Why are the Devils 21-4-1? insane easy schedule, makes perfect sense.

[Anglesmith]

Looking at their roster, coach, coaching staff, GM. The fact that they were trash last season with pretty much the same roster and staff 27-46-9 | 248-307 (-59)

versus

11-3-0 | 51-36 (+15)

Unreal season, 100% unsustainable.
- I just hope that they wont end up like Buffalo Sabres, when they led the league early of that season

Hockey fans tend to believe that changing a team's outcome requires massive roster overhauls or a change of coach, but there are countless examples of teams getting much better or much worse from season to season without these factors.

 

[Forge]

Looking at their roster, coach, coaching staff, GM. The fact that they were trash last season with pretty much the same roster and staff 27-46-9 | 248-307 (-59)

versus

11-3-0 | 51-36 (+15)

Unreal season, 100% unsustainable.
- I just hope that they wont end up like Buffalo Sabres, when they led the league early of that season

Tell me you don't know what the hell you're talking about by actually telling me you don't know what the hell you're talking about. Requires less typing for you.

 

[Frobbo]

Avalanche had similar season with Roy. It was fairytale like and it never ended in the regular season. It did end in the first round of playoffs though. Haha.

That Colorado team had unbelievable puck possession numbers, as in bad compared to their record. Varlamov stood on his head and they had immense puck luck regarding pulling their goalie and such. NJ looks to be doing it legitimately thus far. OP'er known for bad takes and this is another example.

 

[glenwo2]

sometimes bad teams go on winning streaks.

I'd be surprised if they made the playoffs

 

[Jersey Fresh]

Hockey fans tend to believe that changing a team's outcome requires massive roster overhauls or a change of coach, but there are countless examples of teams getting much better or much worse from season to season without these factors.

And the Devils have been among the youngest teams in the league for a few years, so that progression was always baked into the roster.

 

[Xirik]

I'm a little bit surprised and saddened that everyone fell for an obvious troll job and are giving leafer attention. He hasn't even made a post in the thread since the OP.

 

[Forge]

If Vanecek is out for some time, they will probably lose a bunch like they did last year. Though hopefully Daws and Schmid are in a better spot mentally to not pee their pants in the big leagues.

Thankfully, I believe that Ruff said last night that there was no concern about him. I'm assuming that they'll give Schmid the next start and then hopefully VV is back without any issues.

 

[PullHard]

Having Bratt, Hughes, and Hischier tilts the ice so much in their favour. Their bottom 6 and most of their D is probably extremely underrated by the average hockey fan. They've been ready to take this step for a while now. Devils fans all told us that if they even got close to average goaltending last year they would've been competitive, it isn't like all of a sudden the whole team did a 180, they're decently healthy as a whole and hopefully Vanecek and Blackwood can stay healthy for the majority of the year.

 

[Korpse]

sometimes bad teams go on winning streaks.

I'd be surprised if they made the playoffs

Bad teams don't play like the Devils. The way they play with speed is a perfect of example of the evolution of hockey in recent decades. They attack the middle, always at a high pace and always in motion. Very difficult team to contain.

 

[Mirka the Turka]

I think the Devils are cup contenders. Who can beat the amazing trio of Hughes, Batt, and Hischier?

 

[Gjman2019]

The advanced stats were excellent last year (at least the ones i pay attention to).........Their goaltending let them down.....

Those same advanced stats are awesome again this year, so this is no surprise to me that they're doing awesome......They'll cool down a bit at some point like almost all teams do over a long season, but if they get goaltending they're not going anywhere......Lindy is a very underrated coach.....

By the way Schmid was crazy good last night.....Very impressive......

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

That Colorado team had unbelievable puck possession numbers, as in bad compared to their record. Varlamov stood on his head and they had immense puck luck regarding pulling their goalie and such. NJ looks to be doing it legitimately thus far. OP'er known for bad takes and this is another example.

True true.

