The NHL Stanley Cup finals had an exciting series and a nice high-def broadcast, so everybody's happy right?

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In 1999-2000, though, when they won their second Stanley Cup, the Devils were second in the NHL in goals scored, and they led the league in scoring the following season before losing in the Finals to the Colorado Avalanche.

WSJ: These Devils Aren't Just About the Defense

So as the final months of their 40th season in the NHL come to a close and as their fans hope and pray that a Stanley Cup parade will be rolling down Robson Street towards Rogers Arena in mid-June, one thing should be very clear to all.

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But for too long after their 2003 Stanley Cup run, the Devils were content to play too conservatively, according to NHL analyst and former Devils goaltender Kevin Weekes, and the franchise's recent past bears out the truth of Weekes's contention.

WSJ: These Devils Aren't Just About the Defense

The year-to-year fluctuations in Stanley Cup ratings mean little in the context of the broad sports landscape, where the NHL occupies a niche spot against the NBA and other leagues.

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Perry and Getzlaf came into the NHL together and have played on the same line for nearly every game of their careers, winning the Stanley Cup in 2007 and earning Olympic gold medals for Canada together in 2010.

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