| 2009 NHL Playoffs: New Jersey Devils vs Carolina Hurricanes Game 7 |
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| Written by Scott Burgess | |||||||
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Tuesday, 28 April 2009
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 The New Jersey Devils and Carolina Hurricanes play a decisive Game 7 in the Eastern Conference playoffs tonight, April 28, in New Jersey. The Devils will rely on the skill and leadership of goalie Martin Brodeur who’s played in eight Game 7’s. NHL oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have the Devils as -150 moneyline home favs over the Hurricanes (+130) with the over/under posted at 5 goals. Be sure to get your 2009 NHL Playoffs New Jersey Devils vs Carolina Hurricanes Picks in now at Sportsbook.comThe Hurricanes forced a winner-take-all contest on Sunday night with a dominating 4-0 victory at home. It marked the third straight time the Hurricanes had bounced back from a loss to tie the series. They got goals from Ray Whitney, Eric Staal (2) and Jussi Jokinen. Hurricanes coach Paul Maurice said that while he would hope his team had the momentum heading into the final game, he also realized that the way the series has gone, there is no momentum. Ray Whitney said the Hurricanes also have veterans who know what it takes, having won the Cup in 2006. However, he noted this is a different team with a different coaching staff. Carolina has outscored New Jersey 13-12 in the series in which Brodeur and Hurricanes goaltender Cam Ward have been spectacular. Cam Ward is 3-3 with a 1.96 GAA and has allowed 12 goals to get past him. They must improve on their power play that is 2 for 23, and their penalty kill is hot allowing only two goals in 23 kills. The Devils Martin Brodeur knows what Game 7’s are like. "You have to control your emotions," Brodeur said. "It's definitely a tough game to play, but they are fun. When you play and dream as a kid, you always get that situation you make up to be a Game 7. It's nothing different when you have played for real. It's still a game and you have to control everything inside. "You can't do too much and you can't sit back either," said Brodeur, who has led the Devils to three Stanley Cup titles, the last coming in 2003 in a Game 7 win over Anaheim. "The hardest part is now is waiting for the puck to drop. Whenever the puck drops, it's just a hockey game." The Devils dominated Game 1 in New Jersey. The Hurricanes dominated Game 6 in Raleigh. The other four games have been decided by a goal, with two in overtime and one in the final second of regulation. "It's been a series that has been all over the map," Devils coach Brent Sutter said Monday. "That's what has made it so exciting." Martin Brodeur is 3-3 with a 2.12 GAA and has allowed 13 goals. The Devils have a low two goals on 23 power plays and their penalty kill has allowed two on 23 kills. Recent Trends to Consider:
2009 NHL Playoffs New Jersey Devils vs Carolina Hurricanes When: Tue, April 28, 2009 7:30 PM ET Line: Sportsbook.com Pick: Devils -150 Point-Spreads.com 2009 NHL Playoffs New Jersey Devils vs Carolina Hurricanes The Bottom Line: Goalie experience will get the Devils past the Hurricanes. Go Devils! Be sure to get your 2009 NHL Playoffs New Jersey Devils vs Carolina Hurricanes Picks in now at Sportsbook.com and receive a 10% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit                        |
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