NHL Playoffs 2012: New Jersey Devils Win, Take 3-1 Series Lead over the Flyers

The New Jersey Devils took a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Philadelphia Flyers after winning Game 4 on Sunday.

After falling behind by two goals the Devils roared back, scoring three goals and adding an empty-netter to win 4-2.

The Devils dominated play early in the first period, forcing Peter Laviolette to call timeout in an attempt to change the momentum. 

It seemed to work, as Scott Hartnell notched his third of the playoffs on the power play at 11:50 of the first period.

Claude Giroux scored a shorthanded marker less than two minutes later to give the Flyers a two-goal lead, but it was short-lived.

The Devils responded with goals by Petr Sykora and Marek Zidlicky to tie the game at two heading into the first intermission. 

In the second period, the Devils held the Flyers to only five shots and peppered Bryzgalov with 16 shots on goal. Dainius Zubrus finally beat Bryzgalov late in the period on a goal which would stand as the game-winner.

Martin Brodeur celebrated his 40th birthday with a win and added an assist on Zubrus’ second of the night, an empty netter which sealed the Devils victory.

Zubrus was also the target of a high hit from a frustrated Claude Giroux late in the second period. The NHL is likely to review the play, which resulted in Giroux receiving a two-minute minor for an illegal check to the head.

The Devils have never lost a series when leading 3-1. They can close out the Flyers with a win in Game 5, Tuesday in Philadelphia.

If the Flyers want to force a sixth game, they will have to come up with a much stronger effort offensively.  

Their offense may have received a boost from Marc-Andre Fleury’s poor play in the first round, but the Flyers were also doing a much better job getting pucks to the net. 

We know the Flyers have the talent to come back, but we will find out Tuesday if they have the determination.