As Don La Greca points out, the New Jersey Devils have still never been swept. Martin Brodeur & Co. fought off elimination with a 3-1 win against the Los Angeles Kings to narrow the Kings’ series lead to 3-1. Let’s take a look at what people were saying about the game on Twitter.
Martin Brodeur praise
Even before it was clear - very late - that the Devils might win, the plaudits for Brodeur began rolling out. Sam Carchidi believes that Jonathan Quick has been superior overall, yet Brodeur deserves credit for his “quietly superb” finals performances. Brian Compton reacted to a big save by saying that Brodeur wasn’t ready “to go home,” which was only true figuratively since the series will move back to Newark.
Yet Compton’s comment about Brodeur’s play being the headliner instead of Adam Henrique’s game-winner serves as a great transition.
“And, as clutch a goal as that was, Marty is the story in this one if the Devils hang on.”
That clutch goal
Still, Henrique’s penchant for scoring big ones turned a lot of heads. Rangers blogger Scotty Hockey admits that he’s “starting to loathe” the young forward’s clutch skills. This take from a Japer’s Rink contributor probably captured the sardonic side of the big tally in the funniest way, though.
“OK, Henrique, the whole ‘Ooh, I have a Satan-like goatee and play for the Devils and score big goals’ thing is played out. Stop it already.”
Good stuff, although it must be noted that Henrique switched from the playoff beard to a mustache before Game 4.
Kovalchuk’s empty-netter
While Tom Gulitti and others speculate on Ilya Kovalchuk’s health, his empty-netter might be one of those monkey-off-your-back moments. Slava Malamud points out that Kovalchuk tied Anze Kopitar for the 2012 playoffs scoring lead while Harrison Mooney had an amusing take on the “breakthrough.”
“Ohhhhh ... turns out Kovalchuk’s problem was that there’s been a goalie in the net. Problem solved.”
Pancake jokes
Dustin Penner had a couple nice opportunities against Brodeur tonight, but couldn’t connect. That invited a couple of inevitable pancake jokes, yet Winging It in Motown’s simple pun ranked as my favorite.
“That shot was crepe.”
Nicely done.
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If nothing else, we’ll peek at Twitter for more fun comments and interesting insights for at least one more night. Meanwhile, the 1988 Edmonton Oilers’ not-so-well-known playoff record remains safe.