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New Jersey Devils are Legitimate NHL Contender

By Iain MacMillan

Nov 5, 2022; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; New Jersey Devils left wing Fabian Zetterlund (49) celebrates
Nov 5, 2022; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; New Jersey Devils left wing Fabian Zetterlund (49) celebrates / Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
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We're a month into the NHL season, and there are plenty of surprises when you look at the current standings. None are more shocking than the New Jersey Devils, who are sitting at 9-3 and in first place in the Metropolitan Division.

It's not just luck that has led them to this spot, they have legitimately playing some fantastic hockey.

Before I dive into the reason for their success, let's take a look at where they sit in the latest odds.

New Jersey Devils Odds to Win Division, Conference, and Stanely Cup

The Devils are now second on the odds list to win the Metropolitan Division at +380. They began the season at around +2000.

New Jersey has jumped up to +1200 to win the Eastern Conference. They started the season at around +3500.

They're still a longshot to win the Stanley Cup, but the Devils have jumped from +7500 to +2500.

Why the New Jersey Devils Are So Good This Season

Who knows if the Devils early season success will last throughout the season, but their wins have not been due to luck. They sit atop the standings in almost every single statistic you could look at.

Here is where they rank at the time of writing this article in the following 5-on-5 statistics:

  • CORSI% - 2nd
  • FENWICK% - 1st
  • xGF/60 - 1st
  • xGA/60 - 1st
  • High-danger scoring chances for/60 - 1st
  • High-danger scoring chances allowed/60 - 1st
  • Shooting % - 15th
  • Save % - 28th

As you can see, they still haven't even reached their full potential. They are leading in just about every single advanced analytic, but are still only 15th in shooting percentage and 28th in save percentage. They're already doing well in the hard areas, now they just need some more accurate shooting and stronger play from their goaltenders, and they'll soar even higher.

If you haven't already, now is the time to buy some stock in the Devils. Whether it's through futures, or on a game-by-game basis, get in on them now while you still can.

They're set to host the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night.

You can track Iain's bets on Betstamp here.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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