Kategoria:
NHL Blogi
Devils Eye Playoffs After Key Additions and Fresh Start
The New Jersey Devils entered the 2023-2024 season with high hopes, following a strong campaign the year before. Unfortunately, the season ended in disappointment, as the Devils accumulated only 81 points, falling 10 points short of a playoff spot. The team’s glaring issue was on the defensive side and goaltending, where they struggled mightily. New Jersey allowed 283 goals, ranking them among the worst in the league in terms of goals against. This defensive collapse derailed a team with promising offensive talent.
Throughout the season, the Devils experimented with five different goaltenders, desperately searching for stability in net. The lack of consistent goaltending, coupled with defensive lapses, proved to be their undoing. The situation was exacerbated by the injury to star defenseman Dougie Hamilton, who was limited to just 20 games. His absence left a huge hole on the blue line, further weakening their defensive structure.
By March, head coach Lindy Ruff was fired as the team’s performance continued to spiral. The coaching change did little to alter the trajectory of their season, and New Jersey ultimately missed the playoffs, capping off a frustrating year.
Offseason Moves:
The Devils approached the 2024 offseason determined to address their defensive issues and goaltending instability. One of the most notable moves was acquiring goaltender Jacob Markström from the Calgary Flames. Markström brings a proven track record as a reliable starter, and his presence should immediately provide the Devils with the stability they lacked in net last season.
On defense, New Jersey made several key additions. They signed Brenden Dillon and Brett Pesce, two defensemen known for their physicality and defensive responsibility. Pesce, in particular, will be expected to step into a top-pairing role alongside a (hopefully) healthy Dougie Hamilton. If Hamilton can return to form after his injury-plagued season, the duo has the potential to anchor a much-improved blue line.
However, the Devils also lost several key defensemen in the offseason, including John Marino, Brendan Smith, and Kevin Bahl. While the new acquisitions should help balance those losses, the team will need to integrate these new faces quickly to form a cohesive defensive unit.
In terms of offensive depth, the Devils brought in Tomas Tatar and Stefan Noesen. Tatar, a versatile winger, adds additional scoring punch and can play up and down the lineup. Noesen, known for his grit and two-way play, brings depth to the bottom-six forwards and can chip in offensively when needed. These acquisitions aim to complement the already high-powered Devils’ offense, led by stars Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier.
Another major change came behind the bench, where Sheldon Keefe, formerly of the Toronto Maple Leafs, was hired as the new head coach. Keefe, known for his ability to manage high-powered offenses (at least in the regular season), is expected to implement a system that allows the Devils to maximize their offensive firepower while tightening up defensively. His hiring signals a new direction and fresh start for the team.
2024-2025 Season Outlook:
Looking ahead to the 2024-2025 season, there is reason for optimism in New Jersey. The Devils’ offense remains one of the most potent in the league, with young stars like Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Dawson Mercer continuing to drive the team’s attack. Scoring has never been the issue for the Devils, as they have the firepower to compete with the best teams in the league.
The key to their success this season will be on the defensive end. With a healthy Dougie Hamilton, the addition of Brett Pesce, and the steady presence of Brenden Dillon, the Devils have significantly bolstered their blue line. These moves, combined with the acquisition of Jacob Markström, position the Devils to drastically improve their goals-against numbers. If Markström can provide consistent goaltending and the defense holds firm, New Jersey has the pieces in place to be a playoff contender.
Sheldon Keefe’s arrival as head coach also brings a sense of renewal.
The Devils start their season overseas with two “Global Series” games against the Buffalo Sabres in Prague. The games have an interesting storyline, as they will face Lindy Ruff, their former head coach, who now leads the Sabres. These international games provide a unique opportunity for the Devils to set the tone early and build team chemistry in a high-profile setting.
Conclusion:
The New Jersey Devils are primed for a significant bounce-back season in 2024-2025. With a healthy Dougie Hamilton, the defensive additions of Pesce and Dillon, and the stability provided by Jacob Markström in net, the Devils have addressed their biggest weaknesses from last season. Offensively, they remain one of the most dangerous teams in the league. If they can find a balance between their high-octane attack and a more reliable defense, the sky's the limit for this team.
Under the leadership of Sheldon Keefe, New Jersey has the potential to make a significant jump in the standings, and a return to the playoffs seems within reach. However, with the competition in the Metropolitan Division being fierce, the Devils will need everything to fall into place to realize their full potential.
(Please read our Disclaimer for NHL Team Points Distribution Histograms.)
Here you can find all our (so far revealed) team previews
ESBC - Together more from the games!
Uutiset ja blogitekstit RSS-syötteenä