For the first time since 1996, the NHL playoffs will not feature one of hockey's most world class organizations in the New Jersey Devils. The Montreal Canadiens officially eliminated the Devils from playoff contention with a 3-1 win at Prudential Center. Mathieu Darche had two goals and P.K. Subban had the other and Carey Price made 20 saves in the win. Ilya Kovalchuk had the lone Devils goal. Also, the loss spoiled Zach Parise's return to the Devils line-up after a 5 month layoff.
The Devils showed major fatigue in the loss after having a hard fought victory over the Flyers the night before. The Canadiens have won both games at Prudential Center this season, while the Devils have won both in Montreal. So, the road team prevailed in each match-up. The Devils have four games remaining and cannot finish with more than 85 points.
So, a season which had high hopes has officially gone down the drain. This is new territory for the Devils, but many questions will follow them after yet another failed season and no after three straight first round exits in the playoffs from 2008-2010 and not having gone past round 2 since winning the cup in 2003, the team has to deal with a missed post-season. R.I.P 2010-2011 New Jersey Devils.
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