3 Overreactions After One Month of the NHL Season

The New Jersey Devils Have Arrived

I wasn’t sure that it was ever going to happen, but based on the first month of this new NHL season, the New Jersey Devils are officially here.

Lindy Ruff’s crew is leading the Metropolitan Division (just like we all expected) with an 11-3 record and is currently on an eight-game winning streak. During those eight games, the Devils are outscoring their opponents 34-16.

24-year-old forward Jesper Bratt is on pace for a career year after notching his first 70-point campaign a year ago. Through 14 games this season, he has five goals and 13 assists for 18 points and a plus-nine rating.

In addition, new goaltender Vitek Vanecek is enjoying the best year of his career. The first-year Devils netminder is 6-1 on the year with a GAA of 2.33 and a save percentage of .909.

New Jersey’s defense has been stifling in front of him, as it allows the fewest number of shots per game (24.9) by any team in the NHL through the first month.

I have no idea what has the Devils all of a sudden taking massive strides forward in one month, but I’m here for it. At this rate, New Jersey could slump badly later in the season but end up with so many wins in the early going that they have no choice but to make the playoffs.