The question of the Devils being underdogs coming into this series has popped up and I am not really buying it. Not taking anything away from a very good Canes opponent but this is a very interesting match-up but wouldnt concede the series to either team yet.
Sure, the Devils had hit a bad stretch at a very bad time. Coming into a red hot Carolina team doesnt help but the Devils should feel good beating the Canes last game (minus Cam Ward) and having a mental feeling of accomplishment.
Season Series - 3 wins for Canes and 1 for the Devils
Players with Cup Rings - 21 for NJ and 9 for Canes
PP - Devils ranked 15th, with an 18.9% success rate. Canes ranked 18th at 18.7%
PK - Devils ranked 20th, with a 79.9% success rate. Canes ranked 19th at 80.4%
Go-To Guys - Zach Parise ranked third in the league with 45 goals and Eric Staal tied for fifth with 40 goals.
What does this all mean? Not much if you ask me.
The two teams start from scratch in a 7 game series up for grabs.
I truly believe this series will be defined by special teams and special goalies. The team who wins these two areas will move on. I also believe that Shanahan and Brind'Amour, two top notch vets, can be a difference maker on either side.
Coach Sutter said the team is ready:
"I'm excited," he said. "I'm excited to get this thing going. You play 82 games and this is what you play for. I think we're as ready as we can be."
Many are predicting the Canes to take this one. I beg to differ and will say the Devils will win it in 6 games and our home games will mean something along with our veteran leadership which will show in the series. Devils in 6!
Colin White will be in the lineup and Bobby Holik and Letourneau-Leblond will sit in favor of Rupp for game 1.
This is what its all about - NHL Playoffs.
Another Series I am excited to watch is Pens/Flyers as well as Sharks/Ducks.
Game 1 very important to take the momentum favor...
Lets go Devils!!!
Truly yours,
The Devils Advocate 
New Jersey Devils Blogger • 
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