New Jersey Devils aim to rebound against New York Rangers in Game 4 -NHL Playoffs Preview
New Jersey did not change their strategy but New York’s game-play certainly had some changes as Rangers bounced back from a Game 2 loss at home to take down Devils at the Prudential Center in Game 3. With Devils down by one now in the 2012 National Hockey
League (NHL) Stanley Cup Eastern Conference Playoff Finals, New Jersey will definitely be looking to bounce back in Game 4.
Going back to the Madison Square Garden in New York for Game 5 on the verge of elimination would only have Devils on the edge, making Game 4 crucial for their survival at least for a Game 6 competition.
One thing that will work to the advantage of New Jersey Devils is the suspension of New York Rangers’ forward, Brandon Prust, who was suspended by the league after elbowing defenseman, Anton Volchenkov to the head in Game 3.
It was his second such penalty due to a similar incident which had the league taking action, but because he was never suspended prior to, the league decided to take an easy hand on him.
"I know I've played a lot of professional hockey games and never been suspended before," he said. "I don't even think I had an elbowing penalty this year. I didn't even really feel that elbow. I went to the bench and thought maybe I caught him with my knee,
maybe charley-horsed him,” Prust said.
Devils could be getting back forward, Jacob Josefson, in the line-up as well for the first time in the postseason after having a fractured left wrist earlier in April. Having him back will greatly strengthen their line consisting of Alexei Ponikarovsky and
David Clarkson, who he also practiced with on Sunday, May 20, 2012.
"Coach told me I'm playing, and I'm very ready to go," Josefson said. "It feels great. My body feels great. It may be a little tough stepping in, but I'm a little more excited than anything. I've been getting better every day and I felt I could play in this
series. It's just a matter of when. I just hope I do well."
Game 4 will kick off on Monday, May 21, at the Prudential Center at 8:00 PM ET.
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