CBC-Sports

Parise, Zajac have taken leap

April 20, 2009 05:22 PM | Posted by   CBC Sports Staff  

They're just kids, but it has been apparent in the Eastern Conference quarterfinal series against the Carolina Hurricanes that Zach Parise and Travis Zajac has become leaders on the ice for the New Jersey Devils.

Parise has five points in the first three games and Zajac scored the overtime winner in Game 3.

"Oh yeah, just the ice time and responsibilities and the plays they make. That's something that wasn't there last year," goalie Martin Brodeur said. "You've got to give them a lot of credit. They stepped up to the challenge."

Coach Brent Sutter said both players have matured since last year, when the Devils were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

"I notice a difference in them because it's a reflection of our team," Sutter said. "There's a different mindset."

Both Zajac and Parise are soft spoken and therefore not much for speaking out in the dressing room. They do their talking on the ice.

"Last year was disappointing," Zajac said. "A lot of the year I didn't play up to my capabilities. This year has sort of been the opposite."

Asked if he thinks he has become a star in the NHL, Parise said: "I don't know. When I think of stars I think of Crosby, Malkin and Ovechkin."

Time to put Parise's name in there.

"He's certainly one of the top players in the league,"Sutter said. "Whatever category people want to put him in is fine. Most importantly, the league itself and the players in the league know what he is."

DEVILS NOT GETTING COMFORTABLE

Only a handlful of players skated for the Devils Monday afternoon at the RBC Center. Aside from the scratches and backup goalie Scott Clemmensen, it was Bobby Holik, Mike Rupp and David Clarkson skating.

Mostly, it was a day for treatment and rest.

The Devils do not feel they've taken control of the series with the Hurricanes. At least they won't say as much.

"I don't think so," Brian Gionta said. "It's way too early. Both teams are so strong. No one has taken control."

Coach Brent Sutter said he is likely to stick with the same lineup that won Game 3 in OT.

"We're not satisfied at all," Sutter said o fhis team. "Our focus is on Game 4 now. It was important to come in here and play well, which we did. They won a game in New Jersey and we had to get that one back and we did. [But] we're not satisfied at all. There's a lot of hockey left to be played."

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