Posted by 
The New Jersey Devils lost more than just Game 2, Friday night in Newark; they lost their beloved leader and team captain, Jamie Langenbrunner.
Langenbrunner left the game in the second period, due to a lower body injury he suffered while taking a slap shot on the power play. After seeing the replay several times, it appears that the injury is either a groin injury or a possible knee injury. The Devils have not released any other details about the injury.
Lou Lomoriello told the press that Jamie did not take the trip to North Carolina, and that he will not play in games 3 and 4 of the New Jersey Devils first round match up with the Carolina Hurricanes.
This is a major blow to the Devils. Jamie has meant so much to the team and he comes up with big plays in critical situations. With him out of the line up, it’s gut check time for the rest of the New Jersey Devils. In fact, there are three players in particular who really need to step up and play to their full ability in his absence. These three players are Brian Rolston, Dainius Zubrus, and Bobby Holik.
- Brian Rolston- The New Jersey Devils invested so much money in him and what has he done since? The answer is absolutely nothing. Yes, he was injured this year and that could’ve effected his play, but come on. Martin Brodeur had a serious injury, but came back and played better then ever. The injury is no excuse for the way he has played all season. He scored just 15 goals this, while the past 2 seasons he had 31 goals. The Devils need the player who scored 31 goals in back to back seasons to show up now, as they need his offensive skill more than ever.
- Dainius Zubrus- Zubrus proves game in and game out that he is the weakest link on the New Jersey Devils. Fans refer to him as “Minus Zubrus” and they have every right to. The guy has done nothing right since becoming a Devil. He has had a low point total for two consecutive years now and it doesn’t make sense. Dainius had just 40 points this season. He scored 15 goals ( four of which game in one game) and 25 assists. This is very surprising considering he plays between two great forwards in Patrick Elias and Brian Gionta. I know everyone has been upset that Gionta has had two bad seasons in a row now, but you can credit that to Zubrus. However, Zubrus can make all of this hostility go away if he plays well in the playoffs and helps the Devils move on. Because just like what Greg Caggiano said in one his recent articles, the regular season means nothing.
- Bobby Holik- He was a healthy scratch in games 1 and 2 and rightfully so. Bobby Holik averages about a penalty a game this year and has been very slow. Due to the Langenbrunner injury, Holik will be returning to the line up for game 3. The Devils are going to need him to be a physical presence, but they will need him not to take a penalty. Carolina has a very dangerous power play and the Devils have to do their best to keep them off it. It would also help if Bobby found his scoring touch again because the Devils need goals coming from other people besides Patrick Elias and Zach Parise. Holik needs to prove that he belongs in the playoffs and that he can help his team advance in the playoffs.
The injury could not have come at a worse time. The Devils have struggled in Carolina ever since the 2002 season. In the last two playoff series against Carolina, the Devils are 0-6.
Not only do the Devils struggle against the Hurricanes in Carolina, but overtime is another monster. The Devils are 0-5 in overtime games against the Hurricanes. In fact, New Jersey is 13-24 all time in overtime, which is atrocious. The Devils need to settle the game in regulation because the numbers are not on their side.
The New Jersey Devils will need to overcome this injury and win at least one game in Carolina. They need to get home ice advantage again because the Devils are much better on the road then they are at home.
As for Langenbrunner, hopefully he’ll return for game 5 because Jamie is very important to this team. He played a big part in the 2003 Stanley Cup win for the Devils and he is a fantastic playoff performer.
The Devils have overcome every obstacle this season. Rolston’s injury, Brodeur’s injury, and the losing streak at the end of the season. However, the Devils will be facing their toughest task yet; playing in Carolina, a place where they have struggled immensely, without their captain.
Devil fans, hold your breath…this is not going to be easy.
Some Other Articles That You May Enjoy:
New Jersey Devils
Jackets Blow Into Hurricane Country
Breaking News: Kovalchuk to Devils
Honored to be Covering the New Jersey Devils
Jamie Langenbrunner: The Definition of a Captain
The Capitals Lose Their Captain
We hope you enjoyed this post. As always, leaving a comment below is both appreciated and encouraged. Thanks!
