NEWARK, NJ – The Devils are coming off an important victory in Game Four that not only allowed them to survive to live another day, but provided a glimpse of just how they might continue having success defeating the Kings. Los Angeles never looked so vulnerable until the third period of Wednesday night’s game.
One thing the Devils will have to do is get more traffic in front of Kings netminder Jonathon Quick. On Wednesday night, when there was traffic in front of him, he had trouble getting set to block the shot. Continuing to build this traffic out front will make Quick’s view of the initial shot much more challenging and create an excellent scoring change for the Devils.
Once the screen is set, pesky snipers hanging around the crease should be able to pounce on the rebounds. Patrick Elias’ presence to the side of the crease after Quick stopped the initial Bryce Salvador shot led to rebound success on the open stick side and a 1-0 Devils lead.
Quick has been helped by his defenseman to keep the play along the boards as the Devils approach their net. Under this discipline, Quick has a clear opportunity to see the puck without having to move from side to side as quickly or even at all. By being able to track the play toward him north to south, this clear view of the shot allows Quick the opportunity to come out to cut down the angle and smother the drive cleanly.
On the Devils second goal in Game Four, David Clarkson accepted a pass in the neutral zone and crossed the blue line down the right side. As with so many other scoring chances for the Devils in this series, Quick had time to face Clarkson, get set and prepare for the shot. The Devils winger had other ideas. A change in what he had expected left the Kings goaltender unprepared.
Clarkson sensed a streaking Adam Henrique arriving in the zone on the left side to aid the attack. As he had a little room to work, Clarkson sent a crisp pass to Henrique who directed the puck from his right skate to his stick blade. In an instant, Quick, who was setting up for the drive by Clarkson, had to move from his left to right. Henrique snapped a shot high above the stick side to regain the New Jersey lead. The goal ended up being Henrique’s third game-winner of the playoffs.
New Jersey has given Los Angeles cause to believe they are not as invincible as they might have thought they were. Now momentum has swung in New Jersey’s favor. The Devils must generate traffic in front of the net to distract Quick. As New Jersey advances the play toward Quick, they must get him to move from side to side creating openings to score. And finally, when there is an opportunity to shoot, New Jersey needs to go high stick side. Quick has the low corners pretty much covered.
The Devils have a great chance to continue their momentum and prolong the series if they apply these disciplines. The work ethic and desire are there. Now all that is needed is a disciplined approach to what they know is a Kings weakness.
The puck drops at the Prudential Center Saturday night at 8:00 PM (ET).
Contact: dennis.morrell@prohockeynews.com
Follow me on Twitter at DMMORRELL
You must be logged in to post a comment.