The New Jersey Devils are set to begin their season tonight at 7:00pm EST v. the Philadelphia Flyers in the city of Brotherly Love. The New Jersey Devils will look to bounce back from back-to-back seasons without a playoff berth and luckily for them, they didn't lose any significant stars and none of their players decided to pack their bags and head to the KHL.
Here are five predictions for the New Jersey Devils 2014-15 season.
1. The Devils will indeed win a shootout...multiple shootouts
Many would argue that this shouldn't be a prediction, but if you confront the brutal facts, this is one of the lead reasons why the Devils didn't make playoffs last season. The Devils wen't an abysmal 0-13 in shootouts last season and missed the second wild card spot by five points so do the math. Even a losing shootout record of 5-8 could have potentially solidified them a playoff berth. This year the Devils will have better shooters on their team-as they brought in Mike Cammalleri who has a 33.3% shootout percentage and will have their best shootout performer in the young Reid Boucher at 50% see significant playing time this season. The Devils can only go up from 0-13.
2. They will be a top three team in Metropolitan Division
In my opinion the Metropolitan Division is wide open this season. Outside of the Pittsburgh Penguins, some may argue that the other seven teams have the potential to either finish second, or last in the division. With Cory Schneider in between the pipes for a majority of their games, the Devils will win enough games to crack the top three and make the playoffs.
3. Jagr will record even more points than last season
BOLD - just the way I like it. But even though Jaromir Jagr is going to turn 43 years young this season and it'll take 67 points to improve on his mark from last season, it's not out of reach at all. With Mike Cammalleri on his opposite wing (over a rotation of bottom six players last season), look for the duo to excel and take each other to the next level.
4. Cory Schneider will lead the league in GAA
I hope Cory Schneider doesn't read this, because the Devils season will ride or die on his shoulders - but no pressure....
Non the less, I am confident that the Devils will be successful with Cory Schneider in net this season. They were relying on an aging Martin Brodeur for far too long, but now they have a capable young net-minder who can give them 60-70 games a year and fill the hole left behind by legendary #30. Schneider led the league in goals against average (GAA) last season amongst all starters, and he will do it again this season.
5. Lou Lamoriello will 'WOW' the hockey world once again and make a blockbuster trade
Though most predict that the trade deadline won't be a fire sale like last March, I predict that the Devils will be making headline(s). They will be in a serious playoff race in the Metro, and Lamoriello will pull the trigger on something huge to give his team the upper-hand. In Lou, the Devils Army always trusts.
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