Three Signs the Devils Are Ready for the Playoffs
With a win tonight, the New Jersey Devils would have clinched themselves a spot in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, sadly fans will have to wait a little longer. As the season reaches its conclusion, New Jersey looks to return to the postseason for the third time in the last 13 seasons, safe to say these fans have been more than patient. The Prudential Center in the postseason will no doubt be wild as they look to face the Carolina Hurricanes. With all the unfortunate injuries this Devils team has been through, they go into the series unfortunately not at their most healthy. Key players like Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton may be gone, but over the course of a few weeks, some signs have pointed to this team still being worthy of a chance.
Goaltending is Back
A major issue in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, as well as the 2023-24 regular season, Jacob Markström was brought to New Jersey to at last perfect this team's major flaw, and so he did. From the start of the season, Markström did his duty and kept this team in the playoff spot since game one, the only team in the league to do so. The 31-year-old goaltender hit an unfortunate slump not too long ago after suffering an MCL sprain on January 22nd, but that didn’t stop the backup Jake Allen from doing his part perfectly. Markström hit a rough slump after returning from injury, but his recent 4-1-1 stretch gives fans the sign that this goaltender is back to his usual self. More often than not, great goaltending is the deciding factor in the playoffs, the Carolina Hurricanes would definitely know that.
Playoff Ready Power Play
Special teams for the Devils continue to play a big factor in these games. Currently with a success rate of 28%, they’re third overall in the NHL. Before tonight’s game against Boston, New Jersey had four goals on the power-play in their last five games. Just recently against New York, their power play looked absolutely lethal with their first goal coming just four seconds into the advantage. Luke Hughes has been a great factor, and with a nice pass, Timo Meier launched it home. Their success on the man-advantage can be thanks to Luke Hughes, who’s tallied up 15 assists on the power-play. Special teams like this do also play a huge factor in the postseason, more reason to believe this Devils team is more than ready.
New Leaders
Since Jack Hughes was determined out for the season, plenty more Devils have needed to up their game. The one and only captain Nico Hischier has certainly been leading the way for this Devil's group, totaling 20 points in his previous 16 games. Hischiers’ two hat tricks this season and point production are leadership this team most definitely needs going into the postseason. Ask for physicality, and you’ll find Jesper Bratt, whose incredible speed and toughness have been what New Jersey has needed. Just recently breaking the Devils record for most assists in a season, his ability to score and be physical is key when searching to spark a team in the postseason. Let's not forget about Timo Meier, who has stepped up very much since the beginning of March, with ten goals since then. As more Devils begin to put their numbers up, it shows fans this team can still battle without their superstar.
The Countdown Begins
As New Jersey looks to bounce back after a rough 7-2 loss to the Boston Bruins, just one more win locks them in, it couldn’t be easier. Despite their inevitable clinch, it only shows them that the work has truly just begun, and the real challenge awaits. Impressively, they’ve adapted without their key players which should already give fans a good sign. Goaltending has been back to its roots, another good sign, and the specials have proven lethal, it seems all fans can do is happily countdown until the day comes. Another chance to clinch presents itself on Friday against the Pittsburgh Penguins, let’s see if New Jersey can at last reward these patient fans with a home game clincher.
