Series Breakdown: Devils vs. Panthers
By Bill Clement
Special to ESPN.com
Most don't think these two teams could be rivals, but the Peter Worrell-Scott Niedermayer incident should accentuate the playoff intensity even more. Check out which team has the edge, and then see what I think the outcome will be.
Matching up 5-on-5
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BREAKDOWN
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EDGE
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New Jersey has a bigger advantage offensively due to balance. Florida's defense pair of Jaroslav Spacek and Robert Svehla needs to ramp it up to combat the Devils' versatility. Pavel Bure is Florida's offense, and Scott Niedermayer's return is important for New Jersey to contain Bure.
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Special teams
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BREAKDOWN
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EDGE
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This is a big advantage for the Devils because of their power-play depth. And New Jersey's penalty killing is strong enough to limit Bure. They are third in both categories.
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Goaltending
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BREAKDOWN
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EDGE
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This series could end up being a goaltender's duel. Mike Vernon was terrific down the stretch for Florida. Martin Brodeur will have to pick up his play to match him.
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EVEN
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Intangibles
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BREAKDOWN
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EDGE
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The intangible is actually a tangible. If the Devils can limit Bure's damage, they will win. New Jersey has looked worse since the coaching change from Robbie Ftorek to Larry Robinson. But as shaky as New Jersey was down the stretch, Florida wasn't much better. The Devils have had first-round problems in the past, but this will be where they shake them off.
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PREDICTION
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Devils in seven. New Jersey has to win a first-round series at some point. The Devils just have greater depth and special teams. They have more people that can hurt you than Florida. Centers Jason Arnott and Bobby Holik are too big and strong for Florida's centers. Florida's chances rely on Vernon. If he stands on his head, the Panthers can win the series.
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Bill Clement, a former NHL star with the Flyers, serves as an NHL analyst for ESPN and ABC.
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