Playoffs?

Nothing brings back memories like former NFL head coach Jim Mora Sr.'s infamous playoffs tirade.  A few weeks ago, New Jersey Devil's head coach Brent Sutter must have been having similar thoughts. 

However, the Devils luck has changed as of late. Raising the question if the Devils can actually make the playoffs without Martin Brodeur in net.

With Scott Clemmensen minding the pipes, the Devils are most definitely still in the playoff hunt. 

They say that great goaltending wins championships, but take a look at the Florida Panthers.  A few years ago they had one of the best net minders in the game, Roberto Luongo, yet they failed to make the playoffs.  So what makes the Devils different?

While it may be true that goaltending wins championships, it takes a talented team playing a strong system to get you to the playoffs in the first place.  In the past, the Devils have been a well-oiled machine, fueled by their defensive scheme.

So when Brodeur went down, the Devils arrived at an impasse.  How do we keep playing our style of hockey without our most important player?  The answer to that question was stick to the system, be aggressive on the fore-check, and force turnovers. 

Will the Devils make the playoffs? Initially, the Devils faltered under Kevin Weekes, but now they are surging under Clemmensen.  My answer as of now must be yes, absolutely.  The fact that Martin Brodeur is hurt does not affect the talent of the rest of the team.  A strong team philosophy combined with a winning attitude is all that it takes. 

To use another NFL coach's famous rant, "you play to win the game."  If the Devils continue to play hard and battle every game, then they will make the playoffs.  They have the talent, they have the coaching, all they need to do is have the will power to make it happen.

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