From the desk of: THE BRICK CITY STYX
Newark Youth Gone Wild
NEW JERSEY DEVILS: Naysayers Be Damned..!
If you didn't know, the rebuilding New Jersey Devils are off to their best start in franchise history.
With Wednesday evening's 2-0 whitewashing of the Canucks in Vancouver, the Devils remain unbeaten through five games on the road, and improved to 9-2-0 overall.
For the moment, they lead the Metropolitan Division by a point over the Pittsburgh Penguins, while their 18 points are second in the Eastern Conference behind the Tampa Bay Lightning.
This all somewhat unexpected, but not that far fetched.
The Devils went 28-40-14 last season, which earned them the number one overall pick in the 2017 entry draft. The real question is how far away were they away from converting some of last year's 14 overtime losses, which ranked third most in the league?
Between Oct. 17 through the 27th, three of the Devils four games exceeded regulation time. They emerged victorious in a shoot-out victory over Tampa Bay, then defeated Ottawa two nights later in overtime. After falling 3-0 to the San Jose Sharks, the Devils took the rematch over the Senators, winning 5-4 in their second shoot-out of the season.
The Devils are presently fifth in the league in scoring. Their +11 goal differential is likewise second only to Tampa in the conference, and fourth best in the league.
Perhaps, that's the part no one saw coming.
For the moment, all eyes are on 19-year old Jesper Bratt. The 162nd overall selection in the 2016 draft, the Devils rookie winger has ten points (4 goals, 6 assists) in his first 11 games.
As the number one overall pick of the 2010 draft, Edmonton Oilers fans might have felt shortchanged by winger Taylor Hall, who perhaps did leave something to be desired. Now in his second season with New Jersey, though, he presently leads the Devils with 15 points.
Circling back to New Jersey's number one overall pick ... centerman Nico Hischier has a pair of goals and five assists in 11 games. Center Adam Henrique, meanwhile, could possibly be heading towards his first career 60 point season. And, no, I have no explanation for Brian Gibbons' team leading five goals.
However, I do know defense is really leading the New Jersey Devils' way. Their 31 goals against are presently second fewest in the conference.
Drafted by Ray Shero in the second round of the 2012 entry draft, and now entering his fourth season, 23-year old Damon Severson is listed at 6'2", 205 lbs. Shero then selected Steven Santini in the second round of the 2013 draft. He is 22-years old, similarly listed at 6"2", and 205lbs., and now working full-time after appearing in 38 games last season.
In June of this year, Shero traded the Devils second and fourth round picks to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Mirco Mueller and a fifth round pick. He is 22-years old, and listed at a somewhat larger 6'3", 210lbs. In August, Shero then signed 22-year old Will Butcher to an entry level deal. Somewhat smallish by comparison, he more closely resembles Andy Greene, listed at 5'10", and 199lbs. Yet, he is second on the Devils with 11 assists so far this season, with seven coming on the power play.
Otherwise, Newark's blueliners come replete with stabilizing veterans. Senior Devil Andy Greene is now in his 12th season with the club. Signed as a free agent, the locally familiar John Moore was one of Ray Shero's first transactions after taking over for Lou Lamoriello as general manager. Moore, listed at 6'3" 200lbs., posted a career high 10 goals, and 22 points last season. Ben Lovejoy, now in year two of a three-year free agent deal, also brought size (6'1", 205lbs.) and Stanley Cup experience to the fold.
Surely, then, early season victories against Colorado, Toronto, the New York Rangers, Tampa Bay, Ottawa, and Vancouver, must count for something.
Have some courtesy ... give John Hynes and the Devils their due.
