LOS ANGELES -- Former Sabres defenseman Henrik Tallinder will make his 2012 Stanley Cup playoff debut tonight when he suits up for the Devils in Game Four against the Kings. Devils coach Peter DeBoer confirmed the change while meeting with the media this morning.
Tallinder is being thrust into the biggest game of the year with the Devils trying to avoid being swept. He hasn't played since Jan. 17, when he was sidelined with a dangerous blot clot in his left leg. He'll be matched up against the hard-charging Kings, who have outscored the Devils, 8-2, while winning the first three games. So much for easing back into the lineup.
"I feel pretty comfortable in practice, but it's practice," Tallinder said. "Stanley Cup Final, how do you prepare for that? Excitement. A lot of jump in your legs. And try not to think too much."
Devils coach Peter DeBoer also is inserting veteran forward Petr Sykora into the lineup for Game Four. He had been a healthy scratch for the first three games. DeBoer is looking for anything that can kick-start New Jersey's struggling offense.
"We need to find a way to get some goals," DeBoer said.
--- Bucky Gleason
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