The New Jersey Devils have been difficult to figure out all season long. When Martin Brodeur went down with an injury early in the season, everybody wrote them off. However, true to form, the Devils played lockdown defense in front of backup Scott Clemmensen, and basically guaranteed themselves a playoff spot by the time Marty was back between the pipes. After he came back, he solidified his claim as one of the best goalies of all time, breaking the NHL records for all-time wins and shutouts. However, since then, Brodeur has looked nothing like himself, and the Devils stumbled their way to a 4-5-1 record to close out the year. Carolina, on the other hand, went 8-2-0 to close out their season, after looking like they could have been out of playoff contention.
Offense: Led by Zach Parise’s breakout season, the Devils played uncharacteristically well offensively this season, scoring 2.9 goals a game, and finishing the season with 6 forwards over 40 points. Carolina, however, ranks only one place behind the Devils in total offense, and also had their top 6 forwards finish with over 40 points. Factor in the reacquisition of Erik Cole, as well as the fact that the ‘Canes scored 34 goals in their last 10 games, and Carolina> might have the edge on offense.
Advantage: Carolina
Defense: New Jersey has made a franchise out of playing good defense and has earned the hatred of hockey fans everywhere for their methodical use of the trap system. You can’t argue with winning, however, and the Devils allowed only 207 goals this season, 2nd only to Boston in the East. Carolina wasn’t far behind, however, ranking 8th in the league and 4th in the East, with an average 2.7 goals against per game. However, four of Carolina’s defensemen have 30 or more points, led by Joe Corvo and his season total of 38. The only New Jersey defenseman to score more than 30 points is Paul Martin, who had 5 goals and 28 assists on the season. As a team, New Jersey probably plays better defense, but Carolina’s ability to get solid offensive production from their blueline evens it out.
Advantage: Even
Goaltending: In 2006, Cam Ward shocked the world with his stellar run through the playoffs, carrying the Hurricanes to their first and only Stanley Cup. Devils fans will likely remember that season well, as one of the teams victimized by his play was New Jersey. This season, Ward has been better than ever, posting career bests in GAA (2.44) and save percentage (.916). All that aside, the man in net for the Devils is arguably the best goalie of all time, and already has 3 Stanley Cup rings. However, Brodeur’s play has slipped as of late, and his most recent playoff outings have been less than noteworthy. If Ward can continue to play like he has all year long, and Brodeur doesn’t get his act together quickly, Ward will have bested the Hall of Famer in both of their playoff meetings.
Advantage: Even
Special Teams: Not much to say here, as the two clubs have posted eerily similar numbers on both the penalty kill and powerplay. New Jersey and Carolina rank 15th and 18th, respectively, when playing with the man advantage, although Carolina scored 12 more goals. (They also had 67 more opportunities) On the PK, the two clubs rank 19th and 20th, so neither team really demonstrated any real strength or weakness in terms of special teams.
Advantage: Even
A month ago, this series would probably have been a lopsided victory for the Devils. But the best part about the NHL is that all a team has to do to win is get hot at the right time. Right now, that team is the Carolina Hurricanes. They had to win their way into the playoffs, and they are playing their best hockey of the season right now. With New Jersey limping into the playoffs the way they did, it’s a terrible matchup for them against this Carolina team. Carolina in 6