Florida Panthers hope to take series lead against New Jersey Devils in Game 3 -NHL Playoffs Preview
After New Jersey won game 1 of the 2012 National Hockey League (NHL) Eastern Conference playoff quarterfinals against Panthers in Florida, it seemed like the postseason inexperienced had felt the heat and would easily be giving up the series to Devils and
Martin Brodeur yet again.
But then came a win in game 2, as Panthers dominated the Devils, 4-2, levelling the series as it headed to New Jersey for game 3. Now with that newly gained confidence and knowing that they are capable of performing, Florida Panthers have some high hopes
going into Tuesday, April 17.
"We've just got to keep playing our complete game and play like we did in the first couple periods and some areas in the third period," Panthers defenseman, Brian Campbell, said. "We've got some more work to do. I thought we changed a few things that worked
out well for us in Game 2 and we're going to have to keep adapting and trying new things as well."
Going out strong in every period and not letting up at any moment was what ultimately got Florida past New Jersey, but keeping it up will not be an easy job as the Devils do not have plans of going down anytime soon.
"We would love to be up 2-nothing right now," Devils captain, Zach Parise, said. "That's not the case. I don't want to sit here and say that was a golden opportunity because we are still in great shape.”
What Florida needs is to continue working that power play and not give up as many penalties as they have done so far. Panthers managed to capitalise on three of seven opportunities in the past two contests while Devils had eight chances with an extra skater
on board but benefited only once.
If Devils were a good power play killing team, Florida would have found it hard to stay past game 4 for sure.
Panthers have achieved a lot this year and are hoping that their luck does not run out anytime soon. It will be an exciting matchup on Tuesday between Florida and New Jersey at the Prudential Center in Newark at 7:00 PM ET.
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