Pucks and Pitchforks
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New Jersey Devils Coach John Hynes Deserves Praise

By Tyler Kelley|
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 14: Head coach John Hynes of the New York Rangers argues a second period call during the game against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on October 14, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 14: Head coach John Hynes of the New York Rangers argues a second period call during the game against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on October 14, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The New Jersey Devils are off to an 8-2-0 start. This is with a team featuring an 18 and 19 year old in its top six. This is with a team missing Travis Zajac and Brian Boylethe whole time, and without Kyle Palmieri, Marcus Johansson, Drew Stafford, and Cory Schneider at some point throughout those ten games.

The Devils, traditionally regarded as a “trapping” team throughout the league, have taken on a new style under Coach John Hynes. It’s paying clear dividends. A team that only scored 180 goals last year is on pace for 311 goals so far this year. While that’s likely not sustainable, this is a new look Devils team.  The Devils are off to their best start since 1993-94.

Special Teams

It’s a small sample size but through 10 games the Devils have the 4th highest PP% in the league at 27.5. Factor that in with their extremely aggressive penalty kill that’s led to four shorthanded goals, including a Brian Gibbons penalty shot, and John Hynes has turned this team into one of the most exciting in the NHL.

The Youth Movement

How impressive is this start? The Devils are tied with the Edmonton Oilers as the 6th youngest team in the NHL averaging 26.5 years old. They have four defensemen age 23 or younger. Coach Hynes deserves credit for not being afraid to utilize his younger players and for sheltering them when necessary.

He’s used Nico Hischier as a first line center, 2016 6th round pick Jesper Bratt in the top 6 as well as on the PP and PK, and rookie Will Butcher in sheltered 5v5 minutes but heavily on the PP. Generally speaking, I’m not a fan of juggling lines. That’s especially true early in a season. However, Coach Hynes has worked around injuries to maintain balance and scoring throughout the lineup.

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Coming out of training camp no one, myself especially, expected Brian Gibbons to make this roster. Not only did he make the roster, but he’s the Devils leading goal scorer and one of their leading penalty killers.  Hynes has clearly shown that he can identify players that fit his system and give them the opportunity to thrive.

Hynes has also shown loyalty to players like Ben Lovejoy, but most importantly he’s shown he won’t put loyalty above playing ability and won’t let age keep someone out of the lineup. Both Damon Severson and Steven Santini are staples in the Devils top 4 defensively.

Coming into this year if you asked just about anyone in the NHL if the Devils would be one of the hottest and most exciting teams in the league they would have laughed. Ray Shero even said the Devils had to regain the respect of the league. That’s changed. There’s a new culture in New Jersey and we’re seeing firsthand just how bright the future is.

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