New Jersey Devils: 3 Changes We Need After Short Break

Start Fast

The most obvious issue with the Devils is slow starts. It’s been apparent in every game. When Detroit came to town, the Devils looked like they were skating in sand. Against the Arizona Coyotes, they went down 1-0 about six minutes in. On Monday against Florida, the Devils went into the first intermission down 2-0.

The Devils need to gain confidence in the work they’ve done this week. Lindy Ruff rode them hard in practice, and it could go by the wayside if the Islanders score early and take control of the game. The Devils can’t afford that to happen.

It’s still really early in the season, but this is where habits can form. If the Devils have another slow start after that being a focus all week, then something might actually be wrong. After how well the Devils played last season, it wouldn’t make a lot of sense if they can’t come out of the gates firing.

Hopefully, the changes this week stick, and the Devils find a way to score first on Friday night. The Islanders have been holding teams off the board. The Devils need to break that system and put up points at will.