As the Devils lollygagged their way through Monday night’s 4-1 defeat to the visiting Islanders in their season finale, the MSG Network announcers attempted to spin a massively disappointing campaign into something positive, as if the regression from last season’s thrilling success would act as a learning experience.
There seems to be little accountability in this organization. The Devils have only two playoff appearances under this ownership group, which bought the team back in August of 2013. "Fitzy" has been in the Devils' front office since 2015 (first serving as an assistant GM before being appointed GM in July of 2020). Ownership just gave Fitzgerald a multiyear extension in January despite glaring, continuing failures in goaltending and coaching over Fitzy's tenure. Fitzy has spent several weeks offering a litany of excuses for this past season. He also keeps boasting about last year's 112 point season as if the team won a Stanley Cup instead of getting annihilated by a more committed and better coached team in the Carolina Hurricanes. The organization learned nothing from last year's playoff experience other than to double down on arrogance.
The excuse making / spin from this GM is something to behold. Fitzy's tough talking bravado about going "big game hunting" for a goaltender must sell well to an ownership group that hasn't yet figured out how to field a consistently competitive NHL team despite owning an NHL team for over a decade now. I don't believe the ownership group cares about winning or losing as long as the financial investment keeps paying off them. Losing hockey games doesn't seem to anger them in a way that losing angers truly competitive individuals. That was never more evident than in the decision to waive the white flag at the trade deadline instead of trying to compete for a playoff spot.
I know we are stuck with the ownership group. But Fitgerald should not be entrusted to hire another coach and pursue another goaltender after the multiyear track record he has with those responsibilities.
What an extremely frustrating and disappointing season. It felt like a completely different team this year. I guess I'm going to chalk it up to injuries? Top 10 (possibly top 8?) draft pick is about the only halfway decent thing to come out of this season. And who knows if we actually get to make that pick. I'm actually a little concerned about Fitz and this off-season. He's going to go full "Rangers Tom Wilson Effect" this off-season isn't he? Oh, well at least Green won't be around anymore 🤞 How quickly is the Berube hire announced? I'm glad I found your Substack Steve. Keep up the good work! And even after all of this....LGD 👿!!
There seems to be little accountability in this organization. The Devils have only two playoff appearances under this ownership group, which bought the team back in August of 2013. "Fitzy" has been in the Devils' front office since 2015 (first serving as an assistant GM before being appointed GM in July of 2020). Ownership just gave Fitzgerald a multiyear extension in January despite glaring, continuing failures in goaltending and coaching over Fitzy's tenure. Fitzy has spent several weeks offering a litany of excuses for this past season. He also keeps boasting about last year's 112 point season as if the team won a Stanley Cup instead of getting annihilated by a more committed and better coached team in the Carolina Hurricanes. The organization learned nothing from last year's playoff experience other than to double down on arrogance.
The excuse making / spin from this GM is something to behold. Fitzy's tough talking bravado about going "big game hunting" for a goaltender must sell well to an ownership group that hasn't yet figured out how to field a consistently competitive NHL team despite owning an NHL team for over a decade now. I don't believe the ownership group cares about winning or losing as long as the financial investment keeps paying off them. Losing hockey games doesn't seem to anger them in a way that losing angers truly competitive individuals. That was never more evident than in the decision to waive the white flag at the trade deadline instead of trying to compete for a playoff spot.
I know we are stuck with the ownership group. But Fitgerald should not be entrusted to hire another coach and pursue another goaltender after the multiyear track record he has with those responsibilities.
What an extremely frustrating and disappointing season. It felt like a completely different team this year. I guess I'm going to chalk it up to injuries? Top 10 (possibly top 8?) draft pick is about the only halfway decent thing to come out of this season. And who knows if we actually get to make that pick. I'm actually a little concerned about Fitz and this off-season. He's going to go full "Rangers Tom Wilson Effect" this off-season isn't he? Oh, well at least Green won't be around anymore 🤞 How quickly is the Berube hire announced? I'm glad I found your Substack Steve. Keep up the good work! And even after all of this....LGD 👿!!