29.
That's the amount of wins New Jersey has in 78 games since starting the season with a 3-0-0 record.
Though the Devils took a very good Lightning team to overtime on Thursday night, they didn't play a good game. As has been the case too many times this season, the Devils were outplayed, and relied on good goaltending and offensive contributions from other team's castaways to try and stay in it.
Steve Bernier led the way offensively with a pair of goals, giving him 16 on the year. He's had a good season, but Mike Cammalleri is the only Devils player with more goals than Bernier, which puts into perspective how putrid New Jersey's offense truly is.
Patrik Elias is on the decline. Dainius Zubrus' offensive game has dried up to the point where I'm not convinced he could score on a holy goalie. Tuomo Ruutu, Stephen Gionta and Jordin Tootoo bring next to no offense, and the Devils still don't seem ready to give their young forwards legitimate opportunities to make an impact. Stefan Matteau playing seven minutes, and Reid Boucher being scratched in a meaningless game confirms that train of thought.
The Devils have some good young defensemen - Damon Severson and Adam Larsson headline that group - and they are set in goal moving forward, but they need a complete makeover up front or they're not going anywhere.
Lou Lamoriello has a lot of work to do this summer.
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