After watching the last game of the regular season, why would the Carolina Hurricanes play their backup goaltender while still fighting for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference? Did they want to play New Jersey in the first round? If so, better be careful what you wish for.
No doubt, the late season acquisition of Erik Cole has made the Caniacs excited about this team going far into the playoffs. The Hurricanes will be facing a battle tested New Jersey Devils team that won the Atlantic division despite all of the injuries.
Forwards: Advantage Devils
New Jersey has a well balanced attack and can roll four lines providing relentless pressure on Carolina’s blueline. Expect the Devils to aggressively forecheck constantly and their physical forwards to dominate the corners. Both teams have forwards that can score but I give New Jersey’s size the difference maker. Puck possession will be key in this series. Zach Parise Vs. Eric Staal?
Defense: Advantage Canes
Canes’ defenseman, Anton Babchuk, has size and a deadly shot from the point. He maybe a difference maker. Both teams have an above average skating corps that can handle the puck, but Carolina has a more well-balanced set of blueliners than New Jersey. Expect Paul Martin and Colin White to log a ton of ice time.
Goaltending: Advantage Devils
Marty will be Marty. And Cam will be Cam. Both goaltenders know what it is takes to win the Stanley Cup and have the ability to bail their team out. It is hard to give an advantage to either player but the Devils have more depth in this position than ever before. Scott Clemmensen will be ready to go in case something were to happen to Brodeur.
Special Teams: Advantage Canes
If the Devils cannot stay out of the box, they will be in deep trouble. The Devils’ PK has struggles in recent weeks and they need to find a way disrupting the passing and shooting lanes. If the Devils continue their woes on the PK, this will probably be the difference maker of who wins the series.
Intangibles: Advantage Devils
Why New Jersey? This is a team that knows how to deal with adversity this season and there was no pity party when Brodeur was injured majority of the season. They know how to fight through tough times and all have learned from last year’s debacle when they fell short at the end of the season. Brent Sutter will make sure this team will be firing on all cylinders this time around.
Woo effect:
If the Devils put constant physical pressure throughout the series, they will have success against Carolina’s blueline by wearing them out. Devils’ forwards need to put the puck on net and fight for the loose rebounds. Puck possession will be important. Expect the Devils’ defense to get involved more offensively.
Prediction:
I am going with my gut instincts here. Two great teams but I think the Hurricanes may have peaked too early and the Devils are just getting back to their winning ways. The playoffs is a second season and this Devils’ team was built for this moment.
Devils in 4
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