N.J. Devils: Back in Playoffs After Five Year Absence

From the desk of:  THE BRICK CITY STYX

44-28-9 (97-points)

SATURDAY

New Jersey Devils

vs.

Washington Capitals

FROM

Government City

New Jersey Devils: Newark Back In Playoffs For First Time Since 2012.

Nine games and 17 points later, Taylor Hall's consecutive point streak was snapped Thursday evening at the Rock.  However, that makes him no less responsible for helping lead the New Jersey Devils back to the playoffs after a five year absence.  A top league MVP candidate, this will also be Taylor Hall's first ever Stanley Cup tournament appearance in his eight year career.

Not ironically, the Devils clinching victory occurred against Lou Lamoriello's Toronto Maple Leafs. Newark last qualified for the playoffs during his tenure.  The Devils this season exceeded forty victories for the first time since 2012, when they won 48 games under Lamoriello and captured the Eastern Conference title.

Last year, the Devils finished with a 28-40-14 record.  In just his third season as Devils general manager, Ray Shero has them back in the tournament.  The Devils he constructed stormed to the finish, going 11-3-1 in their last 15 games.