Devils Earn Elite East Status, but Must Get More Physical

The New Jersey Devils are making a strong case as an elite Eastern Conference team, with a fast start and underlying numbers that rank among the NHL’s best. Their main tests: staying healthy and adding more physicality to compete in a crowded Metropolitan Division.

• New Jersey has 18 points through 14 games and sits second in the Metropolitan Division.
• The Devils have won 7 of their last 10 games.
• Their 58.57% expected-goals share ranks second in the NHL.
• New Jersey ranks 29th in the NHL in hits per 60 minutes; the Rangers and Islanders are both in the top 10.

The Devils’ skilled, smaller forwards may be at a disadvantage in a division where physical play matters. They’ll need more impact in the corners as the season wears on, while injuries could also disrupt their momentum.

• Carolina has set the early pace in the Metro, with New Jersey among the teams expected to battle for second.
• Washington, the Islanders and Pittsburgh are also part of the division picture; the Rangers’ goaltending has raised concerns.

New Jersey’s ability to stay healthy and play a more physical game will help determine whether its strong start translates into sustained contention.

The Devils have earned a place in the East’s elite conversation—but their skill and strong analytics will need to hold up against the physical demands of a long season.