Not Done Yet

With the 2012 Stanley Cup Finals shifting back to the Prudential Center in Newark this Saturday, it means that the Los Angeles Kings have not successfully swept the New Jersey Devils. The Kings had a chance to win the Stanley Cup on home ice in Game 4, but Adam Henrique (Mr. Clutch) came through once again for the reeling Devils. The game was tied 1-1 when David Clarkson sent a cross-ice pass to the skates of the Devils’ sensational rookie. Henrique took no time at all to snipe the superb Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick on his blocker side. Henrique’s goal gave the Devils a second life in the Stanley Cup Finals. The rookie’s goal gave the Devils security and iced the game with Ilya Kovalchuk’s empty-net goal. The goal scored by Henrique shows the world that Jonathan Quick is human and can be scored on. Before that goal, the Devils only scored fluke goals that either hit off Kings’ defensemen or were deflected by someone in front of the net. Furthermore the longer the series goes, suspense will build and the entertainment aspect of the Stanley Cup Finals will increase exponentially.

The idea of the Devils completing a comeback is definitely not out of the question but they have to play with same intensity that they had in Game 4. I believe that the Devils will in fact win Game 5 and force a Game 6 in Los Angeles.

What to Watch For:

• The first goal will make a huge difference and will decide who will win
• The relentless forecheck of New Jersey
• How Kovalchuk’s injury will affect his play
• The Kings strength and speed
• Dustin Brown: He has been too quiet this series and I suspect that he will respond with a huge effort
• The brilliance of Martin Brodeur
• Shooting high and getting rebounds on Quick
• The Kings’ dominance on the road

Prediction: Devils win 2-1