New Jersey Devils: Pucks and Pitchforks Massive Playoff Preview

The New Jersey Devils finally made the playoffs for the first time in five years. The Pucks and Pitchforks team is undoubtedly excited. Let’s take a look at some of our predictions ahead of the start of the Devils-New York Rangers series. 

When the time seems right, we call our Pucks and Pitchforks writers to come together and talk about one thing. If you’ve followed along, you’ve seen this before. This is where our writers predicted the breakout of Dawson Mercer, predicted some great records for the team prior to the year, and predicted Matty Beniers as the Calder Trophy winner.

This year, we actually get to do this for the postseason. Even better, it’s coming against the New York Rangers. Let’s just right into it with question number one.

1. Who is the most important player on the Devils this postseason?

Nick Villano: Jack Hughes. Vitek Vanecek sounds like another big choice, but the defense can turn it up and keep pucks away from him. Hughes needs to finish on his chances and show he can play “postseason hockey.”

Vinnie Parise: Ondrej Palat was signed for a lot of money to be big-time in these moments. He didn’t have the regular season production that he wanted, but this is his chance to show his worth. Expect a big series from him.

Dan Rice: Most important – Vanecek. The Devils will need him to steal a game or two, especially in Rd. 1. We all know that the NYR have often scored in quick succession against New Jersey in the past. Vanecek will need to make all of the saves he’s supposed to make and one or three that he maybe shouldn’t make as well.

Charlie Borges Jr.: Ondrej Palat needs to step up, big time. This is why the Devils brought him in. He was a huge component for the Lightning Stanley Cup runs and needs to continue that for the red and black. He did not have a great season with injuries and inconsistencies finding the score sheet. But that could all be forgotten with a historic run for a very young Devils team.

Robert DeLuca: Ondrej Palat. This is exactly the reason NJ signed him long-term. He has the playoff experience and, more importantly, deep run experience. We need to see Tampa Bay Palat in these playoffs.

Joe Stanislau: Ondrej Palat has made it clutch vs. the Rangers and is a showtime guy. Jack Hughes really popped offensively and came up clutch, and Nico Hischier is a close second.

Jonathan Bailey: For me, it’s Ondrej Palat, without a doubt. He performed well on the third line, but he’s played a lot with Jack Hughes lately with no real results. We more or less signed him solely for his experience and pedigree. Now it’s time to see it.

Sam Annaluru: Nico Hischier: The Captain has arguably been the most consistent performer this year, and the Devils will need his defensive prowess against Panarin and Mika. His line has been the best regardless of wingers and will be key if the other lines get in slumps.

David Williams: The simple answer is Jack Hughes. Hughes clearly drives the offense and if he shows up and dazzles the way he did in the regular season this team can make a run.

Jeremy Goldstein: The most important player on the Devils is Vitek Vanecek. There are plenty of important skaters, but this team goes as far as Vanecek takes them. I think a big reason the Devils were finally able to turn things around is because of competent goaltending, and if Vitek plays at his best, the sky is the limit.

Luke Garrison: Jack Hughes. Due to the significant records he set for the Devils all year, he must have a tremendous playoff run to keep up with high expectations.

David Holiday: Vitek Vanecek. This team has a lot of good and important players, but with the depth up front and on the blueline, any single player could be a little off, and they could still win. If Vanecek plays badly the team will be forced to go with either a guy with little experience or, worse would throw Blackwood in. That is a death sentence, especially with the Rangers possibly having the best goalie in the league.

Ethan Fink: The most important player on the Devils team this postseason is Vitek Vanecek. Goaltending is so crucial in the playoffs – and can be the difference in so many games.

Tyler Russell: Vitek Vanecek. The Rangers have many threats up top between Kane, Panarin, Zibanejad, Tarasenko, etc.

Sam Woo: Erik Haula is the most versatile player on the Devils and does all the little things that add up to success. He wins faceoffs, goes hard to the net, and brings veteran leadership. He can play on any line and gives Lindy Ruff options. If he continues his second-half production, it will bode well for the Devils.