The New Jersey Devils are starting to find their groove, and it couldn't come at a better time. After a season of ups and downs, their latest seven-game homestand showcased a promising 5-2-0 record, marking their best stretch since October. With wins over the New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, and Boston Bruins, the Devils are showing signs of life and resilience.
Overcoming Goal Deficits
The Devils have had their fair share of struggles this season, often falling behind early and battling from behind. But their recent performances tell a different story.
Take the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, for instance. Despite conceding the first goal, the Devils matched the Leafs stride for stride, eventually sealing the win in a shootout after tying the score three times.
Their tenacity was on full display against the Kings as well. After letting a two-goal lead slip and starting the third period down, the Devils roared back with four goals to secure a thrilling 6-4 victory. This kind of comeback spirit was evident again against the Bruins, where they shrugged off a 2-0 first-period deficit to clinch a 4-3 win in overtime, thanks to Connor Brown’s timely breakaway goal.
Depth Scoring Shines
The Devils’ resurgence is a team effort, with contributions coming from all corners of the roster. In their last five victories, game-winning goals have come from both star players and unsung heroes. This balanced attack is a refreshing change from their February slump, where scoring more than one goal was a rarity.
Key players like Nico Hischier continue to deliver, but it's the emergence of players like Brown, Arseny Gritsyuk, and Paul Cotter that’s making a difference. Brown, with two goals and six assists in his last seven games, is proving to be the veteran presence the team needs. Gritsyuk, thriving on the third line with Cody Glass and Lenni Hameenaho, is ramping up his production.
Cotter, in particular, has been a revelation. After a dry spell in January, he’s found his scoring touch. He netted a crucial shootout goal against the Leafs and dazzled against the Bruins with a 3-2 lead goal and his first-ever overtime winner.
Improved Efficiency at 5-on-5
The Devils are also making strides in their 5-on-5 play, a crucial area for any team aiming for success. They've netted 10 goals in these situations over their last five games. Their performance against the Rangers was particularly noteworthy, where they not only scored twice but also dominated with a 63.33% Fenwick, indicating strong puck possession and shot attempts.
Even in their losses, the Devils showed progress. They outshot and outchanced both the Detroit Red Wings and the Calgary Flames, managing two 5-on-5 goals against the latter despite the loss.
A lot of this success is credited to head coach Sheldon Keefe’s strategic line changes. The third line of Hameenaho, Glass, and Gritsyuk has been particularly effective, contributing significantly in limited ice time. Meanwhile, the top line continues to deliver, with players like Jesper Bratt, Jack Hughes, and Brown stepping up when it matters most.
With only 15 games left in the season, the Devils are playing with newfound confidence and poise. Their recent form suggests they can handle adversity and maintain momentum. If they keep this up, the Devils could finish the season on a high note, giving their fans plenty to cheer about.