Once again the New Jersey Devils have picked up their play after the all star break, and find themselves heading into the playoffs as a top contender in the East. The Tampa Bay Lightning tumbled in the second half of the season, dropping the Southeast Division and falling to the 7th in the Conference.
The name of New Jersey's game is defense. They are 27th in goals, but have given up the 4th fewest goals. A large reason why they've allowed so few goals is the amazing play of Martin Brodeur. Brodeur had the highest save percentage of starting goaltenders, at .922, and had a league leading 12 shutouts. The Lightning are fueled by the play of Martin St. Louis and Vincent Lecavalier, but have trouble coming up with scoring outside their top line.
The Devils aren't huge goalscorers, but with Tampa Bay's goaltending woes, I think they'll get enough for Brodeur to win them the series. Devils in 5.
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