Start Me Up | BLOG

The Devils started the season 2-0 and looked like a dominant team while doing so. In fact, they scored 17 seconds into the season opener against Chicago and built a 2-0 lead in the opening 20 minutes against Seattle.
However, since then, the club has gone 1-2 with one predominant theme: poor starts. The Devils trailed 2-0, 1-0 and 4-0 after the first periods against Washington, Buffalo and Calgary, respectively.
The sluggish start against the Flames wasn't a surprise to head coach Lindy Ruff.
"I think I saw that coming because of the way we started in the Buffalo game," he said. "We talked about that wasn't an acceptable start, and then coming out the way we did (against Calgary). We're not going to win hockey games like that.
"Everybody is disappointed. We're all disappointed with the way we came out the last two games. After getting off to a good start at home and end up losing the way we did was a tough loss."

The Devils managed to comeback against Buffalo, tying the game in the third period with a power-play goal before winning in overtime. New Jersey also mounted a comeback against Calgary, turning a 4-0 deficit into an eventual 5-3 loss.
Though the Devils played better in the second and third periods of those games, having to comeback against teams in the NHL is not a formula for success. The team intends to play the first period the way it has in the second and third.
"We have to have that mindset right off the start," said rookie Dawson Mercer, who recorded two points (1G-1A) against the Flames. "We all want it, but there's a difference between wanting it and doing it. That's something we have to fix for next game."
The Devils have three days until that next game, Saturday in Pittsburgh, and they are working on several facets of their games to be better at the start.
"I'm welcoming the three days. It'll be a good refresher for us," Ruff said. "We want to break the season down into five-game increments. There are some areas we need to address that maybe were good the first couple of games and have fallen off. Today was building on the compete side of it, angles and good sticks. Tomorrow we'll pick another theme."
But ultimately, it comes down to the players implementing those practice lessons into the game.
"Individually focus on your own job," alternate captain Damon Severson said. "Focus on what you need to do and not on anybody else. Team-wise, understanding the systems, understanding the assignments and what you need to do to be successful on the ice."