Devils Look To Take Canes By Storm

After dismantling the Rangers in four straight to raise their win streak to 15, the Devils will look to take the next step against the Hurricanes. While the Devils made quick work of their first round opponent, the Canes cameback from two games down to take the next four against Montreal to advance.

It sets up an intriguing match-up which could have fans on the edge of their seats. Both teams are capable of scoring on the rush and in transition. Each works diligently in the corners and tries to outwork opponents. Both enter with hot goalies. So who will come out on top in the third playoff series between these budding rivals? A berth in the Eastern Conference Final is on the line.

Series History: Devils are 1-1 against the Hurricanes in best-of-seven series.

Year Round Result
2001 Conf. Qtrs def. Canes in 6
2002 Conf. Qtrs lost to Canes in 6
2006 Conf. Semis ???

Season Series: Each team won twice but Carolina took the season series by virtue of one more point earned in an overtime loss. The Canes outscored the Devils 13-9 overall. Brian Gionta paced the Devils with two goals and three assists for five points. For Carolina, ex-Pen Mark Recchi registered seven points in five games against the Devils.

SERIES MATCH-UPS

Forwards: The Devils enter play having outscored the Rangers 17-4 on the strength of 11 points from Patrik Elias. Linemate Jamie Langenbrunner chipped in with eight points. Dynamic top line American combo Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta played well in the first round as did checking center John Madden and overlooked linemate Jay Pandolfo. This gives the Devils three lines which can contribute. Carolina counters with leading scorer Eric Staal. In his first ever playoff series, he had eight points. Veteran pivot Rod Brind'Amour is coming off an effective first round while Cory Stillman and Matt Cullen were key contributors. Justin Williams plus vets Recchi and Doug Weight supply depth.

Edge: Even

Defense: Brian Rafalski was outstanding in the first round playing steady D and supplying offense (1-3-4). He'll need to duplicate that effort against Carolina's aggressive forwards. Paul Martin also was solid and chipped in with three assists and a plus-six rating. With physical presence Colin White missing the last three games due to a balky groin, vets Brad Lukowich, Richard Matvichuk and Ken Klee stepped up. David Hale played well in White's place and could be asked to again due to White's uncertain status. Carolina's blueline is led by vet Bret Hedican. He was a factor in their comeback against Montreal, contributing three assists. Frantisek Kaberle can also jump into the play if needed. Aaron Ward and Mike Commodore provide beef. Glen Wesley and Niclas Wallin aren't flashy but get the job done. If the Canes' power play needs a boost, ex-Devil Oleg Tverdovsky could see some action.

Edge: Devils

Goalies: Martin Brodeur was splendid in exorcising the demons against the Rangers. He only allowed four goals on 114 shots and recorded his 21st career postseason shutout. He also is tied with Ed Belfour and Billy Smith for third all-time in wins (88). His next start will be his 138th consecutive, surpassing Patrick Roy's playoff record of 137. A three-time Cup winner, Brodeur should give the Devils an edge. The Hurricanes will counter with 22-year-old rookie Cam Ward. In replacing an ineffective Martin Gerber, the former 2002 first round pick was brilliant in sparking his club to four straight wins. In four starts, he turned aside 105 of 110 shots. If Ward stays hot, the experience factor won't mean much. If he comes back to earth, look for Gerber to replace him.

Edge: Devils

Special Teams: The Devils dominated the Rangers in the first round, outscoring them 8-2 on the power play and notching three shorthanded goals. The Hurricanes scored six times on the man-advantage but also gave up six PP goals to Montreal. They didn't score shorthanded but are capable.

Edge: Devils

Coaching: Since taking over for Larry Robinson last December, GM Lou Lamoriello has done an outstanding job. Along with assistants Jacques Laperriere and John MacLean, they have devised excellent gameplans which have had the team well prepared. In typical fashion, Lamoriello refuses to take any credit, opting to put the focus on the players. Carolina head coach Peter Laviolette is responsible for a Whaler/Canes franchise record in wins (52) and points (112). In his first full season, the ex-Islanders coach guided his team to a 36-point improvement. Laviolette is a solid motivator who gets the most out of his players.

Edge: Even

Intangibles: Both teams have enough experienced players who know what it takes to advance. The Devils have more players who have won Cups. However, the Canes should get a lift from their home crowd at RBC Center. Despite being the higher seed, they might be viewed as underdogs. Four years ago, they were in a similar role against the Devils and used it to their advantage.

Edge: Hurricanes


Keys to a Devils victory:

-Shutdown Staal
-Get to Cam Ward early
-Attack questionable Carolina D
-Win the battle of special teams

What can't happen:

-Ward outplays Brodeur
-Devils defense succumbs to Canes' high powered attack
-Devils offense trades chances with Canes leading to problems
-Weight and Recchi tilt the offensive balance


Prediction: This should be a very competitive series. Both teams are playing well coming in. But ultimately, Brodeur should be the difference.


Devils in six