Why the Devils should have just let the Kings sweep

No one should be happier that the Devils actually won a game against L.A. However, everyone is so nearsighted in the NHL Playoffs, seldom anyone realizes the series is in for a long run.

First, before opinions are spread, let's look at the facts.

Game 1: LA- 2 NJ- 1 OT
One of the most boring games of any series. (Ever.) New Jersey's goal was pretty illegitimate, and Marty wasn't looking as hot as he did for Games 2 and 3, especially not 4. Jersey seemed scared of LA's big bodies, and couldn't establish their forecheck well.

Game 2: LA- 2 NJ-1 OT
As the Devils could have won due to their sudden aggression, they obviously didn't (and as people should realize, this is the playoffs. Where the calls are made up and the points don't matter) and were again, too intimidated by LA's defensive core and still didn't establish their forecheck. Still, they could have pulled out, and the game could have been decided either way in overtime from a bad bounce. At this time New Jersey still hasn't put forth a legitimate goal.

Game 3: LA- 4 NJ-0
Marty Brodeur is the only reason that Jersey didn't spontaneously combust at how well LA was playing offensively. Oh, Wayne Gretzky was also there. So the second Devils game he ever watches, and they still appear to be as bad as the 13-4 loss back in 1982-83 to the Edmonton Oilers. "Well, it's time they got their act together, folks. They're ruining the whole league. They had better stop running a Mickey Mouse organization and put somebody on ice." -- Wayne Gretzky

Game 4: LA- 1 NJ- 3
Don't get too excited. Kovalchuk managed and empty netter, so it's not that drastic of a win, and is still injured as Parise get's his ankle destroyed. However, on the other hand, Martin Brodeur is the star of the show and is absolutely phenomenal all 60 minutes stopping 21 of 22 shots with a .955 save percentage. This obviously prolongs the Stanley Cup winner one more game.

But in regards to that, does New Jersey really have enough skill to win 3 more games to clinch the Stanley Cup for a fourth time? Of course they don't. That wasn't a rhetorical question. Jersey is too tired, too injured, and too disorganized in their forecheck to beat LA in 3 straight. They had enough passion and drive to prolong it one game, to rid Devils fans the embarrassment of a reverse 1995 sweep, but the team is in no position to beat LA three more times.

So honestly, they should have just allowed a sweep. I'm sure it's no secret to the team that they don't have enough energy to have Marty backstop them three straight. Besides, Quick is still untouchable on the road, and when the Kings get that one last win, it will more likely than not be in New Jersey. And awarding the Stanley Cup on the road, well, that's just awkward.