Takeaways from the final four

What do the remaining teams have in common? What can the New Jersey Devils learn, or take away, from the conference finalists?

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Four teams are just one series win away from the chance to play for the Stanley Cup. What are some commonalities between those still playing? What can the New Jersey Devils learn or take away from the teams and their success?

Let’s take a closer look!

Power play success is key

You often hear people suggest refs put whistles away in the playoffs. While that’s certainly the case in elimination games, there are usually more penalties in the first few games of a series than in the regular season.

Don’t get it twisted. There are plenty of opportunities for power plays to make a difference – and teams need them to in order to be successful.

Three of the four leading teams in power play goals per 60 in these playoffs made it to the final four. The lone exception is the Avalanche.

And only two of the teams still playing have goal differentials above +2 at 5v5.

The Panthers are +5, the Stars are +4, the Oilers are +2, and the Rangers are +1.

Put another way, two of teams in the final four outscored their opponents by an average of one goal (or less) per series. Think about that.

Things are air tight at 5v5 and it’s almost impossible to gain real separation on the scoreboard as a result.

Teams need their power plays to make a difference, which is why the Devils must figure out a way to be more productive on the man advantage next season. Better health will help, for sure, but there needs to be meaningful improvement.

Star puck movers are a necessity