3 Things The New Jersey Devils Should Be Thankful For in 2022

Vitek Vanecek has been a revelation in goal for the New Jersey Devils this season. John Marino has also been impressive for New York. The defense has improved as well. New jersey is 32 points ahead of the rest of division. They have won seven one-goal games so far this year. They are expected to improve to 2.43 goals per game in 2022-23. If they gave up an extra one half goal per match, they would have eight or nine more goals against. That would put them at 24 points and tied with the Carolina Hurricanes, New Zealand Islanders and New Yorkers.

Lindy Ruff was on the hot seat after the team's 0-2 start. General manager Tom Fitzgerald decided to keep Ruff. Since then, the Devils have won 16 out of their last 17 games. Fitzgerald's patience and consistency are paying off. The team is built to sustain powerhouse-level play for years to come. They drafted and developed the best young players in the NHL under Fitzgerald’s watch. Simon Nemec and Luke Hughes are both set to join the New Jersey team within the next year or two. It is the same approach that Fitzgerald has used for the other teams.

The New Jersey Devils have been able to stay healthy this season despite having seven different goalkeepers last season. The team's core is clicking well, with players like Vanecek, Hughes, Hischier, Bratt, Hamilton, and Siegenthaler all contributing. If the team can maintain their good health throughout the season, they should continue to win games.

The New Jersey Devils should be thankful for in 2022.