NHL Hockey: Edmonton Oilers at N.J. Devils

Devils goalie Cory Schneider stopped a third period breakaway by Edmonton Oilers winger Teddy Purcell. (Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

NEWARK — There were voices raised in the Devils' dressing room after a loss that all but officially ended their slim hopes for a playoff spot.

A 2-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers, the team with the second-fewest points in the league, had the Devils wondering how bad this might get before the season is over 28 games from now.

"Nothing groundbreaking," right winger Mike Cammalleri said of the words that flew in the Prudential Center's home dressing room. "Any of us that have been in a locker room have heard all those things. There is no story. That's hockey. It happens in Game 1, in Game 10, in Game 40, in the playoffs.



"If screaming in the locker room is unusual, then I don't know what is usual."

What was said? According to a few, there were claims that not enough players have been accountable in back-to-back losses to the Montreal Canadiens and Oilers.

"It was after the second period and after the game. We've got to hold each other accountable," goalie Cory Schneider said after playing another strong game. "But what's said in this room stays here. It's up to us to figure this out.



"It hasn't seemed as bad since we've been winning, but these last two games are obviously a big setback. It's up to us. It's up to the guys in this room. No one is going to come and bail us out. We have to figure this out on our own."

But can they?

"Everyone has got to check their egos at the front door," Jordin Tootoo said. "Myself, I have to look in the mirror and ask myself what more can I bring. That goes for everybody. We've got to understand that it takes hard work to win games. Sometimes I think we just expect things to happen.

"What was said was about believing in each other and having a positive attitude. When we get frustrated, they know they have us beaten. It's a matter of staying positive, not bickering with each other."

GM/coach Lou Lamoriello tried to remain positive, but he was undoubtedly upset.

"I don't know what you call upset. We certainly didn't play well enough to win, but don't take away by not giving them credit," Lamoriello said of the Oilers. "They came to play and made some good things happen out there. We didn't respond to it the way we should. Simple as that."

Have the last two losses doused any remaining embers of hope?

"I think we kind of realize the spot we're in. We have to win these type of games if we want to be in the playoff run," defenseman Adam Larsson noted. "But we will believe we can make it until the last second. Until we're out completely."

Schneider gave some insight into what might have been said when he suggested "for us right now it's just pride." That is likely all they are playing for at this point.

"It hurts, obviously," defenseman Andy Greene said. "At the same time, you play until they tell you you're not in."

New Jersey Devils vs. Edmonton Oilers -- Feb. 9, 2015 8 Gallery: New Jersey Devils vs. Edmonton Oilers -- Feb. 9, 2015

Rich Chere may be reached at rchere@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Ledger_NJDevils. Find NJ.com on Facebook.