Overview
Down 2-0 in their second-round series against the Carolina Hurricanes having been outscored 11-2 in the first two games, the New Jersey Devils are in a very familiar position. They suffered almost this exact fate against the New York Rangers in round one before making a miraculous comeback. The difference now? The Hurricanes may not give the Devils a chance to come back.
All season, the Devils’ success has been in their domination at five-on-five hockey, but that is no longer the case. Carolina, one of the fewer teams better at even strength, has been able to shut down New Jersey’s game. Now, the Devils are somehow in a worse position two games into round two than they were two games into round one.
If they are to salvage their season, today is a must-win for the Devils. Head coach Lindy Ruff will have to adapt to Rod Brind’amor’s stifling system.
Lines and Pairings
Devils –
Forwards
Palat-Hischier-Bratt
Meier-Hughes-Mercer
Haula-Boqvist-Tatar
Wood-McLeod-Bastian
Defense
Siegenthaler-Hamilton
Hughes-Severson
Bahl-Marino
Goalies
Vanecek
Schmid
Hurricanes –
Forward
Noesan-Aho-Jarvis
Martinook-Kotkaniemi-Fast
Drury-Staal-Necas
Stepan-Stastny-Puljujarvi
Defense
Slavin-Burns
Skjei-Pesce
Gostisbhere-Chatfield
Goalies
Andersen
Raanta
Keys to the Game
Can Goaltending Save The Day?
Since the playoffs started, the Devils’ starting goalie has been pulled three times. That’s not necessarily indicative of poor play, more so of a blowout. Akira Schmid and Vitek Vanecek may not fully be to blame in the first two losses of this round, but it would be a game-changer to have one of them show up as Schmid did in the first round.
Carolina has thrashed the Devils when they have the puck, and strong goaltending could be the key to giving New Jersey its confidence back.
Power Play Needs to Show Up
Through the first two rounds of the postseason, the Devils’ power play has failed to launch. So far, they only have four powerplay goals and none against Carolina.
Considering Carolina’s domination at five-on-five, the Devils will have to take advantage of any chance they get on the powerplay.
Today’s game can be seen on TBS today at 3:30 pm EDT.