Coach Pat Burns knew there would be an adjustment period for his new forward, Radek Dvorak. Learning the team's system while bouncing from the top line to the third line has made the transition a bit bumpy for the 28 year old Czech player. In the seven games he has played with his new team, Dvorak has been unable to register any assists. He has however, scored his 15th and 16th goals of the season for the Devils.
Management acquired Dvorak for his playmaking ability. They also liked his attention to detail at both ends of the ice. Those qualities, along with his speed made him New Jersey Devil material, and that's why he was targeted by the team's management.
While he hasn't been tearing it up on the scoreboard, Dvorak has been an instant hit in the dressing room. The guys love his work ethic and recognize how valuable it is to have another player like him at their disposal.
The Devils are feeling very good as the season winds down. Forward Simon Gagne on his team's chances this post-season. "We have proven to the league, but more importantly we have proven to ourselves that we can beat anybody. We will be a pretty tough team to beat over a seven game series."
The Devils were given a playoff tune up recently playing their division rivals, the Flyers, twice last week. In the first game, New Jersey overwhelmed Philadelphia on the shot board, but lost the game 3-2. In the second meeting, Felix Potvin was given the start but again the good guys lost, this time shut-out 3-0.
These losses were really of no concern for the Devils. The team is confident and hungry for the war to begin. The most dangerous opponent at this stage of the season is losing their HEALTH.