Scenario 5: Power Play returns to form
The New Jersey Devils power play has fallen off a cliff. Despite scoring a goal on Sunday with the man advantage, the unit was still a disappointment. Down to the Lightning in the third period, Tampa gave the Devils close to back-to-back power plays. On the first power play, the Devils failed to record a shot. On the second, they didn't fare much better. The Devils finished the game with just that one goal.
The Devils are still getting a ton of chances. Since January 1st, the Devils have been on the power play for just under 126 minutes. That's fourth best in the league in that time. The only team with fewer power-play goals in 2024 than the Devils is the San Jose Sharks. They have less than half the power play time.
This team has the talent to succeed on the power play. Jack Hughes is enough to score (and getting scenario one would really help that), but adding Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, Timo Meier, Luke Hughes, and Alex Holtz should make it a no brainer to score at will.
If everything goes to plan, the Devils still have a shot. The Flyers did not take advantage of the Devils inconsistent play like the Lightning or the Red Wings did. Plus, the Flyers might sell at the trade deadline. So, there's still a chance, but the Devils need to hit the nail on the head on a lot of these scenarios.