The New Jersey Devils' season has been a rollercoaster ride, and head coach Sheldon Keefe has been right in the thick of it. Back in early February, just before the NHL paused for the Winter Olympics, Keefe didn't mince words about his team's struggles. After a tough 3-0 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, he called out the Devils' lack of mental toughness, a sentiment that resonated with fans who watched the team stumble into the break with five losses in six games.
Their offensive woes were glaring, managing only 1.6 goals per game during that stretch. As the team jetted off to Milan, they were languishing near the bottom of the league in shooting percentage, goals per game, and Eastern Conference standings. For a team with Stanley Cup aspirations, this was a harsh reality check.
Fast forward to the post-Olympic period, and something clicked for the Devils. The team that had been a defensive mess suddenly found its rhythm, playing with the speed and flair reminiscent of their former glory.
With a 5-1-0 record in their last six games and a 9-3-0 run over the last 12, the Devils are playing like a team on a mission. While the playoffs remain a distant hope, their recent form has certainly stirred excitement.
So, what's behind this turnaround? Is it enough to secure Keefe's future with the team?
And is this resurgence genuine or just a product of a favorable schedule? Let's dig into the Devils' post-Olympic revival.
The schedule has certainly been a factor. Since returning, the Devils have faced eight non-playoff teams, boasting a 6-2-0 record and averaging 4.375 goals per game against them.
However, their performance against playoff-bound teams has been more mixed, with a 3-3-0 record and 3.2 goals per game. Notably, they've shown grit against top teams like the Dallas Stars and Nashville Predators, dominating in expected goals and high danger chances.
From a metrics standpoint, the Devils have improved significantly. Since late February, they rank sixth in Corsi for percentage and 11th in expected goals for percentage, indicating they’re controlling play and generating quality scoring chances. Compared to their pre-Olympic stats, where they hovered around the middle of the pack, their recent numbers suggest a sustainable improvement.
Injuries have plagued the Devils all season, ranking eighth in man games lost. But the return of key players like Jack and Luke Hughes has been pivotal. Keefe himself noted that the break provided much-needed practice time and rest, allowing the team to reset mentally and physically.
As for Keefe's future, it's still up in the air. Despite the rocky season, his recent adjustments have sparked a resurgence.
The Devils are blending offensive firepower with defensive responsibility, allowing the fifth fewest high danger chances since late February. If this system continues to thrive, Keefe might just earn another shot next season.
Ultimately, if the Devils continue to build on this momentum, it could signal a turning point. But if another coaching change looms, the responsibility may lie more with the players and management than with the system itself. Keefe's ability to adapt and rejuvenate the team has been impressive, and it could be the key to his redemption.