Back In The Playoffs, Baby!

April 13, 2012 by Schnookie

For some people, tonight’s Devils/Panthers game is just the first in the least sexy of the Eastern Conference playoff series, but those people don’t know what they’re talking about. There are so many subplots in this match-up! Just off the tops of our heads, this series is all about:

– Pete DeBoer’s sassy, relatively exciting, mildly successful new team vs. the remnants of Pete DeBoer’s listless, boring, massively unsuccessful old team.
– Living legend Marty Brodeur vs. legend-in-his-own-mind Scott Clemmensen.
– Zach Parise vs. the immense pressures of trying to have a great playoffs in a contract year.
– Ilya Kovalchuk vs. his legacy as a playoff flop.
– Adam Larsson, HBTN vs. the pressbox.
– Adam Henrique vs. Gabriel Landeskog and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins… wait a sec. Those guys didn’t get their teams into the playoffs. That must be why they’re better.
– John Madden’s ego vs. hold on — is that Pavel Bure? (True story: we were watching a Panthers game a couple of weeks ago in which Madden scored a goal on a passing play in front of the opponent’s net. Pookie remarked immediately after the goal, while watching the replay, “Oh my god, I was just about to say, ‘pass it to Pavel Bure!’ Isn’t that the most sad and pathetic thing ever? Pavel Bure! Remember that guy? Wait — is that actually John Madden?? Okay, that’s more sad and pathetic.”)
– The Devils proclivity for early-round playoff failure vs. hey, maybe they’ll be better if they’re not playing the Rangers or the Hurricanes?

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Posted in Conference Quarterfinals, Playoffs | 103 Comments

103 Responses

on April 13, 2012 at 6:59 pm EJGRgunner

Good news everyone, odds are that we won’t lose to Scott Clemenson tonight! Theodore’s in net. So really, the only way Clemmer could beat us would be if we chased Jose and Clemmer came in and Florida came back to win and oh my Larsson I jinxed us.
on April 13, 2012 at 7:00 pm suenj97

Apparently it’s not Clemmer, yet. He’ll just be cursing NJ from the bench. The Panthers are supposed to be starting Jose Three-or-more and his hair. Unless Dineen changed his mind in the last half hour.
on April 13, 2012 at 7:01 pm suenj97

oh my Larsson I jinxed us

Someone get the Larsspope. We need to excommunicate gunner.
on April 13, 2012 at 7:06 pm EJGRgunner

You can’t excommunicate me! I’m Storinkvisitorn of the Swedish Inquisition! You’re excommunicated! And you’re excommunicated! And you are! EVERYONE IS EXCOMMUNICATED!!!!!!!!!!
on April 13, 2012 at 7:07 pm suenj97

The Larsspope outranks you. We just need to find him.
on April 13, 2012 at 7:08 pm Pookie

EVERYONE IS EXCOMMUNICATED!!!!!!!!!!

Awesome! I’ve so wanted that new “Excommunicated”-brand car! Woo-hoo!
on April 13, 2012 at 7:08 pm EJGRgunner

Since GCL is shut down for the playoffs, i’m forced to use illegal overseas streams. The one I’m watching has no commericals, but does have the “producer’s feed” which means hot mics for GelO, Chico, Deb, and DanO, and watching graphics being tested out.
on April 13, 2012 at 7:09 pm Schnookie

So really, the only way Clemmer could beat us would be if we chased Jose and Clemmer came in and Florida came back to win and oh my Larsson I jinxed us.

Between Mike In Idaho actually betting actual cash moneys on the Devils and now this, ALL IS LOST! Good thing the Larsspope is all-powerful and can smite both of them. Of course, like you said Sue, if we can only find him. Before Gunner’s excommunications become binding.
on April 13, 2012 at 7:11 pm suenj97

which means hot mics for GelO, Chico, Deb, and DanO

You mean Chico says things that are worse than what goes out on the TV broadcast?
on April 13, 2012 at 7:11 pm Pookie

“Hot Mics for Gel-O” would be a great fantasy team name. Or a band. Or a fantasy team with band tie-in.
on April 13, 2012 at 7:13 pm EJGRgunner

Good thing the Larsspope is all-powerful and can smite both of them. Of course, like you said Sue, if we can only find him. Before Gunner’s excommunications become binding.

