With the majority of teams done making meaningful summer changes, or close to it, people are starting to turn their attention to the upcoming season.
Naturally, that leads to discussion about which teams will make the big dance.
Adam Henrique was asked whether the New Jersey Devils should be thinking playoffs next season and had this to say (excerpt via NHL.com):
"Absolutely, the playoffs are always the goal. It starts from our backend out, having Cory Schneider and Keith Kinkaid back there, they both play well and give us a chance every single night," Henrique said at the NHLPA Golf Tournament at Glen Abbey Golf Club on Wednesday. "Along with the additions we've brought in so far this summer, hopefully there will be a few young kids who can come in and make a difference this year. Playoffs is the goal and we've seen you just have to get in to give yourself a chance."
Now, it's completely natural for a player to think his team can make the playoffs. Quite frankly, I'd be concerned if an athlete made a comment along the lines of 'we have holes on our roster so it'll be tough to have any success'.
In saying that, I think it's very unlikely the Devils, as currently assembled, can snag a playoff spot next season.
They will be better. Marcus Johansson will make a big difference, Nico Hischier *could* make a big difference, Brian Boyle was a nice depth addition, and Cory Schneider will almost certainly be better.
In saying that, the Devils entered the off-season with arguably the worst defense in the NHL and nothing has really changed. That's a big problem.
They also play in the league's hardest division and, even if they played in a soft one, making the jump from 70 points and a -61 goal differential to a playoff spot is probably unrealistic.
The Devils will be better, no doubt, and every year a team many expect to miss the playoffs finds a way to get in. I don't think the Devils will be that team, though.
Their defense just isn't good enough to win games on a consistent basis when they get a steady dose of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Alex Ovechkin, John Tavares, and the rest of the stars featured in the Metro Division.
I think the Devils will take a step forward next season. I just don't think it'll be big enough.
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