New Jersey Devils: Revisiting Preseason Bold Predictions
By Nick Villano
![P.K. Subban #76 of the New Jersey Devils. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) P.K. Subban #76 of the New Jersey Devils. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/bc51e2d214570e8bfef0671dca9b4f097a20a2f376971d208949aacada2fbf27.jpg)
The New Jersey Devils season hasn’t gone as predicted. The record might be what a lot of people thought, but the journey to get there has been anything but predictable. There are so many things that have already happened since New Year’s Day that it’s hard to keep track. Remember when Corey Crawford was here? That was wild.
Anyway, looking back at how things were working out, the beginning of the season almost felt like it was going to prove to be a really fun season. The Devils didn’t have to win on a nightly basis to have a fun team (although, it would help). They were fast, young, and full of energy. The rookies were playing well, and the veterans would eventually catch up. It sounded like the Devils could be must-see TV in the near future.
We all know what happened next.
Now, the Devils are looking at another season where a good draft pick is the goal. It’s another season where winning at the trade deadline is the goal. Once again, Devils fans are rooting for things off the ice despite the team still playing on the ice.
The predictions made before the season are always interesting to look at during the halfway point. The Devils just recently passed it, and it was rough. It’s looking like the second half could be a little bit better with no COVID outbreak to wreck the season, but it won’t exactly be a banner year. So, let’s look back at our past optimism and learn to laugh at ourselves (or be thoroughly impressed, who knows?!). We made predictions before the season started, and it’s time to look back and see what we said.