Conference Quarterfinals: #3 Florida Panthers vs. #6 New Jersey Devils

[JKidd]

Records:
Florida: 38-26-18 (94 points) Home: 24-14-3 Away: 17-17-7
New Jersey: 48-28-6 (102 points) Home: 24-13-4 Away: 24-15-2
Head to Head:
Nov 21st: Panthers 4 / Devils 3
Dec 13th: Devils 3 / Panthers 2 OT
Jan 6th: Devils 5 / Panthers 2
Feb 11th: Panthers 3 / Devils 1
Series tied, 2-2

Fights:
Nov 21st: Shawn Mattias vs. Rod Pelley
Dec 13th: Krys Barch vs. Cam Janssen

Lineup:
Goaltending: Edge New Jersey
Scoring: Edge New Jersey
Defense: Edge New Jersey
Coaching: Edge New Jersey
Grit: Edge New Jersey

Schedule:
Fri, Apr 13 in Florida 7PM ET
Sun, Apr 15 in Florida 7:30PM ET
Tue, Apr 17 in New Jersey 7PM ET
Thu, Apr 19 in New Jersey 7PM ET
*Sat, Apr 21 in Florida 6:30PM ET
*Tue, Apr 24 in New Jersey TBA
*Thu, Apr 26 in Florida TBA

Prediction:
Florida got to the playoffs by playing everyone tough, and going to OT in almost 20 games this year. Playing teams tough and playing them to the point of beating them is a huge difference though. The Devils are a deep, veteran team that still has Marty Brodeur in net. To make matters worse for the Panthers, Brodeur comes into the playoffs winning 5 straight games and only allowing 7 goals in that stretch. For a team that doesn’t score consistently, or a lot, that is not good news for the Panthers. I don’t see the Panthers scoring enough goals, nor do I see them coming into this with enough physical depth (Matt Bradley doesn’t appear ready to return from a concussion and Jack Skille is on LTIR) to take this one – despite being the higher seed. Theodore will steal a game, but that’s it…. Devils in 5.

[everblades2]

I have a feeling this is going to be a pretty low scoring series and will come down to who has the better goaltending and who makes the least amount of mistakes on the defensive end. Obviously, I would love to see Florida win the series, but they will have a tough opponent in the Devils who could really take control of the series if the Panthers aren't careful.

The Panthers main concern is scoring and they've got to start putting the puck in the net on a more consistent basis. If they can pick up the scoring, I think they could have a chance, but they will have to be pretty solid on the back end and will have to have Theodore get out of his recent slump.

All in all, I'm just happy to finally see some Playoff hockey in Sunrise!

[mikebflorida]

I hate both these clubs. Wish they could both lose but I'll go with Florida, they have a sneaky good team and Brodeur is a pale shadow of his former self, very beatable now.

[D Y B FLYERS]

I don't see either of these teams making a serious run, and think whoever wins this series will be out fairly quick in the semi-finals. That being said, I am going Devils in 5, possibly even 4 but I'll give the Panthers a win.

[lakingsfan19]

This will be the one series I won't even turn on to check the score..

I am guessing Florida in 6. A Guess.

[theknuckler]

I'm gonna go with Florida in 6. Season series was pretty even, so I wouldn't be surprised if there were 4 OT games in this series. I swear Florida had like 30 OT games this season

[I_am_Belak_2]

Devils in 6. Good to see both teams back in the playoffs though, especially Florida after completely overhauling the team last summer.

[Janssen25]

I can't speak much for the Panthers as I haven't seen them that much this year. Is it true that I'm hearing they aren't even sure who their #1 goalie is going to be in this series? Word is they are leaning towards Clemensen.

They Devils are playing some quality hockey right now. Kind of sucks that they have a 6 day break before the series starts. After a shaky start, Brodeur has really turned it on and played extremely well throughout the 2nd half of the season looking like the Marty of old at times. The return of Zajac has been huge and the addition of Zidlicky has really improved the PP.

The Devils also set an NHL record for the highest Penalty Kill % in NHL history with an 89.58 % success rate while also scoring an NHL leading 15 shorthanded goals. This will be a huge asset come playoff time.

Throughout the season series between these two, the Devils had some issues containing Florida's 1st line who scored I believe 7 goals in their 4 meetings. If the Devils can contain that line and establish their aggressive forecheck, I think it will be too much for Florida to handle.

Devils in 5.

[Broons66]

Devils in 6. I would be shocked if Florida wins this series.

[canuck2]

As bad as Ilya is in the clutch and his lack of leadership I'm going with the Devils. They are not a Stanley Cup winning team by any means but they are pretty solid.

[Janssen25]

Originally Posted by canuck2

They are not a Stanley Cup winning team by any means

Just wanted I was hoping to see from you. Now i like their chances even more.

[Isles4life]

Florida's team concept, with its lack of individual standout players, got it done in the regular season. But will Dineen be able to keep that magic going come playoff time? I just don't think so. The Devils are too talented and playing some good hockey. I agree with most other people that barring unforeseen circumstances, the Devils are unlikely to make a deep run this year, but beating the Panthers shouldn't be too much of a problem. I'll take New Jersey in 5.

[V12_Bi-Turbo]

Something tells me the Cats will win. 4-2

[bupz91]

Panthers can pull this one out. in 7

[canuck2]

Originally Posted by Janssen25

Just wanted I was hoping to see from you. Now i like their chances even more.

You really think the Devils can win the cup?

Tell me why instead of crying.