from Larry Brooks of the New York Post,

- ... After the contest, the coach of this underachieving team — wracked by goaltending issues the hierarchy has permitted to fester all year — suggested reporters had been “exerting excess pressure” on New Jersey’s power-play guys by asking them about their difficulties.

Yes, I can imagine Nico Hischier melting into a puddle upon being asked what the boys need to improve.

- As weak as it gets....

- From the trade market: Is it possible, as I was told, that the ’Canes have made it known they are willing to listen on Martin Necas, and if that is accurate from a source who has proven to be trustworthy, what am I missing?

If you are Jacob Markstrom, are you sure you’re waiving your no-move clause to come to New Jersey? Perhaps it is Carolina that will be calling.

- Everyone knows how much I love to watch Jack Hughes play, I had him in the Hart conversation each of the past two seasons before his injuries intervened. I am fairly certain that he rushed back too soon from the latest one that sidelined No. 86 for 11 games bridging the All-Star break. He hasn’t looked close to the electrifying athlete we’ve come accustomed to seeing.

But, I am sorry to say, the fact is that anyone paid to watch No. 86 play against the Rangers on Thursday probably should have asked for his/her money back.

more on the first topic plus other topics too