New Jersey versus Buffalo
Round 1 Preview
The Devils come into the playoffs with a lot of confidence. They beat up on most teams this season by outscoring their competition, something that surprised many of their critics. They finished 2nd in team scoring only three goals behind the number one Boston Bruins. Jersey also showed off their stingy defense by allowing the fewest goals of any team in the OTHL. Of course, Marty Brodeur had something to do with this stat. Brodeur was New Jersey’s best and most consistent player this season, giving his team unstoppable momentum at times this year.
The Buffalo Sabres come into the playoffs hungry and mean. They had to fight their way to a post season spot and only clinched in the final few days. This might give them an edge over their opponents who clinched a spot several weeks ago. The Sabres scored big wins over the Avalanche and Bruins down the stretch and look ready. Giguere is a workhorse in net and should make life difficult for the Devil snipers. Bank on Lidstrom being a major factor for the Sabres as well.
Both teams are well coached and play a skilful, speedy style. They are actually very similar to each other in that neither team is very big, but both use speed to attack and both teams have weapons on their blueline. The series should ultimately come down to goaltending as is usually the case in the playoffs.
Forwards:
The Devils have some fire power with Elias and Gagne as their trigger men. Gomez, Legwand and Kozlov have all been successful set up men. Under Pat Burns, Devil forwards have learned to play strong in the defensive zone. Acquiring the versatile Dvorak at the deadline gives the Devils another attacking forward. Vermette and Fata are fast, energetic players who will provide depth in the playoffs.
Buffalo has three excellent centers in Drury, Peca and Briere. All have great speed and playmaking skill. Gaborik, Brenden Morrow and Mike York are also dangerous players with shifty moves. Maltby is a playoff warrior. The Sabre forwards will be unpredictable to play against and with Peca’s leadership, they have a decent chance against Brodeur.
Edge: Buffalo
Defencemen:
Scott Neidermayer has been the anchor on the Devils blueline this season. His intelligence and leadership makes him one of the best in the league. Kubina and Zhitnik have canon shots from the point and Brent Sopel has proven to be an above average offensive d-man. On the third line, the Devils will be counting on the imposing Kyle McLaren to be their shut down man.
Lidtsrom is the five tool player every team wishes they had. He has superior vision on the ice and soft hands around the net. Derek Morris is no slouch either. The smooth skating d-man brings a well rounded package to his team. Sean Hill has a booming shot and plays strong positional defence. The same could be said for Rivet and Mckee. They are physical d-men who will be tested by the speed of their opponents.
Edge: New Jersey
Goaltending:
Brodeur has played like a champion this season. He loves a heavy workload and his below average starts could be counted on one hand. Potvin got in some work and represented himself well. While the team was not as consistent with their him in net, Potvin showed he could still back stop a contending team.
Giguere is a big goalie with great reflexes. His frame takes up a lot of the net and he has a good command of the butterfly style. When he’s on his game he has excellent rebound control. Kidd at 33 years of age is a little past his prime but he did 9 victories for his team this season.
Edge: New Jersey
Coaching:
Both Pat Burns and Lindy Ruff are veteran coaches who have been through the wars many times before. Both are intelligent and sometimes fiery bosses and can usually get every last drop out of their soldiers.
Edge: Even
Series Prediction: New Jersey in 6