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Speed demons Devils get the early jump by being aggressive
Posted: Wednesday May 31, 2000 04:47 PM
The New Jersey Devils showed in Game 1 that they have a reservoir of speed, an explosive offense and a solid game plan. New Jersey did an impressive job early dictating the pace, and it was able to do that by dumping the puck into the Stars' zone. Because of an effective dump-in, the forwards were able to generate speed, which allowed the Devils to win all the foot races. Being on the same page helped them get a jump on the Stars early. Devils coach Larry Robinson also did a great job using two totally different lines against the Stars' top line of Mike Modano-Brett Hull-Brenden Morrow (and sometimes Jere Lehtinen). Robinson first used the swift skating group of Patrik Elias, Petr Sykora and Jason Arnott before goingto the sledgehammer approach with Jay Pandolfo, Bobby Holik and Claude Lemieux. Having those two lines ready in the series can break down the Stars' forwards since they always have to face fresh legs. It should also be noted that Scott Stevens and his reliable partner, Brian Rafalski, were always on the ice against Dallas' first line, holding it to no points. The Devils' discipline was admirable as well, as they did not take a single penalty. By doing so, the vaunted Dallas power play was kept on the bench. To be successful in this series, the Stars must control the neutral zone and the pace of the game.. Speed will be a factor, but they must force the Devils to play more defense, especially the big offensive line of Elias-Arnott-Sykora. In addition, Joe Nieuwendyk has to produce more than the zero shots he had on goal in Game 1, and goalie Ed Belfour needs to be more stable. The Stars are an experienced team, so they know that one game does not make a series. But they also know that at this time of the year they had better not go home down two games. Don't be surprised if the Stars add speedy Blake Sloan and gritty Aaron Gavey to bolster the offense for Game 2. Tactically the Stars need to insulate their defensemen more thoroughly so that
they have more time to make plays coming out of their zone. And finally, they
have to win the bulk of slot-area battles in their own zone. The Devils were
able to establish far too much of a presence in front of the Dallas goal, which
disrupted Belfour.
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