New Jersey Devils: Latest Loss Shows Importance Of Taylor Hall
By Nick Villano
The New Jersey Devils’ offense looked lifeless at times against the Detroit Red Wings. With Taylor Hall out of the lineup, the forwards gave us flashbacks of years past.
The New Jersey Devils faced an uphill climb before taking the ice Monday night. After Taylor Hall was out of practice Sunday for what was called a maintenance day, it was announced he wouldn’t play in this week’s back-to-backs.
It started off about as bad as anyone could believe. The Devils offense looked listless at times Monday night. The offense didn’t show up at all during the first period. After going down 1-0, the Devils got three power plays, all that ended with nothing.
When Hall is out of the lineup, the Devils don’t know who to turn to in order to get things going. They have plenty of talent, but nobody takes the torch and puts the team on their backs. There are so many players who play a major role for this team, but when it comes to making a play by themselves, that’s all Taylor Hall.
That can’t be the case when he’s out of the lineup. Jesper Bratt proved in the past he can make his own shot, but he wasn’t able to get any space.
Brian Boyle was probably the most aggressive offensive player, taking four shots and getting absolutely robbed by Petr Mrazek with the butt of his stick. He was the closest to scoring on multiple opportunities. Still, Boyle should not be the guy controlling this offense.
The Devils were doing everything right on the scoresheet. They dominated in the faceoff circle. They took seven more shots. The Red Wings were forced to the penalty box five times.
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However, it’s the plays that don’t always make the scoresheet that proved they were outmatched Monday night.
The Devils could not hold onto the puck. I personally saw at least five times where a break out attempt turned into a chance for the opponent. If Hall is on the ice, he can carry the puck out of the zone by himself.
This team relies on Hall more than possibly any team relies on one forward. He drives play and makes things happen even when it seems impossible. This Devils team has a deep lineup, but when you take out the best player it looks a lot worse.
Fans knew things would be hard without Hall, but still expected more. The doom and gloom is in full effect for Devils fans, but hopefully when Hall returns he can change that tune.