5 reasons why New Jersey Devils will win Stanley Cup

2. Taylor Hall is playing out of his mind

Prior to the 2017-18 season, Taylor Hall has been a very good talent. Going into the playoffs, Hall has willed himself into a Hart Trophy candidate who finally became a great player.

Hall began the season well enough, notching 39 points in 36 games. However, his pace since Jan. 1 is the stuff of legend. The Alberta native has totaled 27 goals since the New Year, which matches his previous career-high for an entire season. In the 40 games played in ’18, Hall has 54 points — including a 26-game point streak — perhaps putting himself in the catbird seat for league MVP.

Once known as a scorer who added little else to the table, Hall has become an all-around dynamo. Playing on the first line all season, the 26-year-old has set the tone, playing all 200 feet while enjoying the company of Nico Hischier, one of the NHL’s top rookies. Hall has also been lethal on the power play, ranking behind only Phil Kessel and Blake Wheeler with 37 points on the man-advantage.

With Hall on the ice, the Devils are a threat to score at any time.