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Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 3 (Florida leads 2-1)
Panthers 4, Devils 3 (Recap | Box score)
Scott Clemmensen: The backup goalie for the Panthers was called upon in relief of Jose Theodore after the latter gave up three goals in the game's first six and-a-half minutes. That was all the Devils would score. Clemmensen came in and stopped all 19 shots he saw, including surviving a flurry of attempts in the final moments. He was solid against his former team and might have earned himself a start in Game 4.
Patrik Elias' unsportsmanlike conduct penalty at the 15:16 mark of the first period. It was needless and just a stupid play from Elias, who hit Erik Gudbranson after the Panthers defenseman touched up the puck for icing. The Devils were up 3-0 at the time and in complete control of the game. The ensuing Florida power play yielded a goal from Sean Bergenheim and started the Panthers' comeback from the mat.
Shocking. Really, Martin Brodeur getting yanked in a playoff game? That doesn't happen often, but it did tonight. He was beat three times on 12 Florida shots. With the way the game started, you thought for sure the Devils were going to cruise to a 7-1 win or some similar margin but the Panthers came roaring back. Just as shocking is the fact that the Devils gave up three power-play goals. That's six now in the three games in this series. The Devils gave up only 27 in 82 regular-season games, the best PK in the history of the NHL.
Photo: Getty Images
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