I'm Not Sure If NHL Referees Are Aware, But The New Jersey Devils Do NOT Need Their Help In Losing Games

Penalty Shot-

No Penalty Shot-

I can't say I expected to have to do this. With Cory Schneider's ability to use his gift as a curse and keep the New Jersey Devils out of prime drafting position the last few years, I haven't had to actively root for the team to lose games down the stretch. It's unfamiliar territory that you would think would have me appreciative of the obvious collusion that's taking place between NHL officials. With that #2 pick in the draft potentially up for grabs, I should be happy that the referees have started handing out complimentary breakaways to the Devils' opponents. I should be thankful for the completely inconsistent whistle blowing that sent two of the best teams in the league to center ice three different times and refused one of the worst teams in the league that same leniency. I should be pleased that the Penguins and the Blue Jackets were gifted penalty shots like they were JV teams scrimmaging against their own varsity team and the coaches were actively trying to keep it close. Unfortunately, as a man of principle I have a hard time accepting the handouts.

I don't want to sound ungrateful here, but if the Devils' are going to plummet in the standings then I want them to cliff dive on their own accord. If they are going to beat the Arizona Coyotes in a race to rock bottom - considering Colorado is sub-terranian at this point - then I would prefer they do so on their own merit. What I am trying to say is that the New Jersey Devils don't want - nor need - the help of bullshit, one-sided officiating to lose game after game after game. I think I speak for the entire fanbase when I say that I want to look at the uber talented, foreign teenager they get in exchange for their complete and total incompetence and feel confident that they "earned" his services.

I know NHL referees are doing their best to expedite the rebuilding process of a once proud franchise, and on behalf of the New Jersey Devils I would like to say thanks, but no thanks. Do us a favor by not doing us any favors. If Taylor Hall is going to draw a penalty on a breakaway then he should be privy to the same over-exaggerated hand signal that sent his opposition in on an undeserved one-on-one just seconds prior. I don't even care if the result is inevitably self depreciating come the draft lottery, because if the Devils are going to lose their way to winning a high profile prospect then I prefer they do so legitimately. This team has forever been criminally underrated, and for the first time - maybe since the early-90's - I want the futility of their efforts to be recognized free of third party interference on what should simply be two minute minors for interference.