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Time to be a Devils Advocate

Big Kaluwski
Oct 20, 2017
2 min read

Guess which team is sitting a top of the Metropolitan Division? Pittsburgh?No.... Washington? Nope. Columbus?? Wrong again! t is those little devils from New Jersey! With their 5-4 OT win over the Ottawa Senators, New Jersey improved to 6-1, and lead their division. Now it is still very early in the season, but I am going to be a Devils Advocate. (and no I don't mean that I will star in the sequel of the film with the same name. Even if I could be a much better actor than Keanu Reeves)

I am going to give three reasons to take this team seriously.

1) They are loaded with young talent: Nico Hischier was the 1st overal pick in the 2017 draft, and he is already paying dividends for the Devils. Nico has 7 points in 7 games. Jesper Bratt, is turning out to be a late round steal. The Swede was a 6th round pick in the 2016 draft, and has 6 points in 7 games. Will Butcher, and pick up from the Colorado Avalanche has 9 assists so far. Taylor Hall already has 9 points, and Pavel Zacha also add an offensive punch to the team. The Devils are loaded with talent, and that has not been the case for many years.

2) They have Cory Schneider in between the pipes: In 5 years with the Devils, Schneider has a G.AA of 2.34. That is pretty impressive. The problem has been that his team has not been able to score goals! That problem seems to be no longer a concern this season, which means he will get more support. That equates to a possible career year for the netminder.

3) They have nothing to loose: No one gave this team to be a success this year, so there is no real pressure on them. That means they can pretty much play how they want to play, and not worry about the results. That goes along way, and that could mean a playoff appearance by them.

So there you go. Start to cheer for the Devils! They are a changed team, and are alot of fun to watch. This years Cinderella team, might just be at the final dance, once all the dust is settled.

Here are the results from all other games last night.

Nashville 1

Philadelphia 0

Comments: Renne made 28 saves for the shutout

NY Islanders 4

NY Rangers 3 (SO)

Comments: Islanders handed the Rangers their 5 straight loss.

Tampa Bay 2

Columbus 0

Comments: Former Montreal prospect Mikail Sergachev had 2 goal in the win. (and now has 6 points in the season)

Boston 6

Vancouver 3