Yahoo Sports Devils Lack Offensive Output In Back-To-Back Losses To Flyers & Senators
Standing at the podium addressing the media after his team's 2-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators, New Jersey Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe called out his top players.
"Our best players have to be better," he said. "It is that simple. End of statement."
For a second straight game, the Devils were limited to one goal, resulting from the fourth line of Tomas Tatar, Curtis Lazar, and Nathan Bastian.
Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, Nico Hischier, and Timo Meier were all kept off the scoresheet this past weekend, and the power play went 0-for-3.
"We have got to execute better," Keefe said. "We are in alone two, three times in the first period with some of our best people and those have got to go in the net with where we are at. We have got to convert. When you don't, it is going to be a tough game, and it was a tough game again today."
In the midst of a goal drought where the Devils have not been able to score more than one in three of their last four games, the players know they have to simplify their play.
"We need more high shots on net, getting guys to the net," Hischier said after Saturday's game.
"It doesn't need to be a beautiful goal," Jonas Siegenthaler said on Sunday. "In the end, every goal counts. If it is an ugly one, we will take it. I think we are forcing (things) to score those beautiful goals, and we just have to focus on getting the puck to the net, have second opportunities in front of the net, and just shovel the puck in."
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Throughout an 82-game season, it is not uncommon to see players get cold for some stretches. What is unusual is to see multiple stars struggle at the same time.
"For any team in the NHL, if their top people aren't clicking and producing, the games look like that," Keefe said. "You know, it is 0-0 or it is 1-1. That is what the games look like when you defend like we have. We have done a good job, we have defended well. You don't get two, three, or four (goals) unless your best people are clicking. That is on me to help these guys get back to playing at the level that they were at."
The Devils' recent performances have raised concern among fans, who are becoming increasingly anxious for general manager Tom Fitzgerald to make a move before the Devils slip lower in the standings.
According to Keefe, in times like this, things could look worse than they are.
"When your best guys are really clicking all at the same time, it looks unbelievable," he said. "You are probably thinking you are better than you are. Then, when they are not going at the same time, you probably look like you are worse than you are. That is kind of the reality of it."
The Devils will be off on Monday and will practice on Tuesday before hosting the Boston Bruins on Wednesday.
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