The Devils defeated their cross-river rivals, the
New York Rangers, in seven games with a 4-0 win on Monday night. But New Jersey still has another level to hit.
Going into the second-round matchup against the Carolina
Hurricanes, New Jersey is still looking for offense from some of its top players. Star
trade deadline acquisition Timo Meier did not score a goal in the seven
games and the Rangers held captain Nico Hischier goalless.
Tomas Tatar’s only goal in the first round came in the
second period of Game 7. Jesper Bratt, coming off a career-high 32 goals in
the regular season, picked up his only goal of the series on an empty net.
In winning in six games in the first round. the Hurricanes held the Islanders to
two or fewer goals three times, winning each. The Devils scored two or fewer goals in four of
their seven games but beat the Rangers with three games of three or more goals.
Carolina goaltender Frederik Andersen returned from an illness with a 33-save, one-goal-against performance in the decisive Game 6. And Antti
Raanta was strong through the first five games, posting a .909 save percentage
and a 2.59 goals against average
The Hurricanes were successful all season platooning Andersen and Raanta, so no matter who is in the net, the Devils forwards will need to be sharp.
Against a team with a strong defensive structure and reliable goaltending, it will be harder for the Devils to
generate third- and fourth-line offense. But the Devils got past a formidable Cup
contender with little production from their most important weapons. That should be scary for Carolina.
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
