2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs: New Jersey Devils Put Selves in 2-1 Hole vs. Panthers

I did say the New Jersey Devils needed to take the lead in their upcoming playoff games against the Florida Panthers. I probably should have added that they also need to hold on to said lead.

New Jersey scored three goals in the first 6:16 of Game 3 on Tuesday night to take a 3-0 lead and drive Panthers starting goaltender Jose Theodore (three saves) from the net. When the final 43:44 had elapsed, however, the Devils were on the short end of a 4-3 score and trailing Florida two games to one in their best-of-seven first round Stanley Cup playoff series.

In a game that saw both starting goaltenders pulled, the Devils' regular season record-breaking penalty-killing unit allowed three more postseason power-play goals, giving the Panther six such markers in just three playoff games.

Martin Brodeur (nine saves) got the hook himself after Mike Weaver's harmless-looking wrist shot from the right point made it through to tie the game at three apiece just over two minutes into the second stanza.

Brian Campbell then wristed a shot past Johan Hedberg (13 saves) four minutes later to complete the Florida comeback. Three of the Panthers four goals on the night came from defensemen.

Adding insult to the Devils' injury was the fact that former New Jersey netminder Scott Clemmensen came on in relief of Theodore and stopped all 19 shots he faced to pick up his first career NHL playoff win. A shot by Marius Zidlicky did go in off Clemmensen late in the second period, but officials ruled that the goalie had been bumped by Devils forward Steve Bernier, and the tying goal was negated.

The Devils outhit Florida (39-14) and were also a bit better in the face-off circle (28-25). Consequently, they also gave the puck away nine times and had 15 shots blocked by Panthers players.

Zach Parise got his first goal of the playoffs, as did Albany (AHL) call-up Stephen Gionta. Patrik Elias tallied the Devils' third goal, but he also took a costly unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that kick-started the Panthers comeback.

The Prudential Center (17,625 seats) was also sold out for the first Devils home playoff game since 2010, and after seven minutes of play the Devils looked like they were well on their way to handily regaining the series lead. Now, they're looking to get even in what is almost certainly a must-win situation this Thursday night in Newark.

Call it the curse of Continental Airlines Arena (where the Devils last won a playoff series in 2007) or what have you, but a loss tomorrow night will definitely put the Devils in dire straits.