Most of the thread is people rooting for the Panthers saying the Devils will win which is probably because they had the better record in a tougher division.
The Devils you split the season series are not the same Devils that you are going to play. Both Zajac and Zidlicky weren't in our lineup those times. And Zidlicky has made our PP better while not giving up shorthanded chances. Zajac gives us center depth, wins faceoffs, and is both a factor offensively and defensively.
Regardless it should be good series and I expect the Devils to win but I wouldn't be surprised if the Panthers do.
Most of the thread is people rooting for the Panthers saying the Devils will win which is probably because they had the better record in a tougher division.
The Devils you split the season series are not the same Devils that you are going to play. Both Zajac and Zidlicky weren't in our lineup those times. And Zidlicky has made our PP better while not giving up shorthanded chances. Zajac gives us center depth, wins faceoffs, and is both a factor offensively and defensively.
Regardless it should be good series and I expect the Devils to win but I wouldn't be surprised if the Panthers do.
Perhaps, but the same can be said for the Panthers. Plenty of man games lost to injury (again) this year.
The team was red hot until they lost over half of their forward corps to injury (If memory serves, we were down 8 forwards at one point). As they were coming back, their goaltenders (Theodore & Markstrom) were hurt. When Theodore returned, Versteeg, Kulikov & Garrison got hurt.
Everyone is back now (well Skille & Bradley got hurt, but aside from them), although I don't think Versteeg (hip) & Kulikov (knee) are quite back to where they were pre-injury.
__________________
FLORIDA PANTHERS 2011-12 SOUTHEAST DIVISION CHAMPIONS 2012-13 BASEMENT DWELLERS
I'm excited to see what Kovalchuk can do with the new dimensions to his game, and linemates who can keep up with him. No more "Kovy and friends" and floating aimlessly. Now he's a two-way force, a deadly weapon in a balanced Devils forward corps.
This to me is one of the more interesting series on the docket. People will look at the point totals and think New Jersey is a much better team, but it's their shootout record inflating it so much. While Florida has been the opposite, unable to gain extra points in OT. These teams are much closer than they seem, but I'm gonna predict Devils in 6.
my question for devils fans is what are your expectations? For a Panther fan there is no pressure. Any success is a cherry on top for a sweet season. There is little to no pressure. As long as the Panthers dont get swept and win one on home ice i think it a successful series.
The Devils have shown the last decade they are capable of some real lousy first round play, this team though is quite a bit younger and perhaps they've changed the dynamic a bit. This could be a series that winds up being very good but nobody will watch it.
