4 Reasons for the Devils’ Recent Success

Through 10 games together, they have combined for 33 points, making them the Devils’ most productive line offensively. Their production also puts them among the top 10 lines across the league in goals for and expected goals percentage (xGoals%).

The numbers are impressive, but what makes this line particularly dangerous is how naturally the three forwards complement one another. Each brings a different element to the ice, and their ability to capitalize on those strengths has made them increasingly difficult for opposing teams to contain.

Hughes remains the driving force offensively. His skating, vision and ability to create opportunities in tight spaces allow him to dictate the pace of play and generate chances seemingly out of nothing. Bratt provides another dynamic playmaking presence, using his speed, puck control and creativity to create space for his linemates. Meanwhile, Gritsyuk has brought an additional scoring threat, along with the ability to drive toward the net and capitalize on opportunities created by the other two forwards.

Their chemistry is evident in nearly every aspect of their game. Their zone entries have been particularly effective, with all three forwards demonstrating an understanding of where each other will be and how to create opportunities through controlled possession. Their defensive awareness, backchecking, and ability to make smart plays in transition have also contributed to making them a complete unit.

For a while, it was difficult to find the missing piece that could flow well with Bratt and Hughes. After many attempts, it finally seems like they found the missing piece in Gritsyuk.

Hellebuyck Has Provided Stability

Goaltending has been one of the most-significant question marks for the Devils in recent seasons. Despite having an offensively talented roster, inconsistent performances between the pipes have frequently made it difficult for New Jersey to put together sustained stretches of success.

That has finally started to change with the arrival of Connor Hellebuyck.

Since acquiring the three-time Vezina Trophy winner from the Winnipeg Jets, the Devils have received exactly what they have hoped for when making the blockbuster move. Through his first three starts with New Jersey, Hellebuyck is 3-0-0, holding a 1.95 goals-against average (GAA) and a .900 save percentage (SV%).

Although it’s still early, Hellebuyck’s immediate impact has been notable. He’s already made numerous timely saves, demonstrated strong control, and remained consistent throughout each period. He has looked comfortable in the crease and has given the Devils assurance on the back end.

More importantly, Hellebuyck brings a level of experience and consistency that can change the way an entire team approaches a game. When players know they have an elite goaltender behind them, they can play with greater confidence, knowing that an occasional defensive mistake does not automatically translate into a goal. This does not mean that the Devils can afford to become complacent defensively. However, having Hellebuyck provides a safety net and a confidence boost, especially for the defensemen.

Disciplined Defensive Game

Strong goaltending and strong defensive play go hand in hand, and the Devils are beginning to demonstrate what that combination looks like.

One of the team’s biggest struggles in the recent past has been the inability to consistently limit opposing scoring opportunities. They made too many defensive breakdowns and allowed opponents too much time and space.

Recently, however, New Jersey has looked much more comfortable playing a shutdown style of hockey.

A major reason has been the defensive pairing of Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce. The two have developed into a reliable combination, logging significant minutes while contributing in different ways defensively.

Pesce has been particularly effective at limiting opportunities around the net. He leads all Devils with 27 blocked shots, demonstrating his willingness to put himself in front of pucks and prevent opposing teams from generating dangerous chances. His positioning and defensive awareness have made him an important presence in the defensive zone.

Luke Hughes has been equally impressive on the defensive side, continuing to demonstrate his ability to anticipate plays and disrupt opposing offenses. He leads all Devils defensemen with 14 takeaways, showcasing his ability to read passing lanes, separate opponents from the puck, and quickly turn defensive stops into offensive opportunities. His impact has extended to the offensive end as well, where he has recorded eight points (five goals, three assists). Arguably playing the best hockey of his career so far, Hughes has emerged as a key contributor at both ends of the ice, providing New Jersey with a valuable combination of defensive awareness and offensive production.

The two blueliners are also taking on significant responsibilities, regularly logging more than 20 minutes per game. Luke Hughes leads the team with an average of 24:16 per game, highlighting the coaching staff’s confidence in both players to handle substantial minutes. Their impact is reflected in their plus/minus numbers as well, with Pesce sitting at plus-12 and Hughes at plus-7.

The Devils’ defensive improvements extend beyond those two, but their contributions have been a major part of the team’s ability to limit high-danger opportunities.

With Hellebuyck providing stability in goal and the defense doing a better job of protecting the middle of the ice, New Jersey is finally beginning to look like a team that can win games without solely needing to outscore every opponent.

Playing a Full 60 Minutes Has Become a Difference-Maker

The most encouraging development for the Devils has been their ability to remain composed and play a complete 60-minute game.

In previous seasons, New Jersey struggled with consistency throughout all three periods. Strong starts were occasionally followed by defensive collapses, while momentum swings made it difficult for the team to regain control once an opponent started generating pressure.

The Devils’ recent victory against the Edmonton Oilers offered a particularly good example of how that mentality is beginning to change.

New Jersey entered the second period with a 3-1 advantage, putting themselves in a favorable position against one of the NHL’s most dangerous offensive teams. However, Edmonton responded with two goals in the middle frame, erasing the Devils’ lead and tying the game.

In the past, that type of momentum swing would have been enough to unravel New Jersey. The Devils have previously struggled to respond when opponents found their game, often allowing one mistake to turn into several and ultimately costing themselves valuable points.

This time, the response was different. Rather than becoming discouraged or abandoning the game plan, New Jersey remained disciplined. The Devils continued applying pressure, worked to limit Edmonton’s offensive opportunities, and stayed engaged defensively. They did not allow the Oilers’ second-period push to dictate the remainder of the game. The result was a hard-fought 4-3 shootout victory.

Winning that game was about more than securing two points in the standings. It demonstrated a level of composure and resilience that the Devils have needed to establish. They were tested by an opponent capable of taking advantage of even the smallest defensive mistakes, but they found a way to withstand the pressure and finish the job.

What separates successful teams is their ability to recognize when momentum has shifted, adjust accordingly, and avoid allowing one difficult stretch to determine the outcome. The Devils are beginning to show they can do exactly that.

A More Complete Team Is Taking Shape

The Devils still have plenty of hockey left to play, and maintaining this level of performance over an entire season will be the next challenge. However, the improvements across the lineup are encouraging.

In the past, New Jersey has often relied heavily on its offensive talent to compensate for shortcomings elsewhere in the lineup. Now, the team is beginning to demonstrate that it can win in multiple ways.

The offensive firepower is still there, but it is being complemented by stronger defensive commitments, more dependable goaltending, and a greater ability to handle adversity.