The New Jersey Devils are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2017-2018. They currently sit in second place in the Metropolitan Division with 100 points.
This is a massive turnaround for New Jersey, who has picked in the top 10 in the draft every season since 2018. The team did have some expectations going into the season of turning it around, and they didn’t disappoint.
THE ROCK WILL BE ROCKIN' AND ROLLIN'‼️
— NHL (@NHL) March 26, 2023
The @NJDevils are off to the #StanleyCup Playoffs! 😈 pic.twitter.com/ZFOSHA4QyK
How did the Devils get here?
The Devils took off in late October, running up a winning streak that finished at 13 games. They did not lose a game from October 25th-November 21st. Although they hit a rough patch in December that included a six-game losing streak, the Devils have remained steady and have held down second place in the Metro for a good chunk of the season.
This feat from the Devils is also impressive considering the questions with goaltending going into this season. Vitek Vanecek and Mackenzie Blackwood were considered serviceable goaltenders in their careers so far, but nothing special.
The goaltending for New Jersey this season hasn’t been anything special, but it’s been steady. For a team who hasn’t had solid goaltending in nearly a decade, that’s about all you can ask for. The real question will be how will this tandem hold up in the playoffs.
Jack Hughes is a certified star in the NHL.
The 2019 first-overall pick had many questions around him in his first two seasons in the league. His highest point total over those first two seasons was 31 in 2020-2021. People were ready to give up on him, already calling him a bust.
That was until last season when he started to show promise, recording over a point per game in only 49 games played.
Hughes this season has absolutely exploded. He has recorded 40 goals and 46 assists for 86 points, and there are still eight games left in the season.
He is the leader of the team, the engine, everything. Whether or not the Devils could/will go on a long run will be based on Hughes’s performance.
How far can they go in the playoffs?
It’s looking likely that the Devils will play the New York Rangers in the playoffs. It will be a very good test for New Jersey on Thursday, as they play the Rangers in New Jersey. The Rangers are red-hot, winning seven of their last eight games.
New Jersey is going to have a tough matchup on their hands if they meet in the first round. It’s just overall nice to see the Devils back here. It’s been a long time.