4 overreactions to the New Jersey Devils playoff performances

Playoff hockey is inevitably anxiety-inducing and nerve-wracking.

And for New Jersey Devils fans, it's extra tense due to the injuries piling up for the Devils — especially in Game One. Defenseman Brenden Dillon and forward Cody Glass exited during the second and third periods, respectively, in Game 1 of the first-round Stanley Cup playoff series against Carolina on Sunday's 4-1 loss for New Jersey. The Devils were also briefly without defenseman Luke Hughes, who left in the third period but was thankfully able to return. Adding fuel to the fire is the fact that the Devils also lost Game 2 by more than one goal.

Tuesday's performance from New Jersey resulted in a 3-1 loss. But make no mistake; the Devils are down but certainly not out. Especially after game two, as even though the Devils lost, they were still very much in the game, as said by Brett Pesce.

“I thought we could have easily won that game,” Pesce said. “I think we actually gave it everything we had and came up short. It’s the playoffs, but at the end of the day, we have to lose at home. I’ve been in series where I’ve been down 2-nothing and came back, and I’ve been up 2-nothing and came back, and we lost. I think we just have to carry the momentum.”

The Hurricanes had 28 shots on net, compared to their nearly 50 in Game One and Jesper Bratt scored for New Jersey in the first period before the Hurricanes came up with a two-goal second period.

Despite Pesce's words here are four overreactions from fans after the first two games of the series against the Hurricanes:

Next Up

The First Round series shifts to New Jersey next at the Rock, with the Devils hosting the Hurricanes in Game 3 on Friday night. Fans can tune in on MSG or listen on the Devils Hockey Network. Puck drop is slated for 8:18 p.m. EST.