Washington Capitals - The Caps are the top team the Devils should root for. The most obvious reason is because they are playing the New York Rangers in the first round of the playoffs. Every Devils fan would love to watch the Rangers get knocked out early. It would almost make up for them knocking the Devils out of playoff contention. Just for that, Lets go Caps! Now for real.

May 2, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates with Capitals right wing Joel Ward (42) after the Capitals defeated the New York Rangers in game one of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at Verizon Center. The Capitals won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

New York Islanders - Let’s be honest, the Islanders are not a rival of the Devils. The Isles have not made the playoffs since 2007 and have been irrelevant in the Atlantic Division ever since. The New York Mets of the hockey world cannot be hated because of their recent history and how poorly they have played. Besides, if the Devils moved or did not exist, I believe the majority of Devils fans would be Islanders fans over the Rangers. Also, they are playing the Pittsburgh Penguins who are bigger rivals in my opinion. But the Isles have a very slim chance at beating the Pens, especially with Crosby back. Who does not like rooting for the underdog?

Ottawa Senators - The final team, the Senators, have had a rocky season to say the least. After losing Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson, Jason Spezza, Milan Michalek, and goaltender Craig Anderson to injuries the Senators had everything going against them. All but Spezza have returned to the Senators lineup since then, but they were out for most of the season. Despite doubters, the Senators never lost hope at making the playoffs. Veterans like Daniel Alfredsson, Chris Neil, and Sergei Gonchar all stepped up to make that hope a reality. The Senators are in the midst of a series against the Montreal Canadiens and currently lead 1-0.

No matter who wins, the Stanley Cup Playoffs are always exciting. There have already been plenty of great hockey games played along with many more to come.

The Devils played very slow in the opening minutes of the game, in fact, 52 seconds into the game they gave up a goal on poor defensive play by Bryce Salvador. Marek Zidlicky was left all alone defensively after Salvador was no where to help him out. Josh Bailey put it in on a backhand that Martin Brodeur had no shot to save.

Apr 1, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; New York Islanders center Josh Bailey (12) scores a goal on New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur (30) during the first period at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

In the second period the Devils came out red hot. There were so many scoring chances that just barely missed the net. David Clarkson had a great opportunity with a wide open net, but could not get enough of the puck with one hand.

At 8:01 in the second, Alexei Ponikarovsky beat Islanders goaltender Evgeni Nabokov through the five-hole on a great pass from Patrik Elias. The goal was the Poni Express’ fourth.

That was not enough though as the Devils scoring went dry from there on out.

The Islanders would add one more goal on a power play from John Tavares.

Apr 1, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) scores a goal on New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur (30) during the third period at the Prudential Center. The Islanders defeated the Devils 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Lou Lamoriello better make a move at the trade deadline Wednesday. The team is in trouble and is in need of more offensive production.
 
 
Many rumors about possible moves have been circulating, but they have yet to finalize anything.

The Devils take the ice next against the Boston Bruins, in Boston, Thursday night at 7:00pm.

Other Facts:

Attendance - 17,625

1st Star - Frans Nielsen
2nd Star - Josh Bailey
3rd Star - Alexei Ponikarovsky