We highlight five games this season for the New Jersey Devils that are worth watching, for different reasons.
By Patrick Comia
The team will be looking to right the ship with new management this season, spear-headed by general manager Ray Shero.
Last year’s “three-headed monster” coaching staff of Lou Lamoriello, Adam Oates, and Scott Stevens about summed up the confusion that existed in New Jersey.
Now, there appears to be a clearer picture of who is in charge, and who will be managing the team on the ice.
And that person is John Hynes.
He comes over from the Pittsburgh Penguins organization, as the former coach of the AHL farm team Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Shero knows him well, and feels the need to have someone in place he is familiar with at the helm.
This season will represent a new direction for the Devils. The atmosphere created will hopefully inject life into a team that has been floundering near the bottom of the Metropolitan Division for the past three seasons.
Changes in personnel, such as the retirement of team captain Bryce Salvador and “unofficial” retirement of Ryane Clowe have made some positive head waves for this year’s players to take advantage of the opportunities presented.
As we near the beginning of the season, let’s look ahead at five games for the Devils this season and what significance they may have.
Opening Night against the Winnipeg Jets- October 9, 2015 at the Prudential Center
This is an automatic “must-see” for any Devils fan.
Not only does the game signal the start of the team’s 2015-2016 season, but it also represents the first home opener at the Rock. And what better way to open the doors to your house, then to welcome your evening’s guests, the Winnipeg Jets.
It’s not the ideal opening night act fans may want. The Jets proved last season that they are here to win and no longer a team to be “pushed-around”.
But, in the back of someone’s mind, this could be an early audition for say, the services of Andrew Ladd or Dustin Byfuglien.
Sure, the Devils are not where they once were. The team has fallen on hard times, but they are rebuilding. And being under new management, both in the front office and behind the bench, with the young up and coming prospects making an impact, these factors could be enticing enough for a player of their caliber to sign on.
Imagine “Big Buff” on the blue line, wrecking havoc to his opponents who dare cross over into the offensive zone. Or, he could be that booming shot from the back end. Or, he could play wing, if needed.
The possibilities are endless with Byfuglien.
And with $12.5 million in cap space, money may not be a factor when negotiating for either player’s services.
Against the New York Islanders- December 13, 2015 at the Barclays Center
The Devils visited the Islanders new home in preseason, and won 4-2.
Of course, that was against a split-squad, not the full arsenal of weapons.
However, this time will be different. Both teams will be going to head to head with their full compliment of players, as they play in their first official rivalry game in the Barclays Center.
Just looking from the outside, it’s got a state-of-the-art architecture that should make Islanders fans happy.
But, the Devils team and fans will be just as happy to spoil the celebrations, earn that first win, and gain some bragging rights in the “new barn”.
Against the Minnesota Wild- January 10, 2015 at the Xcel Energy Center
This should be a “wild” affair in St. Paul, MN.
Two reasons why this game is a must-watch between New Jersey and Minnesota. The first being it will be the first time the Devils will be televised nationally in the 2015-2016 season. The broadcast will be on NBCSN, and fans could get a chance to relive Devils broadcast of the past with friend Doc Emrick.
WHAT CHAOS, Henrique KNIFES through the defense, Parise gets REEFED by Larsson, Zajac SCOOOOORRRRREEESSS!
Unfortunately, it may not become reality. But hey, you can’t have everything. At least the Devils will get their turn in the spotlight.
The second reason is a date with former Devils captain Zach Parise. It’s been three years, since he left the organization to go out west. However, he may still be a thorn to fans’ sides.
In three regular season games versus the Devils, Parise has three points and carries a +3 goal rating. He hasn’t done too much damage in his career versus his old team. And this year’s Devils squad intends to keep it that way.
Against the Edmonton Oilers- February 9, 2016 at the Prudential Center
Even though the two teams would have met earlier in the season, this would be the second and last meeting.
The reason why I bring it up is that the Oilers come to town for the first time, with their shiny new toy. Devils fans will be able to get their first look at 2015’s first overall selection and, potential phenom, Connor McDavid.
Even before the NHL season has started, hockey analysts were already calling McDavid a “generational” player. By the time this game comes to the Prudential Center, we all should have a better grasp of how the young Oilers forward has handled the level of play in the NHL.
Rest assured, he won’t be singing with the Jersey Boys anytime soon. Especially, if Adam Larsson has anything to say about it.
At this game, New Jersey-ites will see what all the hoopla is when his kid comes to town. Also, they will welcome home one of their own. Martin Brodeur will be honored with his number 30 jersey being retired in a ceremony before the game.
Plenty to look forward to this night.
Season Finale Against the Toronto Maple Leafs- April 9, 2016 at the Prudential Center
We finally come to the end of the season. What better way to finish it off then to play the Maple Leafs?
Quite a few changes have occurred. Starting from the top to the bottom of the organization, an overhaul of personnel has been seen.
A new general manager (Lou Lamoriello) and new bench boss (Mike Babcock) are just the beginnings. Former media darling Phil Kessel got moved to the Pittsburgh Penguins, and former Devils defenseman Mark Fraser has joined the fray across the border.
So, this game will be interesting to watch. Curious to see how the current Devils team treats their former boss’ new team.
You always wanted to stick to your ex and let them know you are just fine without them. I am sure the team wants the same, ending the 60 minutes with a win, and having the last laugh.
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