Rivalries Revived: Playoff Preview

Devils vs Flyers one of the great rivalries revived. This series is set up to be a great one. Many are speculating a 6 or even a 7 game series. My personal hope is Devils in 5 maybe 6. The Flyers aren't the same team they have been in the past. Obviously the first question is their goal tending. Second their penalty minutes. This team has been up and down all season as far as offense and defense. They have had 5 goaltenders see ice time this season; primarily a rotation of Leighton, Boucher, and Emery.

The devils need to get pucks to the net. With a shaky goaltender; the devils offense needs to put the pressure on early. If the Flyer's net-minder can never get comfortable the games will be one-sided.

Another point is the devils defense. Between Marty and the Devils Blueliners, the team won another jennings trophy. Also, in the past 7 games they have 3 shutouts and have only allowed a total of 7 goals. Heading into a series with strong defensive play can only lead to good things. This is another advantage for the devils.

I believe that the unsung hero for the devils in this year's playoffs will be Kolvachuck. He seems to be hungry and energetic. He now has a supporting cast that can be stars on their own teams. The sole pressure will not be on him, which can allow him to find the open ice. If you are the opposing team you have too many to watch for. Elias, Parise, Tzajac can all burn you if they aren't watched closely. Pronger can't cover everyone.

PowerPlay: this will make a huge difference if the devils can keep up the scoring on the pp. The flyers have one of the highest penalty minutes in the league. They will take penalties and Will give Jersey's Team opportunities. The Devils have to cash in.

3rd and 4th lines will make a difference. Mchammond has a lot of playoff experience with Ottawa. Clarkson's role will be more to jam up the middle and get in front of the goaltender. Expect at least one of the games to be won by a 3rd or 4th line goal for the New Jersey Devils.

Let's Go Devils!


Ross