It's not surprising that the Devils aren't scoring as much in the Eastern Conference finals as they did in either the first two rounds, especially the second round vs. Philadelphia. But to be shut out twice in three games? That's not getting it done.
So a line shakeup might be in order for New Jersey in Monday's Game 4. And it's coming, if Sunday's practice was any indication.
According to the Bergen Record's Tom Gulitti, Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise aren't going to be playing together when Game 4 rolls around. They have been split up, and Kovalchuk is switching wings from the left side to the right.
Here were the lines in practice, usually a good indication of what's to come.
Zach Parise-Travis Zajac-Dainius Zubrus; Ilya Kovalchuk-Adam Henrique-Patrik Elias; Alexei Ponikarovsky-Jacob Josefson-David Clarkson; Ryan Carter-Stephen Gionta-Steve Bernier; Eric Boulton-Petr Sykora-Cam Janssen.
Now in addition to the top line shifts there, you will also notice the name of Jacob Josefson in the lineup while Petr Sykora has been moved down. In fact, Sykora might be moved out all together.
Jacob Josefson told reporters he will play Game 4, Petr Sykora on ice for lengthy post-practice skate.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 20, 2012
This looks like the proverbial message being sent from coach Peter DeBoer to his players that they need to wake up. Game 4 is crucial for the Devils; you can't imagine they would feel good about being in a 3-1 series hole with two games to go at Madison Square Garden.
But back to the top line shift. This is an idea that I see disputed often. Do you want to split up two offensive weapons to balance out your lines, or do you go for the one mega line? It's worked well for the Devils this season keeping Parise and Kovalchuk together. But the argument on the other side is that by splitting them up you put more pressure on the Rangers having two very good lines to defend.
It's going to be interesting to see how this turns out for the Devils, if it even holds. But there is nothing quite like a shakeup to wake up a team in the playoffs.
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