The New Jersey Devils wrapped up their western road trip with a bittersweet ending, falling 4-2 to the Seattle Kraken on Sunday. That loss not only snapped their shot at a clean sweep but also marked their first regulation defeat ever against the Kraken. For a team trying to claw its way back into the playoff picture, every missed opportunity stings a little more.
Let’s talk postseason odds. According to Money Puck, the Devils now have a 27% chance to make the playoffs - not exactly where they hoped to be this time of year.
That number might not sound great, but it’s actually up from 12.6% just a week ago. So yes, there’s still a pulse, and in this league, momentum can swing fast.
Now, let’s dig into a couple of telling stats that sum up the Devils’ season so far - one that’ll make you cringe, and one that might make you believe again.
The not-so-pretty one: Friday’s 5-4 win over Vancouver was the first time since December 9 that New Jersey won a game after allowing three or more goals. Before that, they had dropped nine straight when giving up at least three.
That’s a troubling trend for a team that came into the season with high expectations and a dynamic offense. When the defense cracks, the comeback just hasn’t been there - until Friday.
But here’s the flip side: when the Devils are ahead after two periods, they’re perfect. Literally.
They’re 18-0-0 when leading after 40 minutes, the second-best mark in the league behind the Colorado Avalanche. That’s a sign of a team that can close, that knows how to lock it down when they’ve got the edge.
The challenge, of course, is getting that lead more often.
Injury-wise, the team took another hit on Monday against Calgary. This time it was Luke Hughes, who exited the game holding his shoulder after what looked like a relatively harmless play.
According to ESPN’s Emily Kaplan, Hughes won’t need surgery - at least for now - and is expected to rehab with an eye toward returning shortly after the Olympic break. It’s a sigh of relief, but still a blow for a blue line that’s already been tested.
Friday’s win over Vancouver had all the makings of a breakout moment. The Devils’ third line was buzzing, the power play looked sharp, and rookie Lenni Hameenaho scored his first NHL goal.
For a moment, it felt like a statement win. But then Jacob Markstrom let in two soft goals, and suddenly the Devils were hanging on against a Canucks team that’s sitting at the bottom of the standings.
What could’ve been a turning point ended up feeling more like a narrow escape.
That third line, though? They’ve been nothing short of electric.
In just three games together, the trio of Hameenaho, Arseny Gritsyuk, and Cody Glass has posted an absurd 83.84% expected goals for percentage at five-on-five, with a 24-11 edge in shots and a 24-8 advantage in scoring chances, per Natural Stat Trick. That’s not just good - that’s dominant.
Cody Glass, in particular, is on fire. The 26-year-old center has racked up nine points and six goals over his last eight games, tying him for second on the team in goals with 13. He’s found another gear lately, and if this line keeps clicking, they could be the spark the Devils desperately need.
As for the Dougie Hamilton trade chatter - it’s cooled off, and for good reason. With Luke Hughes sidelined, the Devils simply can’t afford to lose another top defenseman.
Hamilton has been playing some of his best hockey of the season, with points in eight straight games. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, unless a team comes in with an offer New Jersey absolutely can’t refuse - think top-six forward level - Hamilton is staying put.
And right now, the Devils need him more than ever.
So, while the road trip didn’t end the way they wanted, there are signs of life. The third line is surging, the team can close out games when they’ve got the lead, and their top defenseman is playing like one. The playoff hill is steep, but if the Devils can tighten up defensively and stay healthy, there’s still time to make a run.
And if you’re looking to keep up with all the action, don’t forget to catch the postgame live streams on the team’s YouTube show, Speaking of the Devils. With the season heating up, there’s never been a better time to tune in.