Never count out the New Jersey Devils.
The team that set franchise records for wins (52) and points (112) this season trails Carolina, 2-1, heading into pivotal Game 4 at home Tuesday. The Hurricanes dominated Games 1 and 2, winning 5-1 and 6-1 at home before losing in Game 3, 8-4.
The road to this point has been bumpy for the Devils, who defeated the Rangers in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs after trailing in that series, 2-0.
Of their regular-season wins this season, 26 came from behind, leading the league, per NHL.com reporter Sam Kasan.
New Jersey has endured poor play — and controversy — in the net.
After starter Vitek Vanecek gave up 10 goals in two games against the Rangers, he was benched for 22- year-old Akira Schmid, who had a phenomenal first round with a 1.39 GAA and a .951 save percentage, as well as two shutouts. However, he’s already been pulled twice in the second round.
The expectation is that Vanecek will get the start in Game 4, and the hope for the Devils is that the veteran who led the team in wins with 33 this season can provide more stability in net.
Regardless of whom they start, the team must play better in front of goaltenders. New Jersey’s special teams have struggled, especially on the power play, which has gone 1-for-9 in the first three games against Carolina.
The Devils also gave up three shorthanded goals in Game 3, the first time that has happened in a playoff game in 40 years, per Dan Rosen of NHL.com.
If the Devils can clean up certain areas of their game, the sky’s the limit for this team. Their potential for a Cup run this season is even better with the addition to the lineup of Luke Hughes, the fourth overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft.
In his first playoff game and third career NHL game, Hughes had two assists