New Jersey Devils: Game 3 Collapse Changes Entire Series

After opening last night's Game 3 matchup against the Florida Panthers with three goals in less than five minutes, it seemed like the Devils were well on their way to taking the series.

But after the Panthers scored four straight goals and backup goalie Scott Clemmensen shut the door on the Devils' offense, the epic collapse shifted the series in Florida's favor and gave all the momentum to the Southeast Division champions.

It was the second time this series that the Devils blew a three-goal lead and forced the game to come down to the wire. It was also the second time this season they allowed the Panthers to score four straight goals to comeback and win.

Head coach Pete DeBoer also decided to pull Martin Brodeur with a 3-3 tie early in the second period, which sent out some shock waves around Prudential Center. It was only the second time in his career that Brodeur has been pulled in a playoff game, and the only other time it happened was in 2006.

While only being game three and the Panthers holding just a 2-1 lead, it is sad to say that this series may be close to over. Not only did the Devils show a key weakness in their goaltending and defensive unit, but they also showed their inability to close out games in pressure situations.

Regardless of the score, the Panthers know they have the ability to come back and turn around games. It has happened three times this season, and even with home ice the Devils were unable to shut the door when it mattered most.

The Devils also have to work on their record-breaking penalty kill, which has allowed six power-play goals in three games despite posting a kill percentage near 90 percent in the regular season. The Panthers' man advantage played a huge role in the comeback last night, and they are building confidence every time they light up the scoreboard.

Florida was able to do the one thing that visiting playoff teams need to do: suck the momentum out of the home team. Once they scored the fourth goal, Prudential Center went quiet and the Devils seemed to go into hiding until the last few minutes of the game.

Perhaps putting Cam Janssen or Eric Boulton into the lineup will shake things up and give the Devils an enforcer that could gain back momentum with a fight. Both players were healthy scratches last night, and there was nobody on the ice that could really step up and get in another player's face.

DeBoer decided to go with the same lines in practice today as Game 3, and he announced after the game that Brodeur will return to net after being pulled. While no playoff series is ever over, the Devils face a must-win situation on Thursday if they have any chance in advancing to the next round.