Records…

Devils-
Overall: 51-27-4
Last 10: 4-5-1

Hurricanes-
Overall: 45-30-7
Last 10: 8-2-0

Season Series…

3-1 Hurricanes

Highlights of Last Meeting…

Previous Playoff Meeting…

2006 Eastern Conference Semifinals (4-1 Hurricanes)

RLD ‘Playoff Formula’…

Devils- 50.68

Hurricanes- 41.68

RLD ‘Playoff Formula’ Predicts…

Devils in 6 or 7

Tale of the Tape…

Forwards-
Edge: Devils… I like Carolina’s depth, but New Jersey’s experience together gives ‘em the upper hand.

Defensemen-
Edge: Hurricanes… A slight edge; I really like the Canes’ blue line versatility.

Goaltending-
Edge: Devils… Martin Brodeur – need I say more?

Special Teams-
Edge: Devils… Their power play makes the difference here.

Coaching-
Edge: Hurricanes… A slight edge – Maurice has coached in 3 different postseasons, including a Cup final in ‘02; this is Sutter’s 2nd rodeo.

Experience-
Edge: Devils… New Jersey has great leadership & playoff experience.

Team X-Factors…

Devils-
Patrik Elias… Elias has put together possibly the quietest 78-point season that I can remember. Everyone talks about Parise & Brodeur, but Elias has been just as important. He brings a lot of playoff experience to the table. If he can be successful in round one, I like the Devils’ chances of moving on.

Hurricanes-
Eric Staal… I know this is the obvious choice, but I don’t see the ‘Canes winning this series unless he plays extremely well. He makes this team go offensively, and had a great postseason back in 2006.

Key Injuries…

Devils-
G Kevin Weekes (knee, out for at least 2-3 more weeks)

Hurricanes-
C Matt Cullen (foot, status for series unknown)

Keys to the Series…

Devils-
1. Consistent Brodeur… Marty hasn’t been stellar enough the last 3 playoffs for this team to advance as far as they want to.
2. Win the 3rd period… The Devils are the 2nd best team in the NHL when leading after 2 periods, but Carolina is the 3rd best when trailing after 2. These games will be won in the 3rd, so it’s critical for the Devils to win the 3rd, and hold onto leads.

Hurricanes-
1. The penalty kill… This is the mismatch when you look at the special teams. New Jersey has a top 10 power play, while the ‘Canes have a below average PK. They must find a way to win this battle to win the series.2. Cam Ward: 2006 version… Ward was tremendous on the way to winning the Cup 3 years ago. If this team gets asimilar performance from him, I like Carolina’s chances here.

Why the Devils will win…
This seems like a different Devils team than years past. Since the lockout, they’ve played pre-lockout hockey with a passive, defensive style. But they have seemed to open up the offense a bit, and one of the best lines all season long has been Parise/Zajac/Langenbrunner. A fresher Brodeur will help, as well.

Why the Hurricanes will win…
Carolina has been the hottest team in the league for the last month or so; they’ve gone 13-3-2 since March 3. Cam Ward has really stepped up his game since the All-Star break. And this team has 3 solid scoring lines with great versatility. If the ‘Canes can maximize their strengths, they can pull off the minor upset.

PREDICTION… HURRICANES IN 6

[Source: RedLightD.Blogspot.com]

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