The New Jersey Devils are coming into this season with very little expectations, but we’ve seen in years past that doesn’t mean the playoffs are impossible. This is what needs to go right for the Devils to make the postseason.
The New Jersey Devils haven’t made the postseason in five seasons. The team has taken a completely different look in the past half decade. It went from a team led by veterans and a star in Ilya Kovalchuk to one of the youngest teams in the NHL.
This season is a lot different than seasons in years past. For one, almost nobody will be choosing the Devils to make the postseason, let alone be a true contender. Yes, the Devils still have glaring flaws that could easily derail the season, but we’ve seen crazier things happen around the league.
There weren’t many people picking the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Calgary Flames to make the postseason, but both teams did with ease. The Devils could be that team if enough things go right for them.
It’s a lot to ask for the Devils this season. The team is relying on multiple young players, and the roster isn’t even set, yet. It’s an uphill battle to say the least, but a battle the Devils could win if everything works out. Here’s what needs to happen for the Devils to make their long-awaited return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.