 

[ZachaFlockaFlame]

Yeah I'm not saying I would agree with someone, but I would be fine with it. Everyone ranks the teams their own way. I think its too early to say what teams are good or bad, which is why I wouldnt go too far with the schedule thing. Someone could say "okay you beat Avs, Flames and Oilers but you lost to Flyers, Wings and Caps" and I could buy that.

That would be 100% more legit reasoning than "roster is the same" lol

Flyers are always going to be annoying to play with who their coach is + Carter Hart looks like a Vezina finalist. Devils destroyed the Wings + Caps in the games they lost but Vanecek had his worst game against Detroit in the opener + Blackwood had his patented 5 GA game after being named the second star the previous week.

 

[FinnishDevil]

Flyers are always going to be annoying to play with who their coach is + Carter Hart looks like a Vezina finalist. Devils destroyed the Wings + Caps in the games they lost but Vanecek had his worst game against Detroit in the opener + Blackwood had his patented 5 GA game after being named the second star the previous week.

I know. But a non-fan doesnt. If that was behind their reasoning as to "why NJD are 11-3" I could understand them as theres no way people know everything about all the other teams. But to come here claming that the team is all the same as last year when 5 second side by side comparison tells you theyre not is just dumb and lazy.

 

[Djp]

They are going to fall back into the playoff bubble without any significant injury.

 

[Golden_Jet]

Ya it’s about time they started competing with all those lottery picks, and have made the playoffs once in the last 10-11 years, and that year won , one playoff game. Things are finally looking up it seems.

 

[Gurglesons]

I feel like it should be asked more like "How were the Devils so bad the last few years?" when they've been picking top 5-15 for like 7 years.

Similar trajectory to that young Blackhawks core to be honest. I don't see their style of hockey under Ruff having much success in the playoffs though. Especially in the Eastern Conference.

Not that, that matters. Their goal is to simply make the playoffs this year.

 

[glenwo2]

They are going to fall back into the playoff bubble without any significant injury.

You hope.

 

[Jersey Fresh]

Ya it’s about time they started competing with all those lottery picks, and have made the playoffs once in the last 10-11 years, and that year won , one playoff game. Things are finally looking up it seems.

Tough break on the Sens, though.

 

[goonybird]

Vanecek still doesn't solve their goalie problem but at least he's NHL caliber.

Yea like they're not going 64-18-0 but should be capable of the odd winning streak. Especially with a weak schedule

 

[Scorcho]

Looking at their roster, coach, coaching staff, GM. The fact that they were trash last season with pretty much the same roster and staff 27-46-9 | 248-307 (-59)

versus

11-3-0 | 51-36 (+15)

Unreal season, 100% unsustainable.
- I just hope that they wont end up like Buffalo Sabres, when they led the league early of that season

you should try watching the games some time, might give you a better idea of why they're winning games

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

sometimes bad teams go on winning streaks.

I'd be surprised if they made the playoffs

I'd be surprised if you ever watched them play

If you exclude like 5 forwards and 1 d-man, its AHL level roster on paper.
and they are still coached by Lindy Ruff... LOL

Strange times in the NHL.

Be honest George, how many games have you watched this year?

And no, watching the boxscore while the game is being played doesn't count.

 

[Raistlin]

Um actually they should have a even better record . They are not getting lucky and winning takes they shouldn’t be . They are dismantling teams . Yes , they won’t finish with 150 points or anything … but chances that they make the playoffs THIS year is likely . I can see teams adjusting to our style of play and the Deviks slowing down for little stretches ( like every team , good or bad ) , but I think they are better equipped this year to stop any possible losing streaks before they get out of hand like seasons past

I look at the players and a few games they've played from beginning to end, they are opportunistic and fast, but no one believes Wood, Bratt and Hischier will maintain their pace. Hughes Sharan Mercer Tatar is not exactly a murderers row. Mainly a lack of depth. I see a bubble team at best, after the eventual regression as injuries hit.

 

[summer tooth]

Devils and Kraken are dominating

 

[Hisch13r]

George once again proving he literally has no clue about anything.

If anything, looking at the advanced numbers, they should have a better record than 11-3-0.

We've won every game our goaltending hasn't blown up and lost every game that they did.