Conference Semifinal Preview Capsules
1. NEW JERSEY vs. 7. TORONTO
Best of seven (*if necessary; all times Pacific):
Today: at New Jersey, 4 p.m.
Saturday: at New Jersey, 4 p.m.
Tuesday: at Toronto, 4 p.m.
May 3: at Toronto, 4 p.m.
May 5: at New Jersey, 4 p.m.*
May 7: at Toronto, 4 p.m.*
May 9: at New Jersey, 4 p.m.*
THE BREAKDOWN
* Team records: New Jersey--48-19-12-3, 111 points. Toronto--37-29-11-5, 90 points.
* Season series: Tied, 1-1-1
* Coaches: New Jersey--Larry Robinson, Toronto--Pat Quinn.
* How they got here: New Jersey defeated No. 8 Carolina, 4-2. Toronto defeated No. 2 Ottawa, 4-0.
* Scouting report: This is going to be a slugfest. The Maple Leafs have been wanting this rematch since the Devils embarrassed them, 3-0, in Game 6 of last season’s conference semifinals. In that game, New Jersey pounded Toronto physically, allowing them only six shots on goal. New Jersey is coming off a series in which they had Carolina down three games to none, but needed six games to close it out. Even with top-line center Jason Arnott’s ice time cut because of a knee injury, the Devils had enough depth to roll four lines effectively. Martin Brodeur was good for two shutouts against the Hurricanes, and his puckhandling skill may give the Leafs some problems. Toronto swept Ottawa on the coattails of spectacular goaltending by Curtis Joseph, who gave up three goals. The Leafs got a welcome contribution from their third line--Yanic Perrault, Nik Antropov and Sergei Berezin--which accounted for four goals and eight points.
* Team leaders: New Jersey--Bobby Holik (4 goals, 8 points); Holik, Scott Gomez (4 assists). Toronto--Mats Sundin, Gary Roberts, Yanic Perreault (2 goals); Sergei Berezin, Dimitri Yushkevich (3 assists); Sundin, Berezin (4 points).
* Injury report: New Jersey--C Jason Arnott (knee, probable); Toronto--D Wade Belak (shoulder, questionable), LW Garry Valk (eye, questionable).
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THE MATCHUPS NJ TOR Avg. goals 3.3 2.5 Avg. goals allowed 1.3 0.8 Power-play pct. 8.3 23.0 Penalty killing 89.6 100 Save pct. .930 .976 Faceoff pct. 44.5 49.8 Shooting pct. 10.0 10.1
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