Today proved that this is a truly special time to be a Devils fan. For the second time this year, the Devils blew out the Rangers. For the seventh game in a row, the Devils held their opponent to 20 or fewer shots on goal. For the fifth time in the last six games, the Devils got two points.
This is a truly special time to be a Devils fan. The cup winning Devils were known for a strong team defense, great goaltending, and no offensive superstars. Look at how that compares to this year’s team. The current Devils allow almost no opportunity for their opponents to score, and when they do get a chance, Jacob Markstrom has been a brick wall lately. The big difference now is, this team has offensive super stars. Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, Nico Hischier, Timo Meier lead an elite offensive group, unlike anything the Devils have ever had.
Jack Hughes hates the Rangers and it makes me love him even more. He steps up his game to a super human level when he sees the ugly, boring, unimaginative uniforms of the most pathetic franchise of the original six, and most dysfunctional “organization” in the NHL today. Jack Hughes now has 26 points in 22 career games against the Rangers. Devils vs Rangers is one of the most intense rivalries in the NHL and Jack plays his best in these big games. Not only does he perform well under big game pressure, he thrives under it. As the Devils march towards the playoffs continues, the intensity will continue to rise and I fully expect Jack to rise to the occasion. Jack is currently on pace for 99 points, at that this point I expect him to achieve the first (or maybe second… Jesper Bratt?) 100 point season in Devils history…
Jesper Bratt has evolved. He’s becoming a power forward. More and more frequently, Jesper Bratt is RUNNING OVER opposing players. Bratt has always been an agile skater with unreal hands and elite vision. In the past few weeks, Bratt has added a brand new element to his game and that’s physicality. Bratt is knocking guys down, taking the puck, and immediately creating scoring chances. This new and improved Jesper Bratt is putting up points just as much as his line mate Jack Hughes is, and is physically bullying opponents to make it happen. Not only that, but he and Jack Hughes are now killing penalties. Neither player has killed penalties much at all before this year, but now they are showing that they can excel in that area too. What makes Bratt and Hughes good at killing penalties is speed to cover the open ice, passing skills to keep the puck away from the power play, and speed in transition to create opportunities of their own. Both players have truly reached a new level this year.
Jacob Markstrom is not allowing goals right now. Sure, he only has 24 saves in the last two games. But, when the Devils need him, he is always ready. He might not get much work, but when the puck comes his way, Markstrom is totally locked in right now. It doesn’t matter how long it’s been since he’s seen rubber, Markstrom is ready. He isn’t getting cold, he isn’t losing focus, he is staying sharp and is always there to bail out his teammates, on the rare occasion they need it. Now, he’s no Marty and hes far from perfect, but Markstrom is exactly what this franchise has been missing from years. A veteran, above average, goalie. Countless Devils games over the last six or seven years have been lost by poor goaltending and Markstrom has solved that problem. The team is rolling through the regular season and Jacob Markstrom is a huge reason why.
The Devils look like they have all the makings of a very special team. There is a lot of hockey left, but there is a ton to love right now. The Devils are going on winning streaks and avoiding losing streaks. They are defensively responsible and offensively explosive. The goaltending is on point and the team is tough. The Devils hit, fight, block shots, and score goals in bunches. If you aren’t appreciating what this team is, you need to wake up. We have a special team in the Garden State and we need to appreciate it, enjoy it, and support them with all the air in our lungs and all the passion in our hearts. A little over half of the regular season to go before the real season starts. Let’s Go Devils! Livvy Dunne is excited, so why shouldn’t you be?
The Morning Skate 