Playoffs: Devils vs Senators
Round 2 Matchups are Set as the Senators Visit the Devils Wednesday
Apr 24, 2007
2nd Seed New Jersey Devils: 49-24-9 -107 points
The number two seeded New Jersey Devils pushed past the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games with Brodeur seeming to come into form near the end. If the Devils are to shut down the Ottawa Senators it will require Martin Brodeur to answer the call. The Devils can only go as far as Brodeur can take them.
The Devils looked a little unsure of themselves in the early games of their first round matchup and even Brodeur himself had somewhat human like stats. Then in game 5 Brodeur and the Devils managed to shut out the Lightning and capitalize early in game 6 for the series victory. Brian Gionta of the Devils was able to add two goals in game 6 to take his total up to 5 for the series.
Look for New Jersey to grind out a tough series in 7 games with Brodeur being the main factor.
3 Key Players to Watch
Martin Brodeur- Although Brodeur looked a little unlike himself in the start of the first round he managed to gain a shutout and close out a close game against the Lightning to ensure the Devils survival.
Zach Parise- Parise had a spectacular series against the Tampa Bay Lightning scoring 6 goals in 6 games.
Patrick Elias- Elias had a strong showing in game 6 against the Lightning with 3 assists.
5th Seed Ottawa Senators: 48-25-9 -105 points
The Ottawa Senators were able to beat out Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins in 5 games last week. They did so in a final game 5 matchup in Ottawa that saw the Penguins get shutout offensively. Ray Emery has stepped up his playoff performance bringing a certain edge that the Senators have been lacking.
This team has a solid offensive attack with sniper Dany Heatley, set up man Jason Spezza and the captain Daniel Alfredsson. This round may be a little harder for the Senators to put the puck in the net with the likes of future hall of famer Martin Brodeur in net and the defensive style of play that the Devils are known for. If they can solve Brodeur, they can win the series but their playoff past will always be looking over their shoulder.
Expect the Senators to put up a fight and take this series to 7 games.
3 Key Players to Watch
Dany Heatley- One of the most prolific scorers in the NHL, Heatley is coming off a 50 goal season and a strong first round performance.
Daniel Alfredsson- Alfredsson answered the call first round against the Penguins, but will he be able to keep up his performance or be a no show as in the past.
Ray Emery- It seems that finally Emery has earned some credit in Ottawa by shutting down the Penguins attack, how consistent will be though against the devils.
First game Thursday April 26, @ New Jersey.
Prediction: Martin Brodeur will be able to bounce back in round two and shut down the Senators offence, look for the usual Senators playoff collapse to appear once more. Prediction: Devils in 7
