Philadelphia Flyers seeking revenge against New Jersey Devils – NHL Preview
To qualify for the playoffs of the National Hockey League (NHL) season 2011-12 is not something that will worry either New Jersey Devils or Philadelphia Flyers as their respective records are more than enough to take them through to the postseason.
The reputation of both teams, however, will certainly be at stake when they will play against each other on Monday, March 13, 2012, at Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Both teams have back-to-back two games scheduled against each other. As one of them has already taken place, Flyers are more determined to win this game as they want to avenge the only loss they have faced this month, while Devils are keen on beating the
former once again.
Here is a look at both teams.
Devils
Devils have won five of the seven games they have played this month and are currently on a four-game winning streak with the recent victories coming against New York Rangers (4-1), New York Islanders (5-1), New York Islanders (2-1) and Flyers (4-1).
Their main strength is their defence, which has successfully prevented stronger offensive units to score against them.
Devils are ranked at sixth spot in the Eastern Conference with 85 points after 69 games.
Flyers
Flyers won five games in a row this month and their streak was snapped by Devils in the last encounter.
Flyers have also been performing quite well on offence as well as defence, but they failed miserably against Devils.
However, after being defeated by Devils, they are now going to host them and can utilise the home field advantage.
Flyers are ranked at fifth spot in the Eastern Conference with 85 points after 68 games.
Last meeting
In the last encounter between these two teams, Devils got a goal late in the first period without conceding any.
After the goalless second period, Flyers managed to provide an equaliser early in the third. However, Devils hit back hard and scored three more goals to get the victory.
Devils’ goaltender, Martin Brodeur, said after the game:
"We've really tightened up defensively. It's a great sign. Our penalty kill has been tremendous. Our power play has been helping us out. We've been winning in similar ways every night."
Flyers can’t properly figure out the reason for the loss. Defenseman, Braydon Coburn, said:
"We've got a fit team and a lot of young guys here. There are no excuses to not have our legs under us."
Predictions
Both teams are evenly poised and it is quite difficult to pick the winner. A close encounter is expected and the sum of goals scored by both teams might stay under six.
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