  |
|
|
|
Playoffs: Devils vs LightningThe Defensive Devils Meet Up With the Lightning in the First Round.The Devils will look to use their defensive tactics to shut down Tampa Bay's high powered offense but the goaltending may prove to be too much for Tampa Bay to handle.
2nd Seed New Jersey Devils: 49-24-9 -107 points The New Jersey Devils see themselves in a familiar place once again, the playoffs. And although the most of the faces have changed over the years, there still remains one factor that always gives them a chance to go far, and that is Martin Brodeur. The Devils boast strong defence once again this year with the likes of Paul Martin and Brian Rafalski. But they as well have a strong mix of offensive talent in the form of veterans such as Elais, Madden and Gomez to go along with rising stars Zach Parise and Travis Zajac. Look for New Jersey to capitalize on Tampa Bays weak goaltending in this series. 3 Key Players to WatchMartin Brodeur- This guy is always the difference maker, and should always be considered the top goalie if not player heading into the playoffs. Zach Parise- Parise has been brilliant in his sophomore season in the NHL and he should continue his progress into the playoffs. Patrick Elias- When healthy he can be one of the top offensive players on the ice, there are questions with his commitment and playoff mentality though. 7th Seed Tampa Bay Lightning: 42-33-5 - 93 points Tampa Bay finished off the last couple of weeks battling for the division title against the Atlanta Thrashers but ended up losing out and having to settle for 7th. This team has a solid offensive attack and with the big three up front and quarterback Dan Boyle on the point. But it will be a tough test against the defensive minded New Jersey Devils especially with Martin Brodeur in net. If they can solve Brodeur, they can win the series. Tampa Bay has struggled as season with their goaltending with Marc Denis who is a questionable starter and unproven goalie. And after having acquired him from a team like Columbus, you can be sure that winning in the playoffs is something he has no knowledge of yet. 3 Key Players to Watch (Who else)Vincent Lecavalier- He has pure offensive talent and has a Stanley cup on his resume, he comes into the playoffs as the leading goal scorer in the NHL Martin St. Louis- Look for St. Louis and Levacalier to rely on each other and provide all the offense. Brad Richards- Mr playoffs himself looks to shine once again and lead the Lightning to round two. First game Thursday April 12, @ New Jersey. Prediction: Martin Brodeur and the New Jersey forward attack will be too much for Tampa Bay to handle, look for the Devils to take the series in 6 games.
The copyright of the article Playoffs: Devils vs Lightning in National Hockey League (NHL) is owned by Shawn MacDonald. Permission to republish Playoffs: Devils vs Lightning in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
|
|
|
