walk away with this thing??? It's just one game, but what a way to win Game 1 of the Stanley Cup finals!
I believe that the Dallas Stars will bounce back from the loss in Game 1. Even though they lost they proved to New Jersey that they can play their style, scoring two goals in 12 seconds in the third period. Dallas will win in six games.
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