I’m surrounded by Henrique-inistas! It’s a heathen conspiracy!
on April 13, 2012 at 7:14 pm EJGRgunner

You mean Chico says things that are worse than what goes out on the TV broadcast?

Well, mostly it’s like listening in on one half of a conversation. So pretty much exactly like listening to Chico when he is on the air
on April 13, 2012 at 7:20 pm Pookie

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
on April 13, 2012 at 7:20 pm suenj97

WOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
on April 13, 2012 at 7:20 pm EJGRgunner

WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
on April 13, 2012 at 7:21 pm Schnookie

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
on April 13, 2012 at 7:22 pm Schnookie

So pretty much exactly like listening to Chico when he is on the air

:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: That sounds exceptionally awesome.
on April 13, 2012 at 7:23 pm suenj97

I just saw a Devil fall down, all on his own and said, must be Clarkson. It was. I wonder if Lou has a Kool-Aid formula that helps w/balance.
on April 13, 2012 at 7:30 pm Schnookie

Uh oh — that was a pretty iffy call there. I’m afraid of luck catching up to us on that one.
on April 13, 2012 at 7:30 pm EJGRgunner

Realize it’s a minor issue, but shouldn’t the face off after a penalty be in front of the shorthanded team’s net?
on April 13, 2012 at 7:32 pm Amy

Uh oh — that was a pretty iffy call there. I’m afraid of luck catching up to us on that one.

The announcers on NHL Network agree with you.
on April 13, 2012 at 7:32 pm suenj97

I thought it was interference – the puck wasn’t there. But I was surprised when they called something.
on April 13, 2012 at 7:33 pm Schnookie

Realize it’s a minor issue, but shouldn’t the face off after a penalty be in front of the shorthanded team’s net?

Maybe the officials were feeling bad about that shitty call?
on April 13, 2012 at 7:34 pm suenj97

but shouldn’t the face off after a penalty be in front of the shorthanded team’s net?

NJ had just iced the puck. They sort of split the difference.
on April 13, 2012 at 7:36 pm Pookie

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
on April 13, 2012 at 7:36 pm Schnookie

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
on April 13, 2012 at 7:37 pm suenj97

ZUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!!
on April 13, 2012 at 7:37 pm EJGRgunner

Maybe the officials were feeling bad about that shitty call?

Turns out the rule say
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!! that when the team going up a man ices the puck it comes back to outside their blue line.
on April 13, 2012 at 7:38 pm suenj97

WOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
on April 13, 2012 at 7:38 pm Pookie

And WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
on April 13, 2012 at 7:38 pm Schnookie

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!! (Wait. Fuck. They are going to put Clemmer in, aren’t they? Gunner, this is all your fault! :P)
on April 13, 2012 at 7:38 pm EJGRgunner

WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

waitaminute

FUCK! We’re coming dangerously close to chasing Theodore.
on April 13, 2012 at 7:39 pm Schnookie

when the team going up a man ices the puck it comes back to outside their blue line.

Well, I certainly learned something new tonight. That rule, and that Carter has a shot like that one he just scored on, new information abounds!
on April 13, 2012 at 7:39 pm EJGRgunner

We are well-trained Devils fans, Schnookie. We posted the exact same thought almost simultaneously: “WE’RE WINNING! THIS IS TERRIBLE!”
on April 13, 2012 at 7:40 pm Schnookie

“WE’RE WINNING! THIS IS TERRIBLE!”

:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: It’s funny because it’s true.
on April 13, 2012 at 7:42 pm Pookie

What the Devils need to do now is control the puck non-stop. Like, literally. No stoppages from now until the end of the game. Just don’t give the Panthers the opportunity to pull Theodore.
on April 13, 2012 at 7:43 pm suenj97

“WE’RE WINNING! THIS IS TERRIBLE!”

