Stanley Cup Final Schedule 2012: What Devils Must Do to Conquer Kings at Home

Los Angeles is 8-0 on the road this postseason and has the advantage over New Jersey, despite being the lower seed.

The Kings' offense has pulled a 180-degree turn this postseason and has pushed the pace to reach the 2012 Stanley Cup Final. On the contrary, the Devils have remained true to defense and have capitalized on every opponent's mistake.

Still, New Jersey has to be concerned about having the home-ice edge as the Kings' road rage visits to begin the series. To that end, let's see what the Devils must do to defend the home rink against L.A.

Composure

New Jersey has to do a great job of staying out of the penalty box, plain and simple. Los Angeles is very skilled at winning this aspect as the Kings logged over 10 minutes just one time in the conference finals round.

Prior to that, the Kings were consistent at keeping out of the box with 13 minutes or less in three games against St. Louis.

However, Los Angeles did get hit with 51 penalty minutes in Game 2 of that series, so getting the Kings out of their game plan early could have a dramatic effect later in games and the series.

As for the Devils, remaining composed has to occur as it served them well against New York last round. This, in turn, leads to improved defense, which will be needed to slow the Kings' offensive charge seen throughout the playoffs.

Defense

New Jersey played sound defense all season and ranked No. 8 during the regular season. Los Angeles, on the other hand, ranked No. 29 in offense, but has put on a show each round of the playoffs.

The Kings this year have scored above their 2.3 goals-per-game average in nine of their 14 playoff games (losing only twice). New Jersey has to limit opportunities by winning faceoffs and denying open shots.

In the conference finals alone, Los Angeles outshot Phoenix 40.6 to 26.4 per game and closed the series in five games. New Jersey has to significantly decrease the Kings' number of shots attempted, otherwise L.A. will jump out to a quick lead.

Puck Control

Because Los Angeles takes so many shots and gives itself numerous scoring opportunities, it's not surprising to see the Kings defense become even more suffocating.

The Kings are efficient with their shots and the best way New Jersey can limit that, while helping its defense, is by getting the most out of every possession.

Each shot attempt has to have an assist/setup and good movement is needed, when away from the puck, to keep off-the-puck defenders from recognizing tendencies.

You know Martin Brodeur is going to defend his goal well, but moving the puck on offense and slowing the game down in transition will benefit New Jersey in controlling the game's tempo. L.A. has been an offensive onslaught this postseason, so restricting that as much as possible is crucial to winning.

And the best way to slow a game down and reduce the opponent's scoring chances is by controlling the puck.