That turned out to be a hard-fought seven-game series in which the Marlies prevailed on home ice thanks to a late winning goal from Rich Clune. The first round is only a best-of-five, but it should be equally as tight, with the Devils at full strength due to New Jersey’s failure to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Regular Season Series
Toronto held the edge during the eight-game regular series (4-2-2), but both teams managed winning records on home ice.
Albany will be glad they won’t have to face Byron Froese, who put up six goals and nine points during the season series against the Devils before he was moved to Tampa Bay in the trade for Brian Boyle.