3 NHL teams that exceeded expectations in 2022-23

NHL teams that exceeded expectations: 2. New Jersey Devils (52-22-8)

The New Jersey Devils had a season for the ages. Between 2013 and 2022, the Devils missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs nine out of ten seasons. Coming off of another abysmal year in 2021-22, preseason predictions for the 2022-23 Devils were that they’d maybe make a push for a wild card spot. Most people didn’t expect them to finish third overall in the NHL, just one point behind the Carolina Hurricanes in the Metropolitan Division. After a decade-long rebuild, New Jersey has arrived.

Following a rough start to the season, “Fire Lindy” chants rang throughout the Prudential Center, calling for head coach Lindy Ruff’s head. Ruff has coached the Devils for three years. It wasn’t long before “Sorry Lindy” echoed through the Rock, though. The Devils went on a tear with a 13-game winning streak that created ripples of chatter. Were the Devils for real? Naysayers still didn’t think so. Then the Devils kept winning.

Several Devils took huge leaps forward. Jack Hughes is the superstar New Jersey hoped for. At 21 years old, Hughes posted 99 points, breaking a franchise record set by Patrik Elias. Captain Nico Hischier had a strong season with 80 points. He was named a finalist for the Selke Trophy, an award for the best defensive forward. Hischier, Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Timo Meier all reached the threshold of 30 goals scored, although most of Meier’s goals were with the San Jose Sharks before his trade. Dawson Mercer had a solid second season in the NHL, contributing 27 goals.

The regular season also included contributions from veterans Tomas Tatar and Erik Haula. Fourth-line forward Michael McLeod ranked third in the NHL for faceoff percentage this season, trailing only Jonathan Toews and Patrice Pergeron. The Jonas Siegenthaler/Dougie Hamilton defensive pairing was strong, and the Ryan Graves/John Marino line saw a lot of big minutes where they shut down the opposing team’s offense. Hamilton matched Barry Beck for a franchise record of 22 goals in a season by a defenseman. After many years of the Devils struggling to find a goaltender, Vitek Vanececk became the only Devils goalie besides Martin Brodeur to win 30 games in one season.

The Round 1 playoff series against the New York Rangers showed how far the Devils have come. There was a lot of talk about the Devils’ lack of playoff experience. However, veterans like Tatar, Haula, Hamilton, and Ondrej Palat had playoff experience, and other players learned along the way. After dropping the first two games, the Devils won three of the next four. They took down their rivals in a Game 7 shutout. The Devils had the fourth-best penalty kill during the regular season, and they needed their PK to shut down the Rangers’ strong power play. A standout in the series was the young goalie, Akira Schmid. Ultimately, the Devils were outmatched in Round 2 and were knocked out of the playoffs by the Hurricanes.

Can the Devils meet next season’s higher expectations? Team chemistry and leadership are there. Their captain Nico Hischier and alternate captains Jack Hughes and Ondrej Palat lead the way. The talent is there, especially with Jesper Bratt and Timo Meier expected to return. A lot of young talent waits in the wings. After his college season ended, Luke Hughes joined the team at the end of the regular season. His first NHL goal was in OT, securing a franchise record 52nd win. Prospect Simon Nemec should be a big factor next year. Other notable prospects include Alexander Holtz, Seamus Casey, and Nolan Foote.

It’s one thing to surpass expectations when the hockey community counted the Devils out. It’s another thing to continue building on that success now that eyes are on them. Next season will be a big test for the young New Jersey Devils who hope to be a cup contender for many years.