Are the New Jersey Devils the Cinderella Story of 2022-2023?
As one of the best young and up-and-coming teams in the NHL, the New Jersey Devils are on a fast track to a playoff spot this season.
The Devils sit tied atop the Metropolitan division with a 7-3 record. What has been their secret to success? Every position has contributed to getting the Devils to where they are now.
Forwards
Forward Jesper Bratt is the hottest player in the league right now. He has four goals and 12 assists for 16 points and five power-play goals in 10 games.
New Jersey has balanced scoring this year, including Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes, up and down the lineup. Only two players, defensemen Kevin Bahl and Brendan Smith, are without a single point. The New Jersey Devils, as a team, have scored 36 goals, which is seventh in the league. The centers are third in faceoff percentage at 56.7%.
Defense
The biggest surprise of the 2022-2023 season may be the defense, as they have played a shut-down style. They have been a stingy group, giving up only 25 goals, which ranks fourth in the league. The defense starts to close the gaps and play a physical style as soon as the opposition hits the blueline. They have been great on a regular shift but excellent on special teams, namely the penalty kill. The Devils’ penalty kill ranks fourth at 88.24% and is third with two short-handed goals.
Goaltending
Mackenzie Blackwood and newcomer Vitek Vanecek have been outstanding between the pipes. Vanecek looks to be the starter with a record of 3-1, a 2.08 GAA (eighth in the league), a .903 save %, and one shutout. Blackwood has been equally as good, posting a 4-2 record with a 2.67 GAA and a .879 save %. The defensemen give Blackwood and Vanecek great looks at the puck with little chance of a rebound. The duo has been solid and looks to continue their hot play.
The Devils were in a tie for first in the Metropolitan division, a spot most would not have put them. Winners of four straight, they have a great home and away record. At home, they are 4-2, while on the road, the Devils are 3-1. The Devils winning % is fourth in the league. The New Jersey roster is filled with young talent, and that talent is showing they can lead this team to wins. Are the Devils playoff bound? Too soon to tell, but they have the group, chemistry, and leadership to take a serious run at a playoff berth this season.