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New Jersey Devils: Suddenly there is a spark of intensity

By John Franklin

Mar 19, 2017; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils center Adam Henrique (14) celebrates with teammates on the bench after scoring a goal during the first period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils center Adam Henrique (14) celebrates with teammates on the bench after scoring a goal during the first period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New Jersey Devils had the first overall pick in this year’s NHL Draft. After taking Nico Hischier, it feels like hockey is ready to be great in New Jersey again.

New Jersey Devils hockey continues to haunt me in my dreams… but suddenly it feels as though the change is coming.

With the first overall pick of Nico Hischier, it feels as though it’s time for great hockey in this great state again.

Now, it’s not going to start right a way. There is a necessity for this kid to grow, like any other young star, but it has to happen soon.

I remember the days of Patrick Elias and Scott Gomez. Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, come to think of it, the Devils had a lot of guys named Scott.

… Anyway… I miss it. I miss winning, and I really miss competing for a Cup year in and year out. It’s the age old saying, “I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.”

The beauty of any sport is that team’s have their ups and downs. There is always a lull, but the Devils have been in a deep lull for a long time.

This kid has to be the prophecy.

He has to be the answer to what has been the longest rebuild of any team I’ve ever had the pleasure of watching. It’s just terribly upsetting.

Next: Empire Writes Back the Podcast Episode One

Now, all of a sudden, there’s a sense of intensity in New Jersey. It feels like it’s time to win, and win big.

With the lineup of Taylor Hall, Mike Cammalleri, and Adam Henrique, this team should win. Add in Hischier, and it means Devils hockey should get back to the apex of the NHL, sooner rather than later.

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