Stanley Cup Finals 2012: Champion Will Be Determined by Power Play Opportunities

New Jersey and Los Angeles have been the top two even-strength teams in this year's NHL postseason, but the power play numbers tell a completely different story.

The Devils have been the playoffs' fourth-best power play unit. The Kings are 15th. This amounts to the Devils scoring on their power play just over 10 percent more often than Los Angeles.

Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses. Let's take a look at how the power play is going to influence this series.

When the Devils Have a Power Play

The New Jersey Devils' power play scores just over 18 percent of the time. They must use this to their advantage if they want to defeat the Kings.

As an aside, the Kings have scored five short-handed goals this postseason. Their penalty kill units have dictated the tempo to opposing power play units. This generates points and an incredible amount of momentum.

The Devils must make sure things go in their favor when they hold the man advantage. Their grinding, blue-collar mentality does not lend itself to high-scoring, wide-open game play.

A short-handed goal could force the Devils to press, feel uncomfortable and relinquish their one major advantage over Los Angeles.

It is rare to find a series shaped by one thing. The battle between the Devils power play and the Kings penalty killers will go a long way in determining the outcome of this series.

When the Kings Have a Power Play

The Kings have been putrid on the power play this postseason, scoring just eight percent of the time. The Devils were the regular-season leaders in short-handed goals.

Los Angeles will look to space the ice, keep a body in front of Martin Brodeur and generate some power play production. They have won 12 of their 14 playoff games without it. Just imagine how well they would play with it.

The Kings certainly have the skill to put the puck in the net. Mike Richards, Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown and Jeff Carter are all capable of scoring any time they touch the puck.

Now the Kings must find their rhythm with a man advantage while keeping the Devil penalty killers at bay.

If the Kings receive even a marginal boost in power play production, they will be extremely tough to beat. They are young, hungry and very talented.

The Devils have the experience and consistency. The Kings have momentum and rest in their favor.

Which team will win out? Their special teams units will be the deciding factor.