A competitive back and forth series, could have gone either way. The battle of the most frustrating teams (to use) goes the distance. NJ's super slowness up front (Semak, Richer) mixed with a solid skater Pukin make for a pokey, but agile and potent attack.....once they finally breach the zone. Heavy CB crushers with strong AI on D (Stevens/Kasatonov). With good agility and passing, and sound quick tending they look decent on paper but do seem to lug around out there. Raph is a phenomenal player whose true abilities come out when he uses lightning fast teams that others fail miserably with (Vancouver).
Wash's one trick speed pony of Bondra, super accurate slugs in Pat Elynuik (sweet 2 passing rating) and Dimitri 60 ft turning radius Kristich (about the same as Richer's), plus Mr. Utility Bob Carp. Solid D, one fat, one light (Johannsen/Cote), with barely a starter Bow-preyed upon in one net.
Yes this is rambling and hard to follow, but so what, f**k editing. A series that was bound to happen and go 7. But Raph has too much pride to mention when lag shows up. Who wants to play through that, isn't using the Devils difficult enough!
Even Steven teams, end to end action with shitty GC tending both sides, two proud Americans battling it out, what more could you ask for? Forget the scores but here's the breakdown.
G1= Raph (stunning comeback to win in OT, or epic collapse?)
G2= Seth
G3= Seth
G4= Raph
G5= Raph
G6= Seth (up against the ropes coach benches Kristich)
G7= Seth