Devils coach Pete DeBoer, who was feeling ill on Sunday, said he was better today.

He also said there is no illness running through the team.

"I feel great," DeBoer said as he awaited Game 1 against the Rangers. "Thanks for your concern. I know it's genuine."

DeBoer said he hadn't decided on his lineup for Game 1, although Cam Janssen, Eric Boulton, Tim Sestito amd Peter Harrold skated hard well after the optional morning skate.

The coach said the first period against the Rangers would be important because of the Devils' lengthy layoff between series.

"The first period tonight is going to be a dangerous period for us," DeBoer noted. "We have to be ready for that."

Rangers rookie Carl Hagelin gave the Devils trouble all season with his speed.



"I don't think they have just one," DeBoer said. "You have (Marian) Gaborik, who is a world class speed type guy. This is something this team throws at you that maybe we didn't have in the Philly series. Philly was very deep up front, different kind of forwards. Their skilled guys like Hartnell and Jagr were more big, strong, heavy players. The Rangers have a blend of the type of high end speed, a lot like Florida did.

"It's hard to handle something different but we've seen those type of players before with (Sean) Bergenhiem in Florida. So I think we'll be okay."

He said emotions would be higher than in the first two rounds.

"Absolutely," DeBoer said. "The emotions don't get any higher, other than in the Stanley Cup final, than the Eastern Conference championship and playing your cross town, cross river rivals. Emotions are something we're going to have to manage.

"You definitely want them. It's a big part of hockey and a big part of hockey this time of year. But you also have to make sure you channel it the right way."

DeBoer said he hasn't been surprised at his team so far in the postseason.

"I just like how we've responded to different situations," DeBoer said. "It hasn't been an easy road, even in the Philly series, being down in games and in a tough environment. The Florida series was obviously everything we could handle plus some.

"I thought our veteran guys have given us exactly what they'd give us-- experience, composure, leadership. And I think our young guys have done a very good job of contributing and finding another level. Adam Larsson as an example, to sit, come in and give us the type of minutes he's given us. He's not alone on that list."