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New Jersey Devils Clinched Their Spot In Stanley Cup Playoffs

By Nick Villano

NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 05: The New Jersey Devils celebrate their 2-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Prudential Center on April 5, 2018 in Newark, New Jersey. With the victory, the Devils clinch a playoff position. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 05: The New Jersey Devils celebrate their 2-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Prudential Center on April 5, 2018 in Newark, New Jersey. With the victory, the Devils clinch a playoff position. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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The New Jersey Devils are going to the playoffs for the first time in six seasons. It’s been a long, strenuous journey, but right now it feels like it was worth it.

The New Jersey Devils have clinched their spot in the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs. A win against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night put them at 97 points on the season. Now, for the first time, the Devils can breathe easy going into a game, knowing their season will go beyond 82 games.

There is so much emotion that goes along with this milestone. So much has happened since the last time the Devils made the postseason.

The last Devils playoff game is one we’d all like to forget. June 11, 2012 is a night Devils fans will never forget. Stephen Gionta took a hit from behind that probably should have been a penalty. To retaliate, Steve Bernier crushed Rob Scuderi behind his own net. A five minute major later, and the Los Angeles Kings were well on their way to a Stanley Cup Championship.

Since then, Zach Parise went home to play on what could be the worst contract in hockey. Ilya Kovalchuk “retired” leaving us high and dry. Martin Brodeur wore another uniform. Then he retired. Patrik Elias laced up his skates for the last time. Lou Lamoriello left the team in the capable hands of Ray Shero, ending the longest tenured GM stint in sports. The team was sold to Josh Harris and David Blitzer. Peter DeBoer was fired. So much has happened in a short period of time, most of which wasn’t very good.

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None of that matters now. It all led us to this moment. Taylor Hall coming to the Devils in a one-for-one deal with the Edmonton Oilers. The Devils getting the number one overall pick, and choosing Nico Hischier over Nolan Patrick. Kyle Palmieri becoming a star after sitting behind veterans in Anaheim. Will Butcher choosing the Devils over multiple other suitors. Cory Schneider taking over for Brodeur, but watching the Devils clinch with Keith Kinkaid in net.

This season was amazing. This journey by a team with no expectations is what sports is all about. I know it’s a cliche, but it’s one that fits. Five straight seasons without playoffs brought us here. There were so many downs, but the up we’re feeling right now makes us forget. The New Jersey Devils will play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Let that sink in.

Now, let’s go beat those demons from 2012. Let’s win Lord Stanley’s Cup.

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