Crease keepers: the devils have proved that size, strength and positioning in front of the net are the keys to scoring--and preventing scores--in the Stanley Cup finals. (NHL).

In the Stanley Cup finals, great goaltending is a given. This year's series, with the Devils' Martin Brodeur and the Ducks' Jean-Sebastien Giguere in net, was no exception.

But to beat the best, you must make the opposing goalie's life miserable. Shots must be screened and rebounds attacked. At the other end, your goalie must see each shot and face few rebounds. Nothing is won on the perimeter. The team that owns the space in front of both goals likely will win--a formula the Devils followed all regular season and into the playoffs.

In the first two games of the finals, the Devils were dominant in front of the nets. In their defensive zone, Brodeur had ...