NHL RADIO’S LAUGHLIN: THE DEVILS ARE THE STORY
By: Stephen Lylyk, RP Show Intern
“I just think they’ve been the biggest story, they can pretty much play 500 hockey the rest of the way and make it to the postseason.”
Those were the words of SiriusXM NHL pundit Scott Laughlin on Monday’s Rod Pedersen Show regarding the early surprise of the 2022-23 campaign, the New Jersey Devils.
Once a proud franchise, (winners of 3 Stanley Cups between 1995 – 2003) the Devils had fallen on hard times through the years. The franchise had only reached the postseason once following an appearance in the 2012 Stanley Cup Finals.
The disappointment led to fans chanting ‘Fire Lindy’ (at Devils Head Coach Lindy Ruff) during an October 15th 5-2 defeat against the Detroit Red Wings, the Devils second consecutive defeat to open their 2022-23 campaign.
Following the loss, Ruff responded.
“I take full responsibility for when this team loses,” said Ruff. “The fans want W’s on the board. It’s as simple as that.”
While the fans were chanting for a new coach, Devils General manager Tom Fitzgerald saw potential in the roster he had built.
In an interview with ESPN’s Greg Wyshynki, Fitzgerald had this to say about the teams’ previous 27-46-9 campaign (missing the playoffs by 37 points).
“I think if you look back to last year, you saw what we were trending,” said Fitzgerald. “The underlying numbers told us we were definitely heading in the right direction.”
Fast forward 16 games post the Fire Lindy chants, and the Devils are stunningly at the top of the NHL standings having gone 15-1-0 over that stretch, highlighted by a 12 game win streak.
In an interview prior to the Devils Monday contest against the Edmonton Oilers Devils Forward Jack Hughes said the following regarding the teams hot stretch.
“We’re playing really good hockey,” said Hughes. “It’s fun and fans are enjoying it. You believe you’re going to win every game. We’ve got a ton of confidence right now. It doesn’t matter who we’re playing.”
As the Devils look to continue their hot stretch, Scott Laughlin points out that historical precedent says they’re well on their way to a postseason berth.
“58 of the last 60 teams to have a 10 game win streak over the course of the regular season make the playoffs,” said Laughlin. “Congrats New Jersey, your team is going back to the postseason.”
The current stretch of hockey has made Devils fans do a complete 180 regarding Ruff.
During a recent 4-2 victory over the Arizona Coyotes, loud audible chants of ‘Sorry Lindy’ could be heard in the Devils home arena.
Following the game Ruff had this to say regarding the noticeable positive treatment from the fans.
“I accept the apology, and maybe one day we can all sit down and have a beer and laugh about it.”
The Devils look to continue their winning ways, as following tonight’s home contest against the Edmonton Oilers, they host the Toronto Maple Leafs Wednesday evening.
