That’s A Wrap For The Devils

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by Matthew Blittner - April 16, 2024April 16, 20240

To borrow a phrase from Shakespeare, “to be, or not to be, that is the question.” In this particular case, that question was: would the Devils play the role of spoilers with the Islanders looking to clinch a playoff berth? Monday night, in New Jersey’s season finale, the already eliminated Devils

One Final Nail In The Coffin for New Jersey

Hockeyology

by Matthew Blittner - April 10, 2024April 10, 20240

Farewell 2023-24, the New Jersey Devils hardly knew thee. Tuesday night at Prudential Center the Devils entered their game with the Maple Leafs on what can only be described as double-secret probation. A regulation loss, coupled with either the Islanders or Flyers gaining at least one point, or the Red Wings

History For Luke Hughes

Hockeyology

by Matthew Blittner - April 8, 2024April 8, 20240

Records are meant to be broken. It’s a saying that feels as old as time itself. Sunday night the Devils hosted the Predators for a game that both teams desperately needed as the push for the playoffs continues. And while the Devils’ playoff odds have been almost entirely extinguished, there is

A Different Goaltender

Hockeyology

by Matthew Blittner - March 24, 2024March 24, 20240

It’s all about goaltending. It’s such a simple, yet novel idea. Then again, maybe it isn’t. It’s a small sample size, but the Devils have had the look of a different team ever since Jake Allen was acquired at the Trade Deadline. Or, at least, they usually look like a different

Devils Looking Back And Looking Ahead

Hockeyology

by Matthew Blittner - March 9, 2024March 9, 20240

Can you believe what a difference one year makes? Saturday afternoon the Devils hosted the Hurricanes for a matinee at Prudential Center that served as a stark reminder of just how different things are this year as compared to last season. The end result, a 4-2 loss for the Devils only

Devils Wheel And Deal, Rangers Tinker, Islanders Stand Pat, And More

Hockeyology

by Matthew Blittner - March 9, 2024March 9, 20240

Well, that was, sort of…weird. Friday afternoon’s NHL Trade Deadline has come and gone and many don’t know what to make of it. There were just under two dozen trades made. There was a last-minute buzzer-beater in Vegas. And there were some eyebrow-raising moves. But, for the most part, it felt

Timo Meier’s Hat-Trick Fuels Devils’ 4-1 Win Over The Blues

Hockeyology

by Matthew Blittner - March 8, 2024March 8, 20240

Alright, Devils fans, it all comes down to this. In mere hours we’ll know just how far into the future New Jersey is looking. Thursday night, the NHL’s annual Trade Deadline is upon us, last night the Devils hosted the St. Louis Blues in a matchup that resulted in a 4-1

The Era Of Green Has Begun

Hockeyology

by Matthew Blittner - March 6, 2024March 6, 20240

Travis Green, it’s your party. After a so-so first 61 games, the Devils have decided they could wait no longer. With their playoff hopes having tumbled down to roughly 15%, GM Tom Fitzgerald pulled the “break glass in case of emergency” switch and fired Head Coach Lindy Ruff on Monday evening.

Devils Fire Lindy Ruff, Turn To Travis Green

Hockeyology

by Matthew Blittner - March 4, 2024March 5, 20240

What’s the old saying? Coaches are hired to be fired? Unfortunately, that saying was once again proven true on Monday night, March 4, 2024. With less than a handful of days to go before the NHL’s annual Trade Deadline, Devils General Manager Tom Fitzgerald removed Head Coach Lindy Ruff from his

Blittner’s Blue Line: NHL Officiating and Notes From Around The League

Hockeyology

by Matthew Blittner - March 4, 2024March 4, 20240

The art of officiating an NHL game is just that – an art. Sure, there are rules – upon rules, upon rules, upon rules – that are specifically spelled out, but there are also plenty of situations that are purposely left to the interpretation of the on-ice officials; namely, the