Florida Panthers need to take lead in Game 5 against New Jersey Devils -NHL Playoffs Preview
The battle between New Jersey’s veteran goalkeeper and Florida continues as Panthers and Devils look to take the lead heading into game 5 of the 2012 National Hockey League (NHL) Stanley Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series as both stand tied,
2-2.
Florida’s penalty killing percentage of 73.3% continues to work against all odds as New Jersey fights to keep the goals coming but Panthers defensive special teams are getting the job done.
Panthers have allowed just four power play goals throughout the series while New Jersey has given up six until now.
With just three more games remaining on the playoffs opening round schedule for both teams, it will just keep on getting more intense and might even be decided in a final game 7 competition.
"It's two hard-working teams down to a best-of-three," Devils coach, Peter DeBoer, said. "I like our situation. We're one of the best road teams in the league. But I'm sure they'd say the same thing over there, that they're one of the best home teams in
the league. But we're excited about the opportunity."
With tensions rising, players are beginning to feel the heat, which just means more penalty time in the future for sure and capitalising on those chances will be the ultimate way to win.
"I just think it's getting later on the series, and it's getting a little bit tighter so emotions are getting higher," Panthers Stephen Weiss, said. "Saying that, we still need to stay disciplined, stay out of the penalty box and they need to do the same
as well. So the chippy stuff is out the window. We've just got to focus on playing hockey."
New Jersey and Florida have had equal luck playing at home and on the road in foreign territory, so the home advantage that Panthers will be have in game 5 really does not seem to have any difference on either teams chances.
Game 5 is scheduled to kick off on Saturday, April 21, 2012, at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida, at 6:30 PM ET.
Prediction
Florida Panthers will take the lead after an intense fight in overtime against New Jersey Devils.
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