The New Jersey Devils and Florida Panthers are headed to overtime after an anticlimactic third period in Game 6 of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Devils couldn't capitalize on a multitude of opportunities and the Panthers held fast to force extra hockey.
Devils Vs. Panthers, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 6: Florida Hangs Tough To Force Overtime
The Devils started the final period with 35 seconds of a power play against Scottie Upshall for these MMA moves at the end of the second. Six seconds later, Brian Campbell was put in the box, giving the Devils a 5-on-3 for 30 seconds and a power play for another 1:30, but they couldn't capitalize.
The energy for both teams seemed to briefly sag before a few quick strikes by the Devils were turned away by Panthers backup goalie Scott Clemmensen, who allowed the first two goals of the game but clamped down well after that.
With just over five minutes remaining in the game, Kris Versteeg of the Panthers was booked for an obvious high-sticking. After a decently executed first possession of the power play ended with a saved shot, the rest of the advantage was a mess of mistakes and turnovers, culminating in Jerred Smithson’s terrific lay-out block of Marek Zidlicky’s slap shot.
If the Panthers can get the Devils into the penalty box in overtime, don’t be shocked if they close it out.
For complete coverage of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs, stick with SB Nation’s NHL hub. For more on the Panthers, head to Litter Box Cats, and for more on the Devils, check out In Lou We Trust.
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