Devils Preview: Round 1

As the New Jersey Devils get set for their first round matchup with the Carolina Hurricanes, it’s time to begin the pre-series breakdown. As these are arguably the two least marketable teams in the playoffs, many people are going to overlook this series in favor of the “sexier” series (Flyers/Penguins, Bruins/Canadiens), so for those of you getting caught up in what the media wants you to focus on, here is your official Devils/Hurricanes primer.


Offense

The Devils and Hurricanes each boast a talented and deep group of forwards, and though the Devils’ forward corps is arguably an older, more experienced bunch, Carolina’s group is equally as talented, and very similar in nature. Each group of forwards is headlined by a young standout player, Zach Parise for New Jersey, Eric Staal for Carolina. Each offense contains a seasoned veteran—Brendan Shanahan and Rod Brind’Amour, respectively—who have seen it all and done it all in the NHL playoffs. It can be argued that between Staal, Erik Cole, Jussi Jokinen and Sergei Samsonov, Carolina’s horses arguably score at more opportune times than do standout Devils Parise, Patrik Elias, Jamie Langenbrunner and Brian Gionta. Over the course of the season, however, the two teams ended up fairly even in offensive production; New Jersey ended the season at a 2.90 goals per game rate, good for 15th in the league. Carolina, meanwhile, was right behind them at 2.88, a 16th place league ranking. New Jersey’s powerplay, at 18.9% effectiveness, ranked 15th in the league to Carolina’s 18th place ranked 18.7, while Carolina had the better penalty killing percentage; their 80.4% (19th) ranked just above New Jersey’s 79.9% (20th). All in all, these are two very evenly matched offenses.

Defense

The Devils and Hurricanes are also alike in that they employ a defense-by-committee. Neither corps boasts a big-name impact player, but within each group all types of defenders exist and perform their roles, contributing to the success of the team. Anton Babchuk and Joe Corvo highlight Carolina’s back-end attack, while Paul Martin and Johnny Oduya are highly underrated puck carriers and setup men. But defensively speaking, New Jersey’s 2.52 Goals Against average (ranked 4th) bests Carolina’s 2.70 (8th), giving the Devils a slight edge defensively.

Goaltending

The goaltending matchup in this series is a student vs. master battle of sorts. Martin Brodeur, now statistically the greatest goaltender in NHL history, faces Cam Ward, who made Brodeur his role model on the way to breaking into the NHL in 2006. While Brodeur clearly trumps Ward in playoff experience, Ward has historically elevated his game to its highest level when his team meets his idol’s. In their only previous playoff meeting, Ward had the Devils’ number and defeated New Jersey 4 games to 1 in the second round of the 2006 playoffs. A horse for the ‘Canes in 68 games this year, Ward went 39-23-5, with a .916 Save % and a 2.44 GAA. Brodeur, on the other hand, missed 50 games from November to March while he recovered from elbow tendon surgery, but in 31 games finished 19-9-3, with a remarkably similar .916 SV% and a 2.41 GAA. Though 12 years his senior, the decorated Brodeur will be in for the fight of his life against a younger version of himself looking to recapture the glory which has eluded him since 2006.

Storylines

As previously mentioned, Ward will attempt to out-duel his role model. Ward will also be playing against his former junior coach; Devils head coach Brent Sutter coached Ward on the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels from 2001-2004. Historically, this has been a pivotal playoff meeting. The team that won each of the three previous series between these teams went on to represent the Eastern Conference in the Stanley Cup Finals. The 2006 Hurricanes went on to win the Stanley Cup. The 2001 Devils (vs. Colorado) and 2002 Hurricanes (vs. Detroit) lost in the Cup Finals.

The Devils Will Win If…

…Martin Brodeur brings himself back to the level of play we witnessed when he made his return to action in late February. The Hurricanes’ attack is pressing, and Brodeur must rise to the occasion. He’s been letting in some questionable goals lately, and that will have to stop.

…Zach Parise regains his scoring touch. The budding star (and future Devils captain) had been lighting it up all season while living on the NHL’s top five scoring list, but has hit a wall down the stretch. As Erik Cole could be a thorn in the Devils’ side, an effective Parise will certainly cause huge problems for Carolina.

The Hurricanes Will Win If…

…Cam Ward keeps on keepin’ on. Ward has got the Devils’ number, seemingly on speed dial, because when these teams meet, Ward very much resembles a brick wall. In the three games Ward has faced the Devils this year, the Hurricanes have won all three. Unfortunately for the Devils, every current goaltender who idolized Martin Brodeur growing up finds a new level when they stare him down at the other end of the ice.

…Anton Babchuk is given room. Babchuk’s cannon alone could be enough to outscore the Devils if he is left unchecked. Though the Hurricanes did not win the season finale in New Jersey, Babchuk scored both of their goals and kept them within striking distance. Unlike the Devils’ Brian Rolston, Babchuk’s shot is both hard and accurate, and while Rolston seemingly cannot hit the net, Babchuk always does. If the Devils are as lazy in their coverage of Babchuk as they were in the last game of the season, he will prove to be a deadly weapon.

Schedule

Game 1 – CAR @ NJD – Wed, Apr. 15, 7:30 PM
Game 2 – CAR @ NJD – Fri, Apr. 17, 7:30 PM
Game 3 – NJD @ CAR – Sun, Apr. 19, 7:30 PM
Game 4 – NJD @ CAR – Tue, Apr. 21, 7:30 PM
Game 5* – CAR @ NJD – Thu, Apr. 23, 7:30 PM
Game 6* – NJD @ CAR – Sun, Apr. 26, TBD
Game 7* – CAR @ NJD – Tue, Apr. 28, 7:30 PM
* If Necessary