Both Scott Clemmensen and Martin Brodeur have been extremely sharp in the first period of Game 4 between the New Jersey Devils and Florida Panthers. It's been a fairly open game with plenty of shots on goal for both teams, but no one has been able to find the net, and it's 0-0 at first intermission.
Devils forward Steve Bernier has been an always physical and occasionally controversial figure in this series, and he asserted himself early in this one with an absolutely massive clear hit on Keaton Ellerby that set the tone for the game.
That's a pretty representative microcosm of exactly what the Devils tried to do in the first period. They've recorded 17 hits so far, in stark contrast to Florida's three hits recorded. Though they've allowed the Panthers to create too many shots for their liking, they're still imposing their style on the game and they have to feel good about being the more physical team heading into the second period.
For more on the two teams, head over to Florida Panthers blog Litter Box Cats and New Jersey Devils blog In Lou We Trust. You can find more on every NHL Playoffs series over at SB Nation's NHL hub.