Road trip may give the Devils their due
NEWARK, N.J. Less than a month into the season, it looks like the New Jersey Devils are ready to take the next step after making the playoffs for the first time since reaching the Stanley Cup final in 2012.
John Hynes’ club opened the season with four straight wins and has taken 11 of a possible 18 points in the first nine games (5-3-1).
Kyle Palmieri is among the league leaders with nine goals. Ditto Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall with 10 assists, including eight on the power play. The line of Palmieri, 2017 No. 1 overall draft pick Nico Hischier and Hall has combined for 34 points, while goaltender Keith Kinkaid has two shutouts and a 2.74 goals-against average after starting every game.
Everything is looking good for a team that didn’t make many changes in the off-season after being eliminated in the first round by the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Or is it?
The Devils’ success this season has been a combination of good play and a friendly schedule. Six of the last seven games have been at home, including two where their opponent played the night before.
Now things get tough. New Jersey embarked on a seven-game road trip that started with an 8-3 loss in Tampa on Tuesday and will end on Nov. 11 at Winnipeg.
“I think it’s definitely going to test us,” said Kinkaid.
“I don’t think I’ve ever done anything like this. It’s going to really test our team and see what we’re made of.”
Like old times, the Devils had been stingy on defence, until facing the Lightning. However, they need more from the second, third and fourth lines. The Hischier line has carried the load and the only other line making a big contribution is the checking unit. Blake Coleman and Brian Boyle have three goals apiece.
“I don’t think we’re concerned about who predicted us to do whatever,” Boyle said. “Last year, we were in a playoff spot from the beginning of the season and we just stayed there. But last year is over.”