For a sports fan, suffering through a losing season can be painful. Each loss makes it harder to put on that jersey.
For example, the usually decent New Jersey Devils, are not that decent anymore. New Jersey since 1990 has made the post season every season except 1996, 2011, 2013, 2014 and most likely looking to be 2015 if they do not pick up from their 14 points out of wild card spot hole. Devils have been to 5 Stanley Cups since their first appearance in the 1995 season however, the last time they have been to the cup was in 2012, when they had fell to the La Kings in game six of the series.
With a change of goaltenders now since Devil legend Martin Brodeur hung up the red and black sweater to become a St.Louis Blue, now Cory Schneider is the starter. Many reasons why New Jersey is falling into the non-playoff hole are: The excessive changes of coaches, like the recent firing of head coach Pete DeBoer. Jaromir Jagr being the points leader on the team, when he is the oldest player in the NHL. Lots of star and key players being inactive or injured like Ryan Clowe, who has not hit the ice once this season. Mumps virus affecting star players like Travis Zajac, Patrik Elias, and Mike Cammalleri. Last but not least fail to hold leads in games. New Jersey has lost at least 5 or 6 games were they had the lead entering the third period.
Another team with a disappointing season is the New York Knicks. New York has fallen into their worst season ever in franchise history, with an embarrassing 5-35 record of the regular season so far. Making them the worst team in the league. Knicks have not won a game yet since December 12, 2014, when they had a 101-95 win over rival Boston Celtics at the TD Garden. Knicks also have not won a home game since November 22, 2014, when they had a 91-83 win over other rival Philadelphia 76ers at MSG. The last time that New York has made the post season was the 2012-13 season, when they were the second seed in the Eastern Conference.
With the firing of coach Mike Woodson and trading of JR Smith and Iman Shumphert, Knicks have really made no new changes to aid the team except the hiring of ex Oklahoma City Thunder player: Derek Fisher. Many reasons why New York has fallen to their worst season ever are: Firing of coach Mike Woodson. Phil Jackson becoming the new president of the team. Trading of key players JR Smith and Iman Shumphert. Carmelo rumors over summer of him joining a new team because of wanting to win a championship. Low amount of points being scored in the games. Poor defensive strategies. Not enough star players on the team. No eye of the tiger for making the post season or winning a championship. Last but not least Knicks only have won their 5 games, when they were leading by a lot.
Here are some things that Devils and Knicks fans could expect next season: Cutting of players, drafting young stars, possibly a new GM for New Jersey, making some valuable trades, and at least make themselves look better than these disappointing seasons.
If you are a true fan, stick by your team. Tough out the losses and endure the giggles and jokes about your team’s losing records when you rock your jersey. A true fan knows there will be good seasons and bad seasons and there is always next season.
