Ok, many surprises in the first games of the playoffs.
But I don't care, my focus is on the Devils.
The morning after... I was upset last night. But let me share a few notes from last night's game;
First, and foremost, the Flyers played a very good game. Period. Brian Boucher played well also. There is no argument there and that won the game.
Special teams... the Flyers capitalized on a Power Play. The Devils were 0-5. More shots need to be directed towards Boucher especially on the Power Play.
The Devils did not play a horrible game but showed desperation only in the last 5 minutes of the game. Not good enough.
Kovalchuk was robbed. He became very frustrated and it showed. I do not look at this as a negative, he is showing heart and that he wants to win. He could have easily had two goals and it would have been a different game.
The Flyers played a very disciplined game therefore when the Devils get 5 Power Play chances, they have to take advantage.
I am not a big fan of line juggling. Im sorry, what is Rod Pelley doing with Elias and Kovalchuk??!! Even if it is a decoy!
It is not desperation - yet. The series is very early but the Devils need to split at home.
The Flyers accomplished, already, what they wanted for the first two games so they may have some pressure off.
What do the Devils do different for game 2? Sharper on the Power Play with more shots in front of Boucher "with traffic".
Kovalchuk just needs to do the same, the goals will come.
On a side note, here are my First Round picks:
Washington in 4
Pittsburgh in 5
Devils in 6
Buffalo in 5
San Jose in 6
Chicago in 5
Vancouver in 5
Detroit in 5
Truly yours,
The Devils Advocate
New Jersey Devils Blogger • 
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