DeBoer: Series `is a long way from over’

Not surprisingly, New Jersey Devils coach Peter DeBoer is trying to emphasize the positive. Today, a few hours after the Devils’ loss to the Kings, DeBoer described his team’s Game 2 effort as “50 percent better’’ than Game 1, and added, “I still think we have some more in the tank.’’ The Devils played well in Game 2, and certainly could have won the game, so naturally DeBoer is stressing the positives to his team…

DEBOER: “You have two 2‑1 overtime games. Shots are relatively even. Scoring chances are relatively even through two games. I mean, we could be in a different situation. We’re not. You have to give L.A. credit for finding a way to win those two games. We know we can play with them and we feel we have another level to go to here. … They’re an impressive team. What they’ve accomplished is impressive. But this series is a long way from over.’’

DeBoer was asked today if, in search of a spark, he might consider a lineup change. DeBoer previously mentioned the possibility of putting previously injured defenseman Henrik Tallinder in the lineup, and the Devils also have players such as Adam Larsson and Petr Sykora. DeBoer didn’t tip his hand, and said only, “We look at every option after every game, win or lose. We want to put the best lineup on the ice. All those guys are a consideration after every game.’’ DeBoer, based on his comments, would seem to be looking more on the offensive side of things, whether he makes a lineup change or not.

DEBOER : “We have to find a way, internally here, to score some more goals. We have two goals in the series, one from (Anton) Volchenkov, one from (Ryan) Carter, so I think that tells a story.’’