As of this writing, the New Jersey Devils have played just under 35% of the regular season schedule. Sitting at 17-9-2, the new-look Devils share a seat atop the mighty Metropolitan Division with the surprising Washington Capitals. They are coming off a “disrespectful” thrashing of their cross-river rivals at the World’s Most Famous Arena.
The Devils are currently fifth in the NHL in total hits with 699. On top of that, they lead all teams in fighting majors. As important as goaltending has been for New Jersey, Tom Fitzgerald’s prioritization of physicality this past offseason has been the necessary insurance policy for an organization ready to compete once again.
During the month of November, the Devils totaled 333 hits across 14 games where they were 9-5-0. That month saw the Devils respond in more ways than one to adversity. During the first game of the month, Ryan Lomberg laid a dangerous hit on a falling Paul Cotter along the sidewall, provoking a proper response from Nathan Bastian. Unfortunately for Bastian and his jaw, the fight was quickly stopped, and the 6’4” forward has not seen game action since. The Devils would lose the battle that night only to respond swimmingly with a three-game winning streak the following week.
Losing to San Jose at home was a crushing blow. Mackenzie Blackwood stole the show that Sunday night, taking two points and his pride back with him to the West Coast. The Devils responded with a two-game sweep of the defending Stanley Cup champions in Sunrise, FL.
In said games, they displayed a cohesive level of physicality, instilling their presence into the minds of Paul Maurice’s club and the rest of the NHL. In understanding the mission, rugged veterans Brenden Dillon and Kurtis MacDermid impacted both games with their willingness to drop the gloves in what were some spirited hockey confrontations. Even Jack Hughes received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty when he intentionally tackled Anton Lundell after the latter cross-checked the young star to his displeasure. The Devils' response was swift and to the point. They are here to mark time and know what it takes to stay in the mix.
Responding to the loss to Tampa, the Devils would win three straight for the second time during November, which included Timo Meier receiving a five-minute major and a game misconduct for cross-checking Zachary L’Heureux in response to a shove behind the opponent’s net. The Swiss forward would receive a one-game suspension, but the response was clear. Push the Devils and they will push back. Whether Meier's decision was correct is neither here nor there.
For New Jersey’s final road game in November, the Devils responded to the Detroit Red Wings with an edge. Johnathan Kovacevic was fighting Michael Rasmussen after the stare-down of Jack Hughes the month prior, and it was necessary for New Jersey to move past the hostile part of the game and worry about the scoreboard. The Devils did just that, defeating Detroit 5-4 by going 3/4 on the power play, finishing with 30 total hits, and blocking 13 shots.
Of course, goaltending is the key to success now and in the future. However, it is New Jersey’s newfound physicality that will act as an insurance policy whenever adversity rears its ugly head. When the losses come, when injuries occur, when guys are hit, pushed around or stared down, the Devils' insurance policy, their prioritization of physicality, will kick in. The doors will be kicked open, and the league will know the Devils are not here to be pushed around. Not this time around.