New Jersey Devils: 5 Reasons For Optimism For 2019

The New Jersey Devils exceeded all expectations in the 2017-2018 season.

Pegged as 200-1 longshots to win the Stanley Cup in August, and despite tough injury luck, the Devils snuck into the playoffs before losing a hard-fought five-game series to the top-seeded Tampa Bay Lightning. There are plenty of reasons to believe the New Jersey Devils can build on this season and become a top contender next year.

Next: Nico Hischier’s Stellar Campaign

Nico Hischier’s Stellar Campaign… Even With A Hand Injury

Hischier had a rock-solid rookie performance, especially for someone who began the season as an 18-year-old. Hischier, the only Devil to play all 82 games, scored 20 goals and added 32 assists in 16:19 time on the ice per game. Furthermore,

Hischier displayed solid two-way skills and committed just 13 minor penalties while drawing 35 penalties, good for a +22 penalty differential which was bested only by Islanders center Mathew Barzal, Flames winger Johnny Gaudreau, Oilers star Connor McDavid, and Hurricanes forward Brock McGinn.

To top it all off, Hischier dealt with a hand injury for the duration of his rookie campaign.

If Hischier, who already has a fine year under his belt, remains healthy and sticks with Taylor Hall on the first line, the 1st-overall pick in the 2017 NHL draft should improve drastically upon his rookie season.

Next: Steady Between the Pipes

Cory Schneider and Keith Kinkaid are Steady Between the Pipes

It was not long ago that when Cory Schneider went down, the Devils’ season went down with him (see: 2015-2016). Keith Kinkaid changed the narrative this season, elevating the Devils to the playoffs with a .932 save percentage down the stretch, while Cory Schneider was battling various injuries. While Kinkaid had a rough go in the playoffs, Schneider stepped up to the tune of a .950 playoff save percentage.

Still, even with Kinkaid’s torrid stretch, the Devils’ produced below-average goaltending over the course of the season, with a .910 save percentage compared to the league-average .912. Kinkaid’s dominant end to the season and Schneider’s otherworldly playoffs hint at improved goaltending in 2018-2019.

Next: More Taylor Hall

More Taylor Hall

Taylor Hall scored 39 goals and 93 points in 76 games for the Devils in 2017-2018, good for the 9th most goals and 6th most points in the entire NHL. Along the way, Taylor Hall had a 26-game point streak, the 5th best streak in the NHL in 30 years. Hall’s efforts earned him a spot as one of three Hart Trophy finalists.

Though the Devils’ season did not end with a Stanley Cup celebration, it was not for lack of Taylor Hall production. Hall dragged the Devils into the playoffs and netted two goals and added four assists in five playoff games with 20:38 average time on ice during the playoffs.

If Hischier jumps in his second season and other top contributors benefit from better health luck (more on that in a second), Taylor Hall will be flanked by more dangerous weapons and can become even more deadly.

Next: Better Health

Better Health

Injuries strike every club, but it certainly feels as if the Devils were bitten particularly hard by the injury bug.

Marcus Johansson, acquired from the Washington Capitals with the expectation of becoming at least a 2nd-liner and powerplay contributor, battled concussions all season and only played 29 games. Kyle Palmieri, held back by leg injuries, played just 62 games, though he still put up 24 goals and 44 points. Star goaltender Cory Schneider, as mentioned earlier, also missed time due to injury, as did shut-down center Travis Zajac.

Additionally, several lesser-contributors like Brian Boyle, Brian Gibbons, and Pavel Zacha suffered through injuries and illness. That the Devils earned 97 points in 2017-2018 in the face of injuries to multiple key players speaks to the potential already on the roster for a jump in the standings.

Next: Young Guns Continuing to Thrive