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Reaction: Stanley Cup, Game 5

Users say New Jersey will win the Cup on Thursday

The Devils are one win away from the Stanley Cup.

We asked for your thoughts after Game 5, and most of you think New Jeresy will close it out Thursday in Game 6.

Keep reading for a sample of your responese.

In the first game of the series, the Devils were not used to the speed that Colorado presented. The Devils sometimes lose focus and it was a wake-up call. Once focused, the use of four quality lines, the execution of their trapping defense, and it has been wearing out both the offense and defense of Colorado, but mostly the defense. Look for Colorado to perhaps score first in Game 6 and then for the Devils to wake up, and win 3-1 (with an empty net goal, late in the game).
Bob G., Wappingers Falls, NY

The Devils, who have been fighting their own demons this playoff year, seem to need a couple of games each series to tailor their system against their opponent. Right now, they have their groove back, initiated somewhat by Robinson shifting the Holik line to check the Sakic line, freeing up the A-Line to exhibit their scoring skills. The refs allowed the teams to play in Game 5, which they did not do in Game 4. As a result, the hitting and intensity was up, which means great playoff hockey. If the Devils continue to play at the level of the last two games, the Avalanche will need to take their game to the ultimate level to force a Game 7. The Devils have struggled at home, but the Cup will be in the building, as will I.
Gerard Cerza, New York City

I want Colorado to win the Cup, especially for Bourque. But I think New Jersey will win in Game 6 at home.
Dave Pirillo, Burnaby

Put it the bag. The Devils are wearing down the Avalanche. Bourque is 40 years old and can't keep up. Marty is in a groove and Roy keeps looking behind back behind his shoulder. I expect a few out of Mogilny Thursday night and a 3-0 shutout. Let the celebration begin!
Shap, Washington, DC

It's been a wild ride, and Jersey has shown how talented and tough they are, despite Colorado's year-long push for the Cup. But I cling to the belief that Colorado will win Game 6 and bring Game 7 to the Pepsi Center. I've been wrong once or twice before, but I see Colorado wielding the Cup after it's all said and done, and Ray Bourque retiring in glory, his last game with the Cup in hand, overhead, victorious.
Nicholas Schmidt, Erie, Colo.

The Avs didn't show up for Game 5. They all looked tired and were sluggish. They made too many mistakes to even be in the game. The Devils contained the Avs in the neutral zone and when they made it down ice, they were stuck in the corners or behind the net. I wish the announcers weren't so hyped on the Devils. It's very noticeable and really isn't fair and it's biased announcing. They should be neutral and not siding with one team or the other. The Devils haven't won the Cup yet so don't call the games like they have.
Paul Gagnon, Waldorf, Md.

Can Colorado do it? I sure hope so. Otherwise, I have nothing left to root for. (Go Ray!)
John Ricklefs, Boxford, Mass.

The Devils seemed to have figured out the Avs. The Avalanche look as if though they are wearing down while the Devils can smell the blood. Devils will close it out in New Jersey on Thursday.
Ismael Acevedo, San Diego, Calif.

New Jersey is going to absolutely pound the Avs in Game 6. They've got all the momentum and can smell the Cup. Roy is letting in weak goals, Bourque is showing his age by getting burned multiple times a game now, and Sakic has been shut down. Now that all the talk about Mogilny being worthless on the ice is put to rest, the Devils are a full, 3-line force again that the Avs just can't handle.
Sanober Mistry, Washington, DC

I believe the Devils will close out the Cup in Game 6. At this point, it seems that it is their Cup to lose. If they are able to maintain the level at which they are playing, the Avs' level of play won't matter. As many analysts have said all year when the Devils play Devils' hockey, they are an unstoppable machine that just grinds you down.
Wayne Kihlmire, Red Hook, N.Y.

The Avs were on their heels last night. At the beginning of the playoffs, I wanted the Avs to win, now I am growing sick of the "Win one for Ray" people, so I am rooting for the Devils. The way they buzzed last night, the Avs will have a tough time winning Thursday.
Todd Fjellman, Brooklyn Park, Minn.

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