Current record-
44-25-5, 93 points (4th in East)
When they clinched a playoff spot-
March 27th
The amazing stretch-
October 4 - November 14th (14-2)
With 93 points, the New Jersey Devils are now in the pantheon that is the Eastern Conference playoffs. After all, only 8 teams get to enter out of 15, and they are one of four who have a realistic chance at getting out of the East.
Thursday's loss to the Rangers hurts only because of the same, familiar bad luck that has plagued the Devils against the Rangers in previous playoffs more than anything. Disallowed goals, missed calls, and lucky saves all played a part but the defensive liabilities of certain players on the team make you wonder what this team will do come Round 1.
If they can get by Round 1...look out. The question is can they?
Last year, the Devils were fairly unlucky in losing in 7 to the Carolina Hurricanes. There will be no excuses this year for New Jersey as they will draw a team likely inferior to them again. Will Ilya Kovalchuk be the difference maker in the playoffs like everyone expects or will the defense let New Jersey down again?
Better yet, does Martin Brodeur have one more deep run in him? I do not doubt that he does but can he shoulder the load for a team that defensively has been deficient at times and that is being kind. Time will tell.
What we do know is the Devils will go only as far as Brodeur can take them. The last two years were very heartbreaking for this club but with Jacques Lemaire as the coach...I can see a different result. The key will be, as always, who they draw in the first round. Right now it could be Boston, Philadelphia, Montreal, or even Ottawa...it just depends.
The other unknown will be how Ilya Kovalchuk performs in the playoffs for New Jersey. It was not a secret that he was brought in for scoring in the playoffs. His one playoff appearance was not-so-good as everyone knows. That cannot happen this year as this could determine where Kovalchuk winds up come July 1st.
So a simple congratulations to the New Jersey Devils on making the postseason for the 13th win in a row. Hopefully the stay will be a long one.
44-25-5, 93 points (4th in East)
When they clinched a playoff spot-
March 27th
The amazing stretch-
October 4 - November 14th (14-2)
With 93 points, the New Jersey Devils are now in the pantheon that is the Eastern Conference playoffs. After all, only 8 teams get to enter out of 15, and they are one of four who have a realistic chance at getting out of the East.
Thursday's loss to the Rangers hurts only because of the same, familiar bad luck that has plagued the Devils against the Rangers in previous playoffs more than anything. Disallowed goals, missed calls, and lucky saves all played a part but the defensive liabilities of certain players on the team make you wonder what this team will do come Round 1.
If they can get by Round 1...look out. The question is can they?
Last year, the Devils were fairly unlucky in losing in 7 to the Carolina Hurricanes. There will be no excuses this year for New Jersey as they will draw a team likely inferior to them again. Will Ilya Kovalchuk be the difference maker in the playoffs like everyone expects or will the defense let New Jersey down again?
Better yet, does Martin Brodeur have one more deep run in him? I do not doubt that he does but can he shoulder the load for a team that defensively has been deficient at times and that is being kind. Time will tell.
What we do know is the Devils will go only as far as Brodeur can take them. The last two years were very heartbreaking for this club but with Jacques Lemaire as the coach...I can see a different result. The key will be, as always, who they draw in the first round. Right now it could be Boston, Philadelphia, Montreal, or even Ottawa...it just depends.
The other unknown will be how Ilya Kovalchuk performs in the playoffs for New Jersey. It was not a secret that he was brought in for scoring in the playoffs. His one playoff appearance was not-so-good as everyone knows. That cannot happen this year as this could determine where Kovalchuk winds up come July 1st.
So a simple congratulations to the New Jersey Devils on making the postseason for the 13th win in a row. Hopefully the stay will be a long one.
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