Every year, the season for the New Jersey Devils can be defined by one word. Usually, that word is injuries. However, the word to sum up the season thus far is maturity. With each passing day, this young core, which is no longer as young, is slowly maturing and learning how to win in the NHL.
The players were unsure of what to expect when Sheldon Keefe was hired last season. As Devils’ President and General Manager, Tom Fitzgerald has stated on numerous occasions that it took the players some time to adjust to Keefe’s demanding style and what he wanted from them, not only in games but also in practices.
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There was an adjustment period, but having a longer training camp this season has allowed the players to hone in on what their head coach wants, while incorporating new bodies and systems. This has allowed the New Jersey Devils to have their first four-game winning streak since January 7th-16th, 2023. That is over 31 months ago, as one reporter told Brett Pesce after the Devils 5-3 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday afternoon.
The one thing you can say about this four-game winning streak is that the New Jersey Devils are playing a mature game. And what that means is they are no longer chasing the game. The players are letting the game unfold naturally. Their style is patient; even when things start slowly, the players remain committed to the system and avoid forcing things that are not there.
It is a patient style of game that has been missing from the club. But don’t tell Sheldon Keefe that because he sees it as just part of the process in becoming a more mature hockey club.
I don’t think I’d call it new necessarily, but it’s part of the process. I mean, we want to start fast. We want to get out and get to your game right away. But, the other opponent is trying to accomplish the same thing. So, we got another early penalty kill, which is something we can’t give up. There’s opportunity for a goal or momentum to go the opposition’s way, so that kind of stuff we got to clean up. But if it’s not going your way early, don’t panic. Don’t open the game. Don’t get consumed by the shot clock. Just trust the process of how you’re playing. And I think that’s probably the best thing coming out of this little stretch here is just the confidence of the group has. 60 Minutes. Stay with it.
That is what the New Jersey Devils had to do over this little stretch. In their home opener, trailing 1-0 to the two-time defending Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers early, but rallied for three goals, and were not afraid to play a consistent 60-minute hockey game. That was something captain Nico Hischier emphasized this offseason during the European NHL/NHLPA Player tour.
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There were stretches over last season, the Devils showed they could compete with any team in the NHL. There was a reason why the Devils were among the best teams at the 2024 Christmas Break. However, once the injuries occurred, the team deflated, and it negatively impacted their play.
Again, it is only five games into the season, but a different mentality is already evident. Perhaps it takes another year to understand what Sheldon Keefe wants truly, but even when things don’t go their way in the game or injuries occur, the players remain even-tempered. They are not letting the outside affect their play.
No matter what the score is, you can tell the Devils are passive anymore. They know this is the year for them to take the next step as they continue to measure themselves against the top teams in the NHL. Devils efenseman Brett Pesce noted after the victory that there is a belief in the locker room that they can beat anyone when the team plays their style of game and sticks to it.
“Just maturing as a team. Started last year. And, I mean, it hasn’t been many games, but so far, nothing seems to really rattle us,” Pesce said. “We just trust our structure. We trust the guys in this room to get the job done, no matter what, no matter what happens, just play the same game, and we’re confident it’s going to work out.”
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Confidence is a funny thing, right? When things are going right, the confidence is high, but when things turn sideways, the confidence drops. The New Jersey Devils understand that they should never let their confidence in their game drop.
As Sheldon Keefe said, “We believe we can and should win every single time every time we put our gear on.”
However, the standards and accountability that Keefe brought to the club last season remain. However, the Devils are a confident team now, heading into the third period with a lead. This is a position, as Nico Hischier told the media on Monday night after the win against the Columbus Blue Jackets, the club wants to be in every game.
The New Jersey Devils are slowly maturing and realizing that they don’t need to deviate from their style of play, whether they are trailing or holding a lead. The players aren’t careless, but they are no longer passive and on the back foot either. They are playing their style of game, which has a purpose and meaning behind it, to close out their opponents.
Even with wins over Tampa Bay, Columbus, Florida, and Edmonton, the Devils recognize that there is still room for improvement as they build toward their goal of making the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
