Storybook ending

Devils need new strategy against OT-dominant Ducks

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- This game was the story of pixie dust versus patience. Anaheim continued to weave its tale of overtime mastery, while New Jersey seemed content to play on forever in hopes of outwaiting the Disney Ducks.

No such luck.

While patience is a virtue, the Devils might want to rethink their preemptive posture. For all of its conservative wisdom, it plays into the hands of this Ducks team during their magical springtime run.

After Monday's 1-0 overtime win in Game 4, Anaheim is now 7-0 in OT, with 12 of its 14 postseason victories coming by a single goal. Meanwhile, the Devils -- for all of their world-weary wisdom in tight games -- have dropped back-to-back overtime tilts.

Three Stars      SI.com's Jon A. Dolezar gives you his three stars of the Ducks' Game 4 win.  Analysis and Opinion  • Darren Eliot: Ducks own tight games More Stories  • Game 4: Recap | Box Score • Thomas makes most of big chance • Devils disappointed to go home tied • Notes: Ducks responded to Jiggy • Line Analysis: Mighty Ducks | Devils • Goalie Analysis: Giguere | Brodeur  Instant Poll  Are the Mighty Ducks a team of destiny? Yes No View Results

So wherein lies the logic? Anaheim continued to press on forecheck throughout. As was the case in Game 3, the Ducks got stronger as the third period unfolded, forcing the Devils to hold on. So, it might not all be simple strategy. It might be the fact that Anaheim played much better at home than it did on the road to open this series.

Overall, there wasn't much room to roam for either team, with just 18 combined scoring chances. That is usually an acceptable number for one team in an entire game.

Further, the absence of Joe Nieuwendyk probably plays a part in the Devils playing anything but devil-may-care hockey. The Ducks continued to dominate the faceoff circle, with Pat Burns opting for rookie Mike Rupp as a fourth-liner who could take the odd draw as his solution. Not much wiggle room there and another harbinger that the Devils best chance of going home up 3-1 was keeping things tight.

No such luck. And some would say luck -- or at least good fortune or karma -- is all Anaheim's. The Ducks did what they had to do, exhibiting a more persistent brand of patience than the one the Devils were peddling. Now it is anyone's series and patience might be wearing thin in Jersey.

Three Stars

First Star: Steve Thomas knows overtime like no other, and he came through again in classic and startling fashion.

Second Star: Steve Rucchin, along with linemates Rob Niedermayer and Mike Leclerc, took over in the third period on the forecheck. The cumulative effect of that pressure on the Devils' defense paid off.

Third Star: Jean-Sebastien Giguere was solid once again. He exudes confidence and his resolve is almost palpable.

Darren Eliot, a former NHL goaltender, is a hockey analyst for SI.com. Eliot will provide Stanley Cup Playoffs commentary throughout the postseason, and he is also broadcasting the Stanley Cup Finals for NHL Radio.

 

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