Devils captain Zach Parise is one of three American-born captains remaining in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The others are Ryan Callahan of the Rangers (Rochester, N.Y.) and Dustin Brown (Ithica, N.Y.) of the Los Angeles Kings. Phoenix Coyotes captain Shane Doan is from Halkirk, Alberta.

"They figured it out. Finally," joked Parise, who is from Minneapolis. "I think it's just coincidence."

"The regular season games between us and them are always great with the atmosphere in the buildings. The intensity level is higher than any other team we play against," Parise said. "In the playoffs it's even a step up from that.

"Having experienced it, it's hard to describe. They're a very good team. I think we respect them as a team, but it's a rival, too. You expect it to be that intense."

* * *

Here is the transcript from John Tortorella's press conference today:

Question: I can't remember in which series you said before, but you were

asked if you looked for something in the team and you weren't going to say

what it was, but you had seen it. Is that still the case?



COACH TORTORELLA: We're fine.

Q. And you've seen what you need to see?



COACH TORTORELLA: We're fine.

Q. Is there a challenge emotionally with the quick turnaround from

one series to the next?



COACH TORTORELLA: No, none.

Q. You alluded yesterday to you're glad the team had the experience

of two Game 7s. So when other people are suggesting maybe 14 games isn't

the best way to start out...



COACH TORTORELLA: It's a bunch of crap.

Q. What does Ottawa or the Capitals or the Devils - does it really

come down to what your team does? Is that what your focus and preparation

is?



COACH TORTORELLA: We don't spend too much time on the other team.

We're worried about our team.

Q. You said home ice doesn't matter until you get to a Game 7. Why

is it different in Game 7 as opposed to any other home game?



COACH TORTORELLA: I just feel that way.

* * *

Beginning this week, New Jersey Transit will be backing the Devils by congratulating the team on their playoff success and wishing them luck in the Eastern Conference Finals with announcements at Newark Penn Station and Newark Broad Street while passengers embark and disembark at the stations.

Digital signs and print signs will be placed throughout Newark Penn Station, where Devils fans pass through on their way to Prudential Center.

“We are proud of the great partnership we’ve developed with New Jersey Transit,” said Jeff Vanderbeek, chairman and managing partner of the Devils. “We are thankful for their support of the team throughout the season and their extra efforts throughout Newark during the playoffs have helped to build excitement throughout the city.”