Preview: Devils vs Hurricanes 2009

Records

New Jersey (3): 51-27-4 (106 pts) Home: 28-12-1 Away: 23-15-3
Carolina (6): 45-30-7 (97 pts) Home: 26-14-1 Away: 19-16-6

Head-to-Head

Jan 6, 2009 - NJD 2 CAR 3
Mar 18, 2009 - NJD 2 CAR 4
Mar 28, 2009 - NJD 1 CAR 2
Apr 11, 2009 - NJD 3 CAR 2
Carolina won the season series 3-1.

Fights

None

Lineup

Goaltending: DRAW
Scoring: DRAW
Defense: EDGE New Jersey
Coaching: EDGE New Jersey
Grit: EDGE New Jersey

Schedule

Wednesday, April 15, 7:30 p.m. (TSN)
Friday, April 17, 7:30 p.m. (TSN)
Sunday, April 19, 7:30 p.m. (TSN)
Tuesday, April 21, 7:30 p.m. (TSN)
*Thursday, April 23, 7:30 p.m. (TSN)
*Sunday, April 26, TBD (TSN, VERSUS)
*Tuesday, April 28, 7:30 p.m. (TSN)

Prediction

I like the upset here as it looks like Carolina is peaking at the right time whereas New Jersey stumbled a bit down the stretch. Eric Staal and Cam Ward have done this before and will lead the Canes to a 6-game series win.

John's Pick

This is the series that interests me the most, not just because of the contrast in styles between both teams, but because of how hot Carolina got towards the end of the year. If anyone is going to be able to stop the Devils, it's a team that will be able to blow right by them with speed. The Hurricanes fit that bill. But does speed kill in this one? Probably not. Martin Brodeur and the defense were too good down the stretch and should continue their play at a high level. Devils in 6.

David's Pick

Sure, Cam Ward has won a Cup, but Marty Brodeur's won three. The Devils are not the trap team they were in the past and can out-run and gun the Canes. Brodeur and the Devils know how to turn it on at the right time. Devils in 5.