And while no player on either the New Jersey Devils or Toronto Maple Leafs was stubborn enough to deny the tension that was so palpable at Wednesday's morning skates in preparation for Game 7 of their Eastern Conference Semifinal, each was trying to put on a brave face and appear calm as they battled their nerves. It's a great feeling. Like Gary Roberts said yesterday, somebody's going to be a hero. It would be just what the doctored ordered to end this series. But, both teams also know that emotion cannot rule the day.
Game plans have to be followed and fundamentals adhered to.
If not, a season's worth of work can go down the drain with one ill-timed penalty or missed assignment. That's where veteran leadership comes to the forefront, says New Jersey's Ken Daneyko , who has played in every playoff game his team has contested, including eight previous Game 7s. We've won some and we've lost some. We can't get caught up in the emotion of the game. It's intense and you have to go out there and get that first hit under your belt and settle down.