Three of the four conference semifinals begin Thursday, as Toronto, which swept Ottawa, visits defending Stanley Cup champion New Jersey. The Red Wings won the first two games from the Kings, but then LA swept the next four games. We were down and we never quit. Those four big wins should give them plenty of energy. The Devils won the first three games only to lose Game 4 in overtime and Game 5 at home.
New Jersey plays a Toronto team that it eliminated in last year's second round.
Goalie Curtis Joseph, bothered recently by a right-hand injury, led Toronto's upset of the Senators with shutouts in the first two games. That's the type of goaltender he is. He is going to be good. We have to beat him. The Sabres allowed the fewest goals in the regular season and Hasek posted a league-high 11 shutouts.