NHL Playoffs Game 7: Hurricanes at Devils
One would think that history is on the New Jersey Devils’ side tonight in Game 7 against the Carolina Hurricanes.
First off, it appears to be New Jersey’s turn to win, being as the teams have alternated victories so far, with Carolina taking Game 6. In addition, the Hurricanes franchise has never won Game 7 of a playoff series on the road, going 0-for-3.
And New Jersey is the WagerWeb.com favorite at -150, with an over/under of 5 goals.
But perhaps most important is that the Devils have Martin Brodeur in net, and this will be his ninth Game 7 in a Hall of Fame career. New Jersey is 3-1 all-time at home in Game 7s.
“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, you have to control everything inside.”
The Devils will need to control Carolina’s Eric Staal to win tonight. The Hurricanes’ top player had two goals and an assist in Game 6, so shutting down his line will be one of the keys for the Devils in Game 7.
“It still comes down to how individuals are going to play against him,” Devils coach Brent Sutter said Monday. “Obviously, it’s different there, because they do have the last line change — and hey, he’s an elite-level player. You have a tremendous amount of respect for how he plays, and you certainly have to pay a lot of attention to him when he’s on the ice.”
The Devils get the advantage at home Tuesday night of having the last line change on play stoppages, which should make it much easier for them to get the matchups they want.
New Jersey defenseman Bryce Salvador, who suffered an injury to his left knee in Game 4 and missed Games 5 and 6, said he is ready to return for Game 7.
This series can’t be much closer, as New Jersey has outscored Carolina 13-12, with both teams scoring just two power-play goals.
WagerWeb.com Key Trends
* Under is 4-0-1 in the last 5 meetings in New Jersey.
* Under is 5-1-2 in the last 8 meetings.
* Home team is 10-3 in the last 13 meetings.
* Favorite is 10-4 in the last 14 meetings.
* Hurricanes are 2-5 in the last 7 meetings in New Jersey.
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