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 story for tonights game was once again the power play. The Devils had six penalty minutes including a long 5-on-3 chance halfway through the first period, but they cannot figure out how to get anything in the net.

After a scoreless first period where the Devils dominated with nine shots to three, the Sens gained the lead at 3:08 on a backhand from Jean-Gabriel Pageau.

Apr 12, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; The Ottawa Senators celebrate a goal by Ottawa Senators center Jean-Gabriel Pageau (44) during the second period at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

This loss made the Devils now 0-5-4 without Ilya Kovalchuk.

The Devils play again Monday night at the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Other Facts:
Attendance - 16,099 (First non-sellout since March 5th)

Shots - Devils 33, Senators 11

1st Star - Craig Anderson (33 saves, 0 goals allowed)
2nd Star - Jean-Gabriel Pageau (Goal)
3rd Star - Milan Michalek (Goal)