This is it.
It's been a long year for a Devils team that has won just 29 of 78 games since beginning the season 3-0-0, and it will finally conclude tonight in Florida.
There is a lot to look forward to in Florida. They have a very strong nucleus of young talent and some good veterans in place - notably Brian Campbell and Roberto Luongo, among others - to help bring the kids along.
In New Jersey the future doesn't look as bright - at least up front - as they will finish 3rd last in goals, and have very few young forwards a) on the roster or; b) close to taking a roster spot.
The Devils have limped into the season finale picking up just one win in their last 10 games, and are surely just ready for the season to end.
Lou Lamoriello probably is, too, as he's going to need a long summer to make all the adjustments necessary to try and compete for a playoff spot.
New Jersey can neither move up or down in the standings, however, with a win over Florida and a little help the Panthers could drop to eighth last in the NHL, meaning the 2nd round pick the Devils grabbed from Florida would be 38th overall. Three top-38 (or top-40) picks in a deep draft is just what the doctor ordered for a team that needs to replenish their prospect cupboard.
It'd be nice to see the Devils go out on a positive note, and now there's extra incentive to make that happen.
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