The New Jersey Devils’ 2024-25 season has been a rollercoaster ride, with recent performances sparking both optimism and concern as the playoffs loom. After securing a playoff spot, the team faces critical questions about their ability to sustain momentum against tough opponents like the Carolina Hurricanes. Let’s dive into their recent form, key contributors, and what lies ahead.
1. Recent Performance: A Slump at the Worst Time
The Devils entered April with playoff aspirations but stumbled in their final regular-season games, losing three straight to non-playoff teams (Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Islanders). These losses exposed vulnerabilities in their defense and goaltending, particularly in high-pressure situations. For instance, their 1-0 shutout loss to the Islanders on April 13 highlighted struggles to generate offense, managing just 24 shots on goal .
Key Takeaways:
- Offensive Inconsistency: Despite averaging 3.2 goals per game during the regular season, the Devils scored two or fewer goals in four of their last six games. Timo Meier, who led the team with 25 goals and 25 assists, has been quiet recently, with just one point in his last three games .
- Defensive Lapses: The absence of injured stars like Dougie Hamilton (lower-body injury) and Jack Hughes (undisclosed) weakened their blue line. Hamilton’s return to warmups in late March hints at a potential playoff comeback, but his timing remains uncertain .
- Goaltending Woes: Jacob Markstrom, acquired in the offseason to stabilize the net, has shown flashes of brilliance but struggled down the stretch, posting a .891 save percentage in his last seven starts . Backup Jake Allen hasn’t fared much better, with a .876 save percentage in four games .
2. Key Players: Who’s Leading the Charge?
Despite recent setbacks, several Devils have emerged as critical contributors:
Nico Hischier
The team captain has had a career year, scoring 35 goals and 52 points in 70 games. His leadership was evident in December, when he recorded eight points in five games, including a hat trick against the Rangers . Hischier’s ability to control play in both zones and win face-offs (55.0% success rate) makes him indispensable .
Timo Meier
Meier, acquired in a 2023 trade, has lived up to expectations with 50 points (25 goals, 25 assists). His physicality and clutch scoring (six game-winning goals) have been vital, though his defensive lapses—like a costly turnover in the loss to the Islanders—have drawn criticism .
Erik Haula
Haula has been a revelation on the second line, contributing 21 goals and 37 points. His chemistry with Meier and Dawson Mercer has provided depth, and his 55.8% face-off win rate ranks among the league’s best .
3. Coaching and Strategy: Sheldon Keefe’s Impact
Coach Sheldon Keefe, hired in 2024, has emphasized structure and pace but acknowledged the team’s lack of competitiveness in recent losses. He’s called for “urgency” and adjustments to special teams, which have struggled (28.2% power play, 77.4% penalty kill) . Keefe’s focus on defensive discipline and offensive zone control could be pivotal against Carolina’s high-powered attack.
4. Playoff Outlook: Can They Bounce Back?
The Devils face a familiar foe in the Hurricanes, who eliminated them in the 2023 conference semifinals. While Carolina holds a slight edge in regular-season meetings (2-2), the Devils’ resilience—evidenced by a 10-3 record in one-goal games—could swing the series .
X-Factors:
- Health: The return of Hamilton and Hughes would bolster both defense and offense. Hughes, who missed time with an upper-body injury, has 15 goals and 33 assists in 43 games but hasn’t played since early April .
- Goaltending: Markstrom must regain his early-season form (2.78 GAA, .905 save percentage) to offset defensive weaknesses .
- Momentum: A strong finish to the regular season—even if it’s too late to climb the standings—could reignite confidence. The Devils’ 5-2-1 record in March showed they can compete with top teams .
5. Unique Angle: Community and Culture
Beyond on-ice performance, the Devils have made headlines for their Women’s Empowerment Jersey Auction, which raised funds for local charities in March . The initiative, featuring jerseys designed by female artists, highlights the team’s commitment to social impact—a refreshing narrative amid playoff tensions.
Conclusion: A Season on the Brink
The Devils’ recent struggles underscore the challenges of playoff hockey, but their core talent and resilience shouldn’t be underestimated. With Hischier, Meier, and Haula leading the charge, and potential reinforcements from injured players, they have the tools to upset Carolina. However, addressing defensive lapses and goaltending inconsistencies will be critical. As the playoffs begin, Devils fans can hope for a resurgence—after all, hockey’s unpredictability is what makes it thrilling.
Will the Devils’ recent slump be a minor blip or a sign of deeper issues? Only time will tell, but one thing’s certain: this team has the heart to fight.