Todd Cordell: 2012 NHL Eastern Conference Playoff Predictions: Round One

Todd, my biggest concern as a Devils fan is that the point totals are very misleading. I don't feel like looking it up, but the Devils won a LOT of games in the shootout (and to a lesser extent, in 4 on 4 OT) -- big thanks to Kovalchuk and his ridiculous shootout %.

The Devils were one of the worst 3rd period teams in the league (and THE worst of the teams in the playoffs) and one of the worst 5 on 5 teams of teams in the playoffs.

I see NJ getting by Florida, mainly because the Panthers have been god awful for the last month. They should've wrapped up the Southeast division 3 weeks ago, but lost a ton of games to non-playoff teams. The Devils, in contrast, have been relatively hot -- especially winning the games they "should" win.

Todd Cordell: 2012 NHL Eastern Conference Playoff Predictions: Round One
- Todd.Cordell

I am recusing myself commenting on the rangers/sens, but all in all I like your predictions.

Todd, my biggest concern as a Devilis fan is that the point totals are very misleading. I don't feel like looking it up, but the Devils won a LOT of games in the shootout (and to a lesser extent, in 4 on 4 OT) -- big thanks to Kovalchuk and his ridiculous shootout %.

The Devils were one of the worst 3rd period teams in the league (and THE worst of the teams in the playoffs) and one of the worst 5 on 5 teams of teams in the playoffs.

I see NJ getting by Florida, mainly because the Panthers have been god awful for the last month. They should've wrapped up the Southeast division 3 weeks ago, but lost a ton of games to non-playoff teams. The Devils, in contrast, have been relatively hot -- especially winning the games they "should" win.
- Ravidel11

The panthers goal differential was -24. They ranked 22nd in that department, if the Devils stay out if the box then they will win.

i like the Caps to this year

Dude..the Capitals defense (frank)ing sucks.

The panthers goal differential was -24. They ranked 22nd in that department, if the Devils stay out if the box then they will win.
- blacksheep1

Devils set the record for penalty kill percentage this year...

Devils set the record for penalty kill percentage this year...
- Pomegrant

Didn't they crush the next team in shorties too?

Didn't they crush the next team in shorties too?
- Blackstrom2

Not sure what the next team had but we had 15 short handed goals. There was like a 3 week stretch in which we scored most of them though.

Not sure what the next team had but we had 15 short handed goals. There was like a 3 week stretch in which we scored most of them though.
- Pomegrant

Just looked it up, the next is the Canes at 12.

Henrique had 4 as a rookie!

From TG:

Forward Stephen Gionta remains with the team after scoring his first NHL goal—the game-winner—in Saturday’s 4-2 victory. He is skating at center again today on the fourth line with Ryan Carter and Steve Bernier.

Left wing Eric Boulton and right wing Cam Janssen are the extra forwards.

This made my day and possibly my week.

From TG:



This made my day and possibly my week.
- Kovaltron

good for Stephen! I'm glad the fans always show him so much love too.

good for Stephen! I'm glad the fans always show him so much love too.
- Pomegrant

He is a good hard working player and fits the 4th line great. Most importantly, Boulton and Janssen wont sniff the ice.

Todd, my biggest concern as a Devils fan is that the point totals are very misleading. I don't feel like looking it up, but the Devils won a LOT of games in the shootout (and to a lesser extent, in 4 on 4 OT) -- big thanks to Kovalchuk and his ridiculous shootout %.

The Devils were one of the worst 3rd period teams in the league (and THE worst of the teams in the playoffs) and one of the worst 5 on 5 teams of teams in the playoffs.

I see NJ getting by Florida, mainly because the Panthers have been god awful for the last month. They should've wrapped up the Southeast division 3 weeks ago, but lost a ton of games to non-playoff teams. The Devils, in contrast, have been relatively hot -- especially winning the games they "should" win.
- Ravidel11

All of what you said were major problems in the first half of the season that they have shored up and patched up recently. We had a number of concerns at the mid-season point, SHGA, terrible third periods, but we've done a good job since the all-star break fixing our problems.

He is a good hard working player and fits the 4th line great. Most importantly, Boulton and Janssen wont sniff the ice.
- Kovaltron

He needs to learn how to not go full speed into the boards.

I would have picked most of those teams too. I hope we can win and finish them off early, looking forward to seeing how this series goes.

I dont give a (frank) how stupid it sounds, I'm going Devils vs Blues in the 2012 Finals.

Boomshakalaka!

Devils will make it to second round I am guessing.

I dont give a (frank) how stupid it sounds, I'm going Devils vs Blues in the 2012 Finals.

Boomshakalaka!
- FLdevilsFAN

I hope so, but it's a tough road.

Unless both the Rangers and the Bruins lose, we will have to beat one of Boston/NYR/Pittsburgh/Philly just to advance to the ECF.

I basically come into these playoffs with high hopes but low expectations....

Devils set the record for penalty kill percentage this year...
- Pomegrant

I know Pomer, just trying to say that Devils should win this series relatively easily.

I know Pomer, just trying to say that Devils should win this series relatively easily.
- blacksheep1

Well, people are seriously underestimating the Panthers. Not saying the Devils shouldn't win it easy, but everyone is acting as if the Panthers are a walkover, and they're not....

NYR in 6
Boston in 5
NJ in 7
Pittsburgh in 6

Vanc in 7
StL in 5
Chicago in 7
Nashville in 5

Go Devils!

injuries are going to kill the Caps.

Backstrom and Green each played about half a season.

second either goes down the Caps are toast.

As for the Sens, Michalek, Spezza, Alfie, and Karlsson are all overdue for an injury.

guess when that's going to happen?

Well, people are seriously underestimating the Panthers. Not saying the Devils shouldn't win it easy, but everyone is acting as if the Panthers are a walkover, and they're not....
- _Zippy_

wait, did you read the Burnside article? He picked Panthers in 7...