As the 2024-25 NHL regular season winds down, the New Jersey Devils have proven their resilience, bouncing back from a tough loss to the Winnipeg Jets to beat the Minnesota Wild in back-to-back contests. Despite missing key stars like Jack Hughes, Dougie Hamilton, and Jonas Siegenthaler, the team has embraced a grittier, more physical playing style, leaning on Timo Meier, Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, and Luke Hughes to carry the load offensively. Under Sheldon Keefe’s system, the Devils have adopted a relentless forechecking approach, outworking opponents and grinding them down in their own zone.
Goaltender Jacob Markstrom has been a stabilizing force, delivering clutch performances that have kept the team on track for playoff contention. Markstrom’s clutch performances, including two pivotal victories against Minnesota—one secured in a shootout—have been instrumental in lowering the team’s magic number. Overcoming unfavorable officiating and securing wins without their top players has reinforced the notion that adversity can be an asset rather than a liability. This stretch has built character and instilled a winning mentality throughout the lineup.
Meanwhile, Daniel Sprong’s speed and energy have injected life into the offense. Perseverance has been a defining trait, and Sprong has embodied that spirit. His blazing speed, fittingly reminiscent of his Dutch surname’s meaning—“jump”—has injected energy into the team’s offensive zone play. Utilizing both his legs and playmaking ability, he has consistently sought to create scoring opportunities and tire out opposing defenders. With the postseason within reach, the Devils are proving that adversity is not a setback but a catalyst for growth, making them a dangerous team heading into the playoffs.
Despite missing star forward Jack Hughes, the team has adapted impressively. Timo Meier, Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, and even Luke Hughes have stepped up in the absence of key players like Jonas Siegenthaler, Dougie Hamilton, and Hughes. This version of the Devils may be less star-laden, but they have embraced a more physical, grinding style of play, wearing down opponents in their own zone. Utilizing formations like the 3-1-1 or 2-1-2, they have drawn inspiration from Sheldon Keefe’s tactical approach. While this roster may lack the sheer firepower of Keefe’s former Maple Leafs squad, it compensates with sheer determination and a relentless work ethic.
If this current lineup maintains its momentum and Cody Glass returns to full health, the Devils will be playing with house money—an unexpected advantage after missing the playoffs last season.
Should the Devils advance past the first round, it will be a testament to their commitment to a cooperative, team-first philosophy. Moving forward, fortifying the roster against potential injuries and inconsistency will be essential to sustaining long-term success.
The Devils’ ability to overcome injuries and other adversity has shaped them into a battle-tested unit ready for the postseason. If they continue to buy into Keefe’s system and maintain their relentless effort, they could make a deep playoff run. Reinforcements like Cody Glass and, possibly, Arseni Gritsyuk could provide a boost, while a potential trade involving Dawson Mercer could create financial flexibility for future roster improvements. With their core players returning and their depth stepping up, the Devils are proving that teamwork, resilience, and adaptability are just as crucial as star power. If they can carry this mindset into the playoffs, they won’t just be a contender—they’ll be a legitimate threat for many seasons to come.