Devils deserve to be viewed as an elite team in the East

It may finally be happening for the New Jersey Devils. Despite heightened expectations during the Jack Hughes era, the Devils have struggled to become consistent contenders, winning just one playoff series since their run to the Stanley Cup final in 2012, and missing the postseason last year.

This season, however, could be the one in which the Devils realize their potential. Their 18 points through 14 games puts them in second place in the Metropolitan Division, and they’ve won seven of their last 10 games. According to MoneyPuck, New Jersey’s expected goals percentage of 58.57% ranks second in the NHL. With star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck now in the fold, the Devils are looking like a team to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference.

On Tuesday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, hosts Tyler Yaremchuk and Carter Hutton were joined by Steve Peters to discuss whether New Jersey has entered the class of elite teams in the East.

Tyler Yaremchuk: When you talk about the elite teams in the East, Carolina, they’re off to a great start. We had someone comment earlier, no Stanley Cup hangover there. Boston’s looking like an absolute wagon in the early going here. Everyone’s keeping an eye on Washington and Florida. Does New Jersey deserve to be mentioned in that elite tier in the East?

Steve Peters: They do now. As long as they can stay healthy, I think that bodes well for this team. It’s going to be a battle for second in the Metro. Let’s face it, Carolina’s almost won the division already. They’re just exceptional. They picked up where they left off. But you’re talking about Jersey, Washington, the Rangers are maybe starting to slide with their goaltending, the Islanders are right there. There is going to be a battle for second, and Pittsburgh’s still going to climb out of the cellar, I think, too. There’s going to be a battle for second.

One thing New Jersey needs to start to do, and we talked about their small, skilled forwards, they’re going to have to pick up the physicality. That’s got to come from (Anthony) Mantha, who’s only got two hits per game right now. That’s not good enough. You talk about Timo Meier, who may bring some physicality, this team just isn’t as physical as they need to be in a division where it’s required. Right now they’re 29th in the NHL in hits per 60 minutes, while the Rangers and the Islanders are both top-10. So they’re going to have to pick up their physical game, because as the season wears on, you’re going to have to beat some teams by being physical in the corners.

You can catch the full discussion and the rest of Tuesday’s episode here…