Confirmed with Link: Devils 2021 Schedule

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

and to me, this season is very simple. Its all about the progression of #86 and #13. If those guys continue to project upwards, we'll be in good shape moving forward.

 

[guitarguyvic]

and to me, this season is very simple. Its all about the progression of #86 and #13. If those guys continue to project upwards, we'll be in good shape moving forward.

For me this is my main interest. We need to see these guys really take a big step.

 

[The 29th Pick]

Like Bill Parcells once said: You're only as good as your record

 

[My3Sons]

Devils are not in great shape on paper at all. Team going into last year was much better "on paper." With that said there's reason for hope, and playoffs are possible. Ruff and Crawford are big time upgrades I think and most of the returning players other than Zajac I also expect to improve. Regardless there are still a ton of holes and the bottom 6 in particular might be a disaster.

I don't see the current veteran group as good. I'm hoping they give the kids a chance to make the team and carve out roles for themselves. I'd rather watch that then older players lose by less. Maybe the bottom six is terrible but maybe one or two of the young guys actually improve enough to be a competent NHL player.

 

[Poppy Whoa Sonnet]

so the team isn’t better on paper at all, but you think our two biggest problem areas (goaltending and coaching) both got big time upgrades.

Triumph articulated it better than I could, I meant on paper heading into training camp the team is worse than the team last year, but I have some hope due to those big problem areas being upgraded. The team is better on paper compared to the team at the end of last season, but almost every team upgrades in the offseason baring cap hell / huge UFA exit.

I don't see the current veteran group as good. I'm hoping they give the kids a chance to make the team and carve out roles for themselves. I'd rather watch that then older players lose by less. Maybe the bottom six is terrible but maybe one or two of the young guys actually improve enough to be a competent NHL player.

I'm on board with the youth movement but it could easily bust, remember it's a supposed high variance play. For example I see a lot of lineups with Boqvist penciled in at 3LW and last year he wasn't an NHL caliber player, that could easily happen again. Devils might regret not going after vets like Haula for bargain one year deals if the young guys don't work out.

 

[SJinNewJersey]

In a shortened season with no pre-season games and then a two week training camp I would not be surprised to see a bit more injuries than normal. A couple key injuries here and there could really impact teams. Also a few game losing streak could really damage teams playoffs hopes quickly, and with teams playing the same teams back to back, I could see it happening. I think there are going to be some surprises.

 

[NJDevs26]

In a shortened season with no pre-season games and then a two week training camp I would not be surprised to see a bit more injuries than normal. A couple key injuries here and there could really impact teams. Also a few game losing streak could really damage teams playoffs hopes quickly, and with teams playing the same teams back to back, I could see it happening. I think there are going to be some surprises.

It works both ways...sure injuries and potential COVID absences might even the playing field and lead to a surprise here and there, but by the same token if we're the ones with the injuries and COVID absences that cripples thin and unproven teams like us even more than it would a Colorado type team.

 

[SJinNewJersey]

It works both ways...sure injuries and potential COVID absences might even the playing field and lead to a surprise here and there, but by the same token if we're the ones with the injuries and COVID absences that cripples thin and unproven teams like us even more than it would a Colorado type team.

It certainly does. However, if we get a little luck, in a year like this, maybe something special could happen for the Devils.

 

[TheUnseenHand]

Schedule surprisingly not as condensed as I expected. Devils with two solid goalies should have an advantage but perhaps not an incredible one. Devils should still be thinking playoffs and extending at least one of Palmieri/Gusev though. Definitely can't have a repeat of last year's opening month(s) at least.

Just play the way they did in the first couple periods of game one, don't have the coach tank the rest of the game and season, and we should be fine.

I think Ruff will make a huge difference. Not necessarily playoffs difference, but make us respectable difference. Honestly, having Hall gone will help too I think. Sounds odd to say that about a great player, but he always seemed so fragile mentally when the going got tough and it looked to permeate through the team. He could get through it with his incredible talent, but other guys, not so much. There just seemed to be a more upbeat, positive and loose attitude after he was traded. But maybe that's just because all the expectations were gone too. Good thing is, we have none this year.

I do wish Bratt would sign...

 

[glenwo2]

Just play the way they did in the first couple periods of game one, don't have the coach tank the rest of the game and season, and we should be fine.

I think Ruff will make a huge difference. Not necessarily playoffs difference, but make us respectable difference. Honestly, having Hall gone will help too I think. Sounds odd to say that about a great player, but he always seemed so fragile mentally when the going got tough and it looked to permeate through the team. He could get through it with his incredible talent, but other guys, not so much. There just seemed to be a more upbeat, positive and loose attitude after he was traded. But maybe that's just because all the expectations were gone too. Good thing is, we have none this year.

I do wish Bratt would sign...

Sorry about that....

Stupid immigration....Stupid Covid....