Eastern Conference Finals Game 5 Preview: Devils Looking to Dominate at MSG Tonight

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Round 3
New Jersey Devils at New York Rangers
8:00 P.M. ET
TV: NBCSN
Radio: WFAN 660AM

Tonight is the night that one team will be one game closer to the Stanley Cup Finals. It’s the pivotal Game 5. So far in the playoffs, the Devils and Rangers are 1-1 in Game 5’s. Who will come out victorious tonight?

The Devils completely dominated the Rangers from start to finish in Game 4. Scoring early on in the 1^st period was Bryce Salvador, a defenseman, who has more points in the postseason than he did in the regular season. This is something that the Devils, especially the defense, need to keep doing. Shooting from the point, getting in the face of Henrik Lundqvist, not letting the Rangers block shots and scoring the first goal are some key’s to tonight’s game.

Prior to Game 4 I called out Patrik Elias and Zach Parise. Apparently one of them heard me and that was our Captain! Parise notched two goals in Game 4 and led us to victory with his all around dominating play. After blowing off the media when Game 3 ended, Parise came out and shut his critics up. Hopefully he can continue that type of play when the puck drops tonight.

Now, Patrik Elias, we still need to have a chat. While he wasn’t terrible in Game 4, he’s still a little absent these playoffs. He’s one of the veterans that the Devils could use going into this game and get the momentum swinging in the right direction. Whether it’s winning battles or scoring, Elias, I’m looking to you for a big game.

Finally, that brings me to Martin Brodeur. While the goaltending duel has been spectacular to watch, tonight is the night we need vintage Marty to show up and be amazing from start to finish. He’s already proven more than enough and shouldn’t have to answer to anyone, but there are still some critics out there and it’s time to shut them down.

As far as the Rangers go, we know Brandon Prust will be back in the line-up tonight, which means Stu Bickel will be benched. They’ll be looking for redemption after that Game 4 debacle but hopefully it won’t come at the expense of a Devils player getting injured. Yes, we all saw how chippy it was getting and Mike Rupp pushing Brodeur, but the Devils need to stick to their game and not let the Rangers get in their heads.

ONE SHIFT AT A TIME, ONE PERIOD AT TIME, and ONE GAME AT TIME… LET’S DO THIS DEVILS!!

Devils’ projected lineup:

Parise – Zajac – Zubrus

Elias – Henrique – Kovalchuk

Ponikarovsky – Josefson – Clarkson

Carter – Gionta – Bernier

Greene – Fayne

Salvador – Zidlicky

Volchenkov – Harrold

Brodeur

Hedberg

Rangers’ projected lineup: