New Jersey Devils Looking To Fight Right Until The End Of The Season
By Nick Villano
It’s been one interesting season at the Prudential Center. From starting the season with no fans in the building to limiting attendance as the team was in a freefall. On the ice, the New Jersey Devils went to a team with some hope it can compete to straight-up playing spoiler. After the Boston Bruins dominated the Devils on Monday night, the Devils came back on Tuesday with a different lease on the game.
Despite giving up an early lead, despite going down 2-1 and 3-2, despite playing the big, bad Bruins, the Devils won. Pavel Zacha scored in overtime to give the Devils just their seventh and final win at home this season. There have been times this season where it looks like the team is ready to pack their bags and start again next season, but then there are nights like Tuesday. It shows something different about this team. There’s a spark here, even if it’s just a small one for now.
Jack Hughes said a few things postgame that caught some ears. He talked about the direction of the team and why there might be some excitement in the locker room.
"“We got a good young team. Now we got to take the next step, these next few games. Heading into next year, it’s got to be no more young and developing. We got to start to win and learn how to win.”"
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Hughes has been the Devils’ best player for the better part of two months. He had the primary assist on Zacha’s overtime goal, springing him for a drive to the net. It was part of his third two assist night in the past five games. He’s been incredible for the Devils, and he’s the main reason for optimism on this team’s future.
The rest of the team is playing better, too. After getting destroyed by the New York Rangers a couple of weeks ago, it seems like there’s a different fire in these Devils. There are still lows, like blowing a huge lead against the Philadelphia Flyers, but this team still has the tenacity to bounce back, like winning three in a row against those same Flyers.
The team isn’t necessarily a fun watch right now, but it’s much better than its been. Winning the season series against the Boston Bruins means something. It’s something Lindy Ruff and the rest of the Devils locker room can hold their hat to. Now, it’s time to finish these last few games on the road and look ahead to next season.