New Jersey Devils: Cory Schneider Wants Team to Finish Strong

Mar 28, 2017; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils goalie Cory Schneider (35) walks to the ice prior to their game against the Winnipeg Jets at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2017; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils goalie Cory Schneider (35) walks to the ice prior to their game against the Winnipeg Jets at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New Jersey Devils certainly hoped to be better in the 2016-17 season. However, this season will end with the Devils missing the playoffs once again.

After a pretty good offseason, there was some hope that the New Jersey Devils would be able to compete for a playoff spot this season.

Coming into the offseason, the Devils’ main goal was to improve on offense. During the offseason, they made the decision to trade Adam Larsson to the Edmonton Oilers for Taylor Hall.

Despite the addition of Hall, the Devils still have one of the worst offenses in the NHL. In addition to the struggles offensively, the Devils took a big step back defensively this season. With the team missing the playoffs once again, goalie Cory Schneider wants his teammates to play hard for the rest of the season to end on a positive note.

"“We keep talking about it that we have something to show in the final seven games of the year,” Schneider said to Chris Ryan of NJ.com. “We have to play with some pride here. We’ve only won two of our last however many games and it’s not acceptable no matter what your situation is."

In March, the Devils have only won two games, and they have lost 16 of their last 18 games. Even though they had a poor stretch, they still want to finish the season strong.

"“Guys who are here and are going to be here in the future, we’ve got to turn it around here and play with some pride, get a little embarrassed or pissed off how things have ended here.” “We want to show we’re playing for something,” Schneider said to Ryan. “We’re playing to set the tone, the culture, hopefully for next season.”"

With six games remaining, the Devils can play spoiler. Two of the games still to play are against the New York Islanders, who are fighting for the wild card spot.

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Having a strong to the end of the season could help set the tone for the players that will be returning next season. We will have to see how the team responds to Schneider’s plea in the final six games.