New Jersey Devils: Biggest questions entering the 2018-2019 season

Are the Devils playoff bound?

Last year, no one gave the Devils even a fighting chance to even make the playoffs. Naturally, they ended up making it and winning a game in them.

So, to avoid sheer embarrassment, let’s not rule the playoffs that far out. This team can return there once again if all falls into place.

But, that is the problem. All the cards would have to fall into place perfectly again for the Devils to make the playoffs, so it’ll be tough.

The Devils’ roster is still weak on paper and there is still too much room for growth to say they are ready to go with the best of them.

Where the Devils got lucky last year was the Islanders, Rangers, Panthers, Hurricanes, Candadiens, etc, all not being able to play full-seasons at a high level.

Not to say the East was weak last season, it wasn’t, but the Devils barely ended up making the playoffs and they can’t rely on so many teams in their conference to struggle again.

The Devils were also road warriors last season. They played better on the road and were able to be one of the best teams away from the Rock.

At the end of the day, that is a rare thing to see and likely will not happen again.

So, the Devils probably won’t return to the playoffs this year. They are still technically in the rebuild and are a year or two away from getting over that hump.

Last year was not a fluke, but is going to be hard to repeat. The Devs should expect to finish around the 85-90 point range and come up just short of the playoffs.

That many points wouldn’t be a bad season though. The Devils also are two years removed from winning the lottery, so it is not like there is a desperate need for a high draft pick.

Just great hockey games, and a big step towards a culture and identity for the Devils would be worth watching this season.