Well, in our defense, we remember the 1st game of the year against the Panthers. NJ up 3-0 after the 1st period…apres ca le deluge…
on April 13, 2012 at 7:47 pm Schnookie

No stoppages from now until the end of the game. Just don’t give the Panthers the opportunity to pull Theodore.

My god, that’s brilliant! Just… don’t let the game go to intermission!

Why is Chico talking about the Pens blowing a 3-0 lead? I’M PRETENDING I DON’T REMEMBER THAT, CHICO. LALALALA I CAN’T HEAR YOU!
on April 13, 2012 at 7:48 pm EJGRgunner

From the “hot mics” portion of my broadcast: They’re looking up the last time a team had this many shots in a first period of a playoff game. Also, “Deb doesn’t know what you mean by left side.”
on April 13, 2012 at 7:50 pm EJGRgunner

Rather: Deb said “I don’t know what you mean by left side.”
on April 13, 2012 at 7:51 pm EJGRgunner

Deb’s still talking about the whole side thing. Apparently it has something to do with her hearing.
on April 13, 2012 at 7:55 pm Schnookie

Oooh, thanks for the updates, Gunner. I feel like I’m eavesdropping on some scandalous secrets. Like, that Deb doesn’t know right from left!
on April 13, 2012 at 8:04 pm EJGRgunner

GelO just reminded the crew of the game sue mentioned, where the Devils lost to Florida after going up 3-0.
on April 13, 2012 at 8:04 pm Pookie

I frequenty get right and left confused and I’m not an idiot!*

*Full disclosure: I’m an idiot.
on April 13, 2012 at 8:06 pm Schnookie

Dude, MSG should hire Sue! She would have gotten that info on the air LONG before GelO thought of it.
on April 13, 2012 at 8:07 pm Schnookie

Did Chico just try to tell us that the Stars won the Cup the last year the Panthers made the playoffs? SERIOUSLY? Because I hardly have a great memory for this shit, but even I know the Devils beat the Panthers in the first round in 2000. Chico’s FIRED.
on April 13, 2012 at 8:15 pm EJGRgunner

Now I’m looking at Theodore scoring a goal as Chico wistfully reads the names of players on the ice.
on April 13, 2012 at 8:16 pm EJGRgunner

They’re talking about the crowd: they think it’s about 17,000 out of 19,000. But they think the crowd’s been dead since the second goal.
on April 13, 2012 at 8:16 pm suenj97

Chico’s FIRED

So, how many times is that this season?
on April 13, 2012 at 8:17 pm EJGRgunner

Merde.
on April 13, 2012 at 8:17 pm Schnookie

BOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
on April 13, 2012 at 8:19 pm Schnookie

So, how many times is that this season?

It might be a record!
on April 13, 2012 at 8:22 pm Schnookie

We were discussing the crowd earlier — now I’m worried that the MSG team is eavesdropping on us. ::looks around nervously::
on April 13, 2012 at 8:24 pm Pookie

I’m worried that the MSG team is eavesdropping on us

If Chico starts talking about North Korea, dyed Easter chicks, or onion seedlings, then I’ll get nervous.
on April 13, 2012 at 8:24 pm EJGRgunner

DanO by the boards. They’re discussing the penalty disparity.
on April 13, 2012 at 8:27 pm Schnookie

Okay, the penalty disparity has me legitimately worried. Also, I don’t like when a team gets as much PP time as the Devils have without six or seven goals to show for it.
on April 13, 2012 at 8:27 pm EJGRgunner

Maybe Florida is trying to wear out the Devils’ best scorers by making them spend so much time on the PP. Kovy’s got t be up near 15 minutes already.
on April 13, 2012 at 8:27 pm Schnookie

In short, WE’RE WINNING! THIS IS TERRIBLE!
on April 13, 2012 at 8:28 pm Schnookie

Maybe Florida is trying to wear out the Devils’ best scorers by making them spend so much time on the PP.

That is a diabolical plan, and it’s so crazy that it just might work!
on April 13, 2012 at 8:29 pm EJGRgunner

Chico playing with the telestrator but unsure if it’s working. Also Chico calls Madden Mad Dog at all times.
on April 13, 2012 at 8:31 pm Schnookie

Also Chico calls Madden Mad Dog at all times.

Heh heh. That’s sad. Madden stopped being Mad Dog years ago.
on April 13, 2012 at 8:31 pm Schnookie

I refuse to be outraged about this shitty call, because the Devils were due for a bad break.
on April 13, 2012 at 8:32 pm Pookie

Does he als call Sykora “Pizza”?
on April 13, 2012 at 8:33 pm Schnookie

Ugh. Now I remember why I hate the playoffs. :P
on April 13, 2012 at 8:36 pm suenj97

NJ has given up and is playing stupidly. It’s just like the first game of the year against FL.
on April 13, 2012 at 8:40 pm Patty (in Dallas)

I’m kind of afraid to join in. I wanted to watch the game with y’all, but I don’t want to cause any jinxes.

Would it make you feel better to know that Parise won’t have to try to hard in the playoffs because the Stars will take him no matter what. :D
on April 13, 2012 at 8:42 pm Schnookie

I wanted to watch the game with y’all, but I don’t want to cause any jinxes.

Oh, no worries. We already took care of that. Gunner.

AND THE STARS CAN’T HAVE HIM! Or if they do get him, I’ll wish nothing but massive professional failure for him, on a par with Guerin, McKay, and Arnott. Honestly, your track record with ex-Devils is pretty bad, Patty. Why would you want to risk that? :P
on April 13, 2012 at 8:44 pm Schnookie

NJ has given up and is playing stupidly.

It must be early in the playoffs, because I’ve got this absurd optimistic hope that maybe that was just their traditional third period, and they’ve gotten it out of their system?
on April 13, 2012 at 8:45 pm EJGRgunner

I wanted to watch the game with y’all, but I don’t want to cause any jinxes.

Oh, no worries. We already took care of that. Gunner.

http://www.jhocy.com/gallery/sorry-a26/really-ashamed-i4636.jpg
on April 13, 2012 at 8:50 pm Schnookie

Okay, that apology makes up for everything!
on April 13, 2012 at 8:52 pm Patty (in Dallas)

I don’t want him! I’m just talking about other fans. Not me. Others.

Not me.

*shifty eyes*

And :^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Gunner!
on April 13, 2012 at 8:57 pm Patty (in Dallas)

Y’all can have Neal!
on April 13, 2012 at 9:06 pm suenj97

Since I can’t see it I have to ask, WTF is going on in Pittsburgh? It looks almost as nuts as Game 1.
on April 13, 2012 at 9:11 pm EJGRgunner

Chico and GelO having a good laugh at Upshall launching himself into his own bench.
on April 13, 2012 at 9:17 pm Schnookie

Chico and GelO having a good laugh at Upshall launching himself into his own bench.

Heh heh. If you can’t have a good laugh at that, you shouldn’t be allowed to call hockey games.

Whoa. We got up to make some cookie pudding during intermission and come back to find that the Devils took Pookie’s “no stoppages” suggestion seriously. How are there only five minutes left in the third?
on April 13, 2012 at 9:19 pm suenj97

How are there only five minutes left in the third?

NJ decided things like “offensive pressure” and “shots on goal” were not necessary.
on April 13, 2012 at 9:21 pm EJGRgunner

I think they’re talking about who gets the post-game Deb interview or goal-of-the-game, Chico thinks it’s Carter “if they stay at this point”
on April 13, 2012 at 9:21 pm EJGRgunner

Two D men for this PP.
on April 13, 2012 at 9:23 pm Schnookie

Chico thinks it’s Carter “if they stay at this point”

I realize that’s not the on-air stuff, but I feel like you’re off the hook now as the most jinxy tonight. (Obviously they have those conversations in every game, but this is the playoffs! Now is when I go crazy with superstitions and paranoia.)
on April 13, 2012 at 9:28 pm Schnookie

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
on April 13, 2012 at 9:28 pm EJGRgunner

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaand exhale
on April 13, 2012 at 9:28 pm Pookie

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! Next time the guys can maybe try for a higher shooting percentage, but hey! A win’s a win! WOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
on April 13, 2012 at 9:28 pm suenj97

I’m almost too tired to WOOOOOO!!!!!
on April 13, 2012 at 9:29 pm Pookie

Oh, I chalk the win up to the Ashamed Hippo. I think he vanquished all the jinxes.
on April 13, 2012 at 9:30 pm Carol Browne (@carolbrowne)

Hey! I got in home just in time to see the Devils win! Hooray!
on April 13, 2012 at 9:32 pm EJGRgunner

Deb’s going to interview Zub, and jokes “I’m not tall enough, I know!”
on April 13, 2012 at 9:32 pm Schnookie

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaand exhale

Seriously! I’d kinda forgotten what that was like!

And Carol, I’m so glad you got home in time to soak up the Devils’ triumph. I’m sure it just made your day. :D (Oh, and congrats on the new job!!!)
on April 13, 2012 at 9:33 pm Schnookie

Deb’s going to interview Zub, and jokes “I’m not tall enough, I know!”

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! That’s pretty awesome.
on April 13, 2012 at 9:37 pm EJGRgunner

I couldn’t hear exactly what Marty said waiting while waiting to be interviewed, but it made Deb crack up.
on April 13, 2012 at 9:38 pm Schnookie

I’m sure Deb’s under strict instructions to ALWAYS laugh at Marty’s jokes.
on April 13, 2012 at 9:39 pm Carol Browne (@carolbrowne)

Congrats to me and Marty today! Huzzah for us! LOLS.
on April 13, 2012 at 9:42 pm EJGRgunner

Pete DeBoer said something, (or a tape of him did), and then said “if you believe that I’ve got a plot of land in Florida to sell you that I still own.”
on April 13, 2012 at 9:44 pm suenj97

I’m sure Deb’s under strict instructions to ALWAYS laugh at Marty’s jokes.

There are worse things…you could have to laugh at Stan’s jokes.
on April 13, 2012 at 9:47 pm suenj97

It’s at times like this that I wish I could afford the cable package with the channel formerly known as Blersus. Flyers-Pens are now 5-5. I wonder if anyone is even trying to play defense,
on April 13, 2012 at 9:49 pm Schnookie

“if you believe that I’ve got a plot of land in Florida to sell you that I still own.”

:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: I like this DeBoer kid!

And honestly, what is WRONG with the Pens and Flyers?
on April 13, 2012 at 9:54 pm Carol Browne (@carolbrowne)

Hey! That ref pushed that Flyer. LOLS!
on April 13, 2012 at 9:57 pm EJGRgunner

Sue, if you go to atdhe.eu, you should be able to find a feed.
on April 13, 2012 at 10:00 pm suenj97

Thanks, Gunner, that’s great.
on April 13, 2012 at 11:11 pm Frisby

I think those people up north can officially stop rumoring Nashville for relocation now. I just bought 2 tickets for game 5. Prices are almost twice as much as last year but yet the seats remaining were few and far between.
on April 13, 2012 at 11:13 pm Schnookie

Aw, Frisby — you just broke thousands of hearts in Quebec and Saskatoon!
on April 13, 2012 at 11:14 pm Frisby

oh, and WOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
on April 13, 2012 at 11:14 pm Schnookie

I love the HNIC call so far of the Kings/Canucks game. They really wanted to just pretend the Kings hadn’t scored; it was like they hoped if they didn’t say anything about it, the goal might go away.
on April 13, 2012 at 11:16 pm Schnookie

And dude, who was just sleeping at the switch bringing us back to this game after commercial? This is the playoffs, Blersus and/or DirecTV, not Junior Pairs ’83!