When I looked at the Devils schedule in the beginning f the season, this 4 game series with the rival Rangers stood out immediately.
It stood out because it could have meant one of two things;
We could be playing a meaningful 4 games that could determine playoff implications.
Or it could mean nothing.
The Devils have had their fair share of news of late.
The Devils, the youngest team in the NHL, got younger after the trade deadline.
The Devils have been injured (Hischier, COVID, now Zacha, yadda yadda)
The goalie depth position is fine for some time barring an injury, then we have no depth.
The D is now resembles an AHL D overall. (I don't think its THAT bad but its not great)
The Devils cannot score.
New GM, can he do the job? (I want to focus a blog on Fitz and his work so far)
The Devils only really "play" in the 3rd period of games, a little too late.
The Devils need to show more grit and emotion.
The Devils over exceeded in the beginning of the season give Devils fans false hope.
The Devils Reverse Retro is the best retro Adidas came up with, but it didn't make the team better.
Hughes sucks. The whole team sucks.
.... you all feel free to add your own reasons/excuses or whatever to this list.
It isn't a great time for Devils fans, no doubt.
Also not having a playoff game in quite some time, no fun no doubt.
But I believe its fair to say no one believed this 20/21 Devils team would be playing for the Stanley Cup nor was Hischier/Hughes going to play like McDavind/Draisaitl.
Not sure we can even predict what next year will look like with the Draft, Free Agency and Trades but I do think it'll be close to the same than close to a Cup.
Now where does it leave the Devils and Devils fans?
Looking forward, looking two years from now, looking for reasonable expectations (and that includes not being a bottom dweller), looking for chemistry on and off the ice, asset management (what do you do with too many young players/prospects with upside?), and the list goes on and on.
There is a lot to get excited about but nothing like seeing this team "become" and hopefully transform for the better.
Today's 3pm tilt against the Rangers is a formality on paper but at this point the Devils are looking for any building block and positives. It starts at puck drop and playing a solid first period.
Now that Matt Tennyson is back (in favor of Butcher - I don't know what the deal is with Butcher, something is not right for him not to play and develop his game!) the D needs to step up as best they can. Matt Tennyson is what he is and thats that!
I do like Subban's "step" , seems like after the deadline he is playing a lot more like the old Subban - good and bad but I like it.
Siegenthaler we need to see more of. Period. I do think he will need to earn his spot next year with what we have in the pipeline. He may have the hardest job come camp to keep his spot.
Up front, I want to see more Kuokkanen/Hughes/Sharangovich just stick and play together. Learn together, grow together and success together.
Sharangovich I just think has been the best Devils surprise this year along with Blackwood. But we knew about Blackwood.
I still want to see Nolan Foote dress and play. I hear it is imminent and we will see him.
Holtz and logistics (contract and visa/travel) is being worked on as we speak. We could see him this season especially since his success buddy Lucas Raymond just signed with the Wings, his business is finished overseas. Let's go!
Andreas Johnsson went from underwhelming to relevant. Could it be there is a little less pressure and a little more confidence? I also see his job really hard next year (if he is around) to stick in a top 6 role.
Maltsev, Studenic just too early to see and make a longer team call.
Hischier, I just want to see him 100% healthy for a long stretch. Has been hard to gauge where he is and his development. In the beginning of the season the Devils needed him (and Hughes) to take a step in their development.
Speaking of Hughes... I do think he has take a step forward. I also think there is a lot to go but he is learning and getting banged up. As his body develops, as he learns to use his body better when he cant outstate the opposition, he will be alright. We just want him to be better now!
Remember, not everyone is a Connor McDavid. Hughe has the confidence, which will only grow and he develops and grows on the job.
I must must mention McLeod and Bastian. These guys have been the most consistent all year in their play and contribution. Once two stud prospects in the organization, both became "has been" and forgotten as new blood filled the Devils pipeline. But have they come through?
Bravo!
Wood is wood. Wood is a great awesome 3rd liner and could flank Bastian/McLeod on any line.
The Devils just need Wood to continue being himself.
Sign Wedgewood for another year I have heard. No opposition here for a low salary which could even allow the Devils to sign another backup vet.
Lets go Devils! Now let's play the Rangers.
Truly yours,
The Devils Advocate
New Jersey Devils Blogger • 
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