Devils' Momentum Crushed as Team Skids Out of Playoff Picture
With that in mind, where might Alex Holtz be traded to if it comes down to that?
Welcome to the THW New Jersey Devils Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our Devils writers.
Before getting into it, I’d like to apologize for not having put out a newsletter for about a week now — it’s been an extremely hectic week for me on a personal level. With that in mind, this newsletter is a bit beefier in terms of how many articles are present. Enjoy them nonetheless!
In today’s edition, we feature a THW premium prospect update, three post-game recaps, a piece on the ever-dimming Devils’ playoff hopes, and an article about where Alex Holtz might end up. Please share this free substack with your hockey and Devils fan friends and family so they can subscribe and enjoy all the latest.
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Now on to the good stuff….
Devils' Prospect Update: Prospects Reeling As Much as Devils' Playoff Hopes
February 27, 2024 by JP Gambatese (THW Premium Content)
February has been a rough month for the Devils. Finally healthy, they’ve struggled to maintain consistency in the win column, having performed so poorly that their first-rounder is now being looked at as an asset for the future rather than a trade chip for the present, looking at their prospects is as important as ever. Unfortunately, the Devils’ prospects — much like the team — have struggled this month. There’s been a decrease in production practically across the board for Devils’ prospects everywhere.
Lack of Urgency From Devils Front Office Dims Playoffs Hope
February 26, 2024 by Josh Reinitz
Everything is fair game right now. In a week where the New Jersey Devils were poised to make an urgent climb up the standings with four games in six days, three in a row at home, the team fizzled, earning just two of eight possible points. They mustered just eight total goals across the four games, finishing the run with a measly three shots in the most crucial third period of the season and losing significant ground in the process. While a run to the playoffs, a la the 1987-88 Devils, may still be possible, this team has not shown any signs that they belong among the 16 teams still playing at the close of the regular season. If the effort and lack of attention to detail this week is any indicator, Devils fans won’t have to make plans to be in Newark in May.
3 Players the Devils Could Target with Their First-Round Pick
February 25, 2024 by JP Gambatese
The New Jersey Devils’ playoff hopes are dwindling, with the team currently sitting five points back of a wild card spot and five points behind the Philadelphia Flyers for third place in the Metropolitan Division. There’s certainly an argument to be made that the Devils can make a playoff push with a trade or two, even potentially making a deep run with the incredible amount of talent strewn up and down their lineup. Still, it’s entirely possible that GM Tom Fitzgerald doesn’t see a deep run with the current roster and, instead of trading it, opts to use their first-round selection in the 2024 NHL Draft. As it stands, the Devils would get the 15th overall pick. I’m not a fan of drafting for positional need; instead, I choose to look at the most talented players available, regardless of position, and I would rather the team select that player. With that in mind, there are a few prospective picks I think the Devils should certainly consider.
Devils’ Power Play Struggles Cost Them in Loss to the Rangers
February 23, 2024 by Josh Reinitz
The New Jersey Devils entered Thursday night’s contest against the first-place New York Rangers reeling after losing two of three and falling further out of a playoff position. The game began with the Devils earning a five-minute power play, resulting in several perimeter shots on goal but little danger. The Rangers countered quickly with a power-play goal in five seconds, and the Devils never recovered.
4 Trade Destinations for Devils’ Alex Holtz
February 22, 2024 by JP Gambatese
With the trade deadline approaching, all eyes are on New Jersey Devils general manager (GM) Tom Fitzgerald as he tries to push the Devils toward a firm playoff position. They’ve had a disappointing season, but that can mostly be chalked up to injury woes and atrocious goaltending. A splash at the trade deadline can certainly be enough to put the Devils back into a comfortable playoff spot.
Devils’ Lessons From the 2024 Stadium Series Game vs. Flyers
February 22, 2024 by Jordan Slompo
The New Jersey Devils clinched a key victory in the battle for a playoff spot on Sunday, Feb. 18, against the Philadelphia Flyers. Better yet, the team won 6-3 and celebrated their significant result before 70,328 people at MetLife Stadium. Despite losing to the Washington Capitals in the game following the Stadium Series, the Devils are trying to cut the gap in the fight for the third position in the Metropolitan Division (the Devils are fourth, with 60 points, the Flyers are third, with 65).
Devils’ Momentum Plummets in Embarrassing Loss to Capitals
February 21, 2024 by Erica Rosenbaum
The New Jersey Devils traveled to Washington to face the Capitals for the final time in the 2023-24 regular season. The Devils have lost two against their Metropolitan Division foes but won their most recent meeting 6-3. New Jersey came into the matchup coming off a high from winning their Stadium Series game against the Philadelphia Flyers at MetLife Stadium on Saturday (Feb. 17). However, the team needed to refocus and continue their playoff push as the Eastern Conference standings remain close. Washington came into the game riding a 4-3 win against the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday.
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