Inside the Devils’ Recent Playoff-Ready Performance

Much of their recent power-play success is due to the efforts of Hughes. This season, he has 15 assists on the man advantage, along with an 87.90 expected goals percentage (xG%). In 60 minutes of play, he averages 8.29 points in 5-on-4 scenarios. In Hamilton’s absence, Hughes has become a leader for the Devils’ blue line, quarterbacking the first power-play unit.

Hischier, Meier, and Stefan Noesen have combined for 31 goals on the man advantage this season, and all eyes will be on the top scorers heading into the postseason. A fast and furious power play can give the Devils an advantage in the playoffs, and their special teams will become a valuable asset.

Markstrom Finds His Groove

At the end of January, goaltender Jacob Markstrom suffered an MCL sprain against the Boston Bruins. Since returning to the lineup last month, he struggled to find his footing, surrendering four or more goals five times throughout March.

However, Markstrom has won his last four consecutive starts, averaging a .931 save percentage (SV%) and stopping 97 shots on goal. On Saturday afternoon, he even recorded his fourth shutout victory of the season over the Rangers.

And his rebound could not have come at a better time for the Devils, who are on the verge of clinching a playoff spot. Their confidence in Markstrom directly translates to the rest of the team. Following their 4-0 win against their Hudson River rivals, Meier had nothing but praise for their starting goaltender. “Unbelievable saves,” said Meier. “It’s critical times when they might have the momentum, he’s making the saves at the right time for us to push through.”

Currently, Markstrom ranks fifth in the NHL with a 2.43 goals-against average (GAA). With 26 wins under his belt, he is a large part of why the Devils have a plus-30 goal differential and have held a playoff slot all season long. Markstrom is about to make his third career postseason appearance and will play a critical role in the upcoming weeks.

Hischier & Bratt Lead the Way

Many Devils are upping their point production now that their star forward is out of the lineup, particularly Hischier and Bratt. The captain has 19 points in his last 15 games. Hischier has recorded two hat tricks this season and also set career highs in goals, power-play points, and faceoff wins. His leadership is the glue that holds the team together, and his contributions have been vital on the road to the playoffs.

Bratt has also upped both his point production and his physicality. This marks the fourth consecutive season Bratt has surpassed the 20-goal mark, and his second straight 80-point campaign. Last month, he even broke the single-season assist record, previously held by Scott Stevens. His speed has also played a large part in his increased toughness. Bratt is up to 93 hits this season, and becoming a more physical player has elevated his competitive edge. 

Meier is another Devil that deserves an honorable mention. Since the start of March, he has scored nine goals and averaged 3.47 shots on goal per game. In fact, Meier is among the 97th percentile in shots on goal according to NHL EDGE. His 30-goal on-ice differential indicates positive puck possession, proving how he makes a difference at both ends of the ice.

Let the Playoffs Begin…

As the regular season winds down, the Devils have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. But they still have their work cut out for them, especially if they face the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round. So far, they have managed to adapt and overcome, and fans should be excited for their upcoming playoff journey. The Devils will look to punch their playoff ticket as they face the Boston Bruins at the Prudential Center on Tuesday night.