They might not be getting love on Versus or NBC, relegating live television coverage of their series to those who get NHL Center Ice or live in their respective areas.However, there hasn't been a more competitive series than the one between Carolina and New Jersey. The teams were tied 1-1 heading into Game Three Sunday night, which became the second straight in the series to require overtime. After losing home-ice advantage with a 2-1 defeat Friday, the Devils took it back with a 3-2 overtime win Sunday in Raleigh.
We've had no shortage of physical play in the first three games, and the scoring chances have been superb. Sunday, both teams went up-and-down the rink, and the goaltenders played exceptionally well once again.
Martin Brodeur made a couple very nice saves in overtime, which helped set up the Devils for Travis Zajac's game-winner. On that play in overtime, Zach Parise took the initial shot from the right circle after carrying the puck into the Carolina zone. It was a play tantalizingly close to being offside, but the linesman ruled Zajac was not in early.
Cam Ward stopped Parise, but left a huge rebound for an unmarked Zajac, who needed two whacks to get the puck high past Ward for the winning marker.
The Devils got both their regulation goals in the first period, including Brian Gionta scoring off a Joe Corvo turnover in the final ten seconds of the period to give the Devils a 2-1 lead after one. Carolina blew a long five-on-three chance in the second, but Chad LaRose deflected in a shot to tie it for the Hurricanes.
The Canes then outshot the Devils in an entertaining third period, but could put nothing past Brodeur.
The win ends a rather odd jinx for the Devils, who had been 0-5 all-time in playoff overtime games against Carolina. It also gives New Jersey a 2-1 series lead. Game Four will be Tuesday night in Raleigh.
