The red carpet was out for the 2024-2025 New Jersey Devils. After a week of practice and ample time to rest after the Global Series, the new-look Devils were received by droves of excited fans packed outside Prudential Center. Newark was a hockey town for the evening with fans eagerly waiting to greet the new and returning faces as they arrived one by one at the red carpet entrance. Since the start of training camp, this Devils team has been advertised as a must-see, bound to be a success, and the fans confirmed their anticipation with their commanding presence on opening night. Their eagerness to support the Devils and get the new season officially underway in Newark was on full display.
Tom Fitzgerald’s new and improved team may have looked the part off the ice, but once the puck dropped, the new look faded fast, and fans were left with little to cheer for.
When looking at the box score, it’s hard to envision the flat and sluggish performance that froze the home team on opening night. New Jersey led in shots, hits, and face-off wins. They had three more power play opportunities than Toronto, with five in total. However, blocked shots and giveaways pestered the Devils all night. Yes, the Devils had trouble getting shots through at times, but an overall lack of continuity was the key takeaway in last night’s home opener.
The Maple Leafs completely smothered the Devils in all three zones, forcing New Jersey to chase very quickly and throughout the majority of the game. Now, the Devils did get their legs, finding their edge as the game went on, and they made it interesting with late goals in the first two periods. However, the lack of flow in all three zones completely derailed any effort for a comeback. Whenever New Jersey started to press, or a power play opportunity presented itself, a bad read, a lackluster turnover, a bad angle, or poor passing would get in the way. These instances completely hindered the Devil’s chances last night. It’s hard enough to compete with a team as talented and dangerous as the Toronto Maple Leafs, but it’s even more challenging when a team gets in their own way in the process. The Devils had to find a way around themselves and the opposition last night. Whenever that occurs, a winning result is very hard to come by.
The red carpet festivities, player arrivals, and introductions were terrific. The playoff-esque “made in Jersey” red towels were a nice addition. To all the fans waiting for it all to come together, hang tight. The Devils are a better team than what was presented last night, they just are. They got in their own way, and it was expected to happen at some point, but the fact that it happened on opening night amplifies everything.
Credit to the Toronto Maple Leafs and their efforts. No team in the National Hockey League will be handing New Jersey anything. This Devils team has to learn how to grab and hold onto success. It is not an overnight occurrence. They’re three games in with seventy-nine to go. Lots of hockey remains.