NEWARK, NJ – Successful teams have a background in struggling to go deep in the playoffs before actually achieving something of value. Since their last Stanley Cup victory in 2003, New Jersey had won just two playoff series, had gone through nine coaching changes and never really mounted a threat to Eastern Conference rivals.
Fast forward to 2012 and the Devils are a series win away from their fourth Stanley Cup, an unlikely event given the trials and tribulations of the last decade. What makes the team special is the veteran presence which has come together to make a difference this year like never before.
Martin Brodeur, the winningest goaltender in the NHL in his 21st season, brings a modest 2.04 goals against average and 0.923 save percentage to the Final series. His 12-6 record in this year’s playoffs is not typical of the future Hall of Fame goalie’s statistics.
Still, he has added four assists this post-season and continues to keep forecheckers on edge with his potent puck-handling skills. Brodeur has nearly as many playoff shutouts (24) than his Los Angeles Kings counterpart Jonathan Quick has in playoff games played (25).
Brodeur will continue to show is brilliance in the Final series and is always capable of stealing a game. The tighter team defense assists in keeping opponents frustrated and will give the Devils netminder better support to win games.
Another key veteran who will be tested is Ilya Kovalchuk who before this season played an 83rd game just twice, in 2007 and in 2010. The Russian sniper registered just three goals and five assists in nine games and added 25 penalty minutes.
It wasn’t until this season that Kovalchuk made his mark. In seventeen games, Kovalchuk leads the Devils in scoring with 18 points and is tied for the team lead in goals scored with seven, a plateau he shares with Zack Parise and Travis Zajac.
What Kovalchuk needs to do in the Final series is to play a better two-way game. His minus four rating is only better than Patrick Elias and on a team where all players have a role in the defensive success, the Kings will look to exploit his weakness.
After having worked his way up through the Devils club, Zack Parise has struggled to gain post-season traction. His efforts have always been admirable, but in 37 previous post season games with New Jersey, Parise has gained just thirteen goals and fifteen assists for 28 points.
This season, Parise has netted seven goals and added seven helpers. His minus three rating has shown where he needs to improve, but his inspiring play has been felt throughout the team. When the Devils needed an impact effort in Game Four to even the series, Parise was a leader in making a difference and it was the turning point of the series.
While Los Angeles has the size and speed to make a difference, the Devils are confident with their experience to carry the day. Key players have endured the struggles of gaining success in the post-season.
It seems the members of the 2011-12 New Jersey Devils have matured. Their seasoned talent has made an impact this year and will provide a formidable challenge for the Kings as the battle begins for the Stanley Cup.
Contact: dennis.morrell@prohockeynews.com
Follow me on Twitter at DMMORRELL
You must be logged in to post a comment.