Pucks and Pitchforks
Fansided

New Jersey Devils: Fans Should Enjoy The Ride, Even If It’s A Bumpy One

By Steve Palumbo

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Fans hold up a sign for Nico Hischier #13 of the New Jersey Devils during warm-ups before the game against the New York Islanders at the Prudential Center on September 21, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Islanders 4-3. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Fans hold up a sign for Nico Hischier #13 of the New Jersey Devils during warm-ups before the game against the New York Islanders at the Prudential Center on September 21, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Islanders 4-3. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Not since Zoolander 2 has anything been so hyped for so long only for it to fail miserably right out of the gate. That is until the New Jersey Devils hit the ice for the start of the 2019-20 season.

Unrealistic expectations fueled by social media madness and a success-starved fanbase helped to push the Devils ceiling for success far above where it really should have been. The reality is smacking us squarely across the jaw merely six winless games into New Jersey’s much anticipated season.

Hockey fans have a reputation for being loyal to a fault and vastly knowledgeable in all things related to the sport. Occasionally, these two don’t mix well. As knowledgeable Devils’ fans, we must accept that the playoffs are a longshot with progress and growth being our attainable reality. As blinded and loyal fans, it’s perfectly fine to celebrate the successes and bemoan the setbacks. That’s our right as a fan, just don’t get stuck somewhere between the two.

The knowledgeable fan in us understands the Devils turned over a third of its roster and will take some time to find cohesion. We also understand that our best player, Taylor Hall, is coming off a major knee injury. The clear-thinking, knowledgeable self understands winning starts from the net out. We accept that Cory Schneider is still trying to recapture his old form, following hip surgery and a battle with waning self-confidence. As a well-educated fan, we realize that P.K. Subban is coming off the worst statistical season of his career. When clear-headed, we can also accept that a slight-framed, 18-year-old Jack Hughes will need some seasoning before he fully reaches his NHL potential. This is how the unbiased and vastly knowledgeable fan would rationalize the Devils’ early-season stumble.

Unfortunately, blindly loyal fans can’t take off his or her red and black colored glasses even for a second.

More from Pucks and Pitchforks

As a blinded fan, we can’t see beyond the missed passes, discombobulated power play, and countless turnovers. The imperceptive fan in us can’t look past the lack of scoring, defensive lapses, and endless blown leads. The crazy fanatic is us believes yelling at professional athletes will magically make it all “click.” We have forgotten that to a man, each and every player, including the new faces, has publicly vocalized approval for the coaching staff and the system they’ve established.

With red and black blindfolds on, we can’t see beyond the final score. We can’t accept the progress the Devils are making. We cannot see a budding superstar in the making with Hughes. Devils fans don’t recognize the emergence of Pavel Zacha as a lethal two-way force. We won’t accept that this team is working its way through intense growing pains. Chemistry is a complex process that takes a while to develop. As blindly loyal New Jersey Devils’ fans we lack patience, even for the silliest of things – like a freaking goal song.

Next. Jack Hughes Struggling To Find His Game. dark

Take a deep breath and reset your mindset. Forget the hype and trust the process – yes, we went there.

The Devils are going to be okay. This is a team with more than enough talent to be competitive in this league. They are a group learning how to play with each other and it takes time to get on the same collective page. They are experiencing the lowest of lows right from the start and when they get through it they will be stronger for it. There is a method to all of this madness. Sit back and enjoy the ride, even if it’s a bumpy one.

Home/Editorials