There could be no better story for the Eastern Conference Finals than reigniting the explosive rivalry between the Devils and Rangers. The regular season meetings brought fights off the opening puck-drop. And when I say "fights", I do not just mean two or three. I mean FIVE fights overall opened two of contests this year. These teams flat-out HATE each other and have for years.
While the Rangers have battled and outlasted the Capitals in seven games to advance to the Conference Finals, the Devils have had a five day break since knocking-out the Flyers in five games. The Devils' last game was a very rough one, which forced Marek Zidlicky and Anton Volchenkov to sit out one practice. The two d-men will be ready to go Monday, however. The Rangers have had much less rest, but their fans could not be more rested and ready to go to Madison Square Garden for game 1.
The Devils won last series with their discipline and their forecheck, without question. Their ability to stay within their own game, and let the Flyers' negatively impact their game with aggression, dictated the series. There is no doubt the New Jersey forecheck surpassed anything they could have asked for. Their puck-side attack is insanely effective in forcing turnovers, as they sometimes crash three players at the puck carrier. Hopefully the devils will react similarly and not get out of their play style. I do not expect fights off the opening face-offs, but it will be a very physical series indeed. Should be a dandy! Go Devs!
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