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Line Shake-ups Produces Win for Devils

May 22, 2012, 9:26 AM ET [1 Comments]
Tim Panaccio
Philadelphia Flyers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Looks like the NY Rangers have discovered what took the Flyers far too long to find out _ that the NJ Devils are for real and won't go quietly into the Newark night.

This truly is a year when it's "anybody's" Stanley Cup for the taking and the Devils could be that team that no one expected to do much of anything and then pulls off the stunning surprise at the end.

"These games are so tight, and when you get the opportunities, you
want to put them in," Parise said after the 4-1 win on Monday that tied the Eastern Conference final at 2-2.

"And last game we didn't. I didn't. And tonight they went in. And it's a fine line, especially right now where we are in the season. But it was really -- I mean, there's no secret to it.

Having gotten shut out in Game 3, Parise had 2 goals in Game 4.

"I think all of our offensive guys are doing a great job," said goalie Marty Brodeur. "I think Zach's been playing really well.

"He's been on the puck a lot. And I think it's tough when you don't find the back of the net, or you have a hard time scoring, not just individually but as a team.

"Got shut out twice in four games now, it's not fun for the team
that's getting shut out."

Devils coach Peter DeBoer changed up all his lines between games. The Devils did that throughout the Flyers series, as well. DeBoer doesn't seem concerned with specific line match-ups as generating chemistry within his own lines.

"Yeah, I think Travis [Zajac] and I have played well with Zubie [Dainius Zubrus]
before," Parise said.

"So I think they're comfortable putting us three together. And
everyone knows how well Patty's [Patrik Elias] played on the wing in the past. And we've
needed him to play center. And he's done a great job there, too.

"And we've got a lot of guys that can play with different players, and
I think really important is the way our third and fourth line has played.

"It's been a big part of why we're still playing right now. They've scored
timely goals and they've been great for us."

DeBoer liked what he saw of his new top line and of Parise.

"Your best players have to be your best players," he said. "I know it's cliche, but it's critical this time of year. And I knew he would respond. I knew it was a matter of time. He was playing well.

"[Parise] was getting opportunities. I think took so long, probably on me because I
didn't find the right mix for him as early as I probably should have.

"But I thought he had some really good chemistry tonight with those
guys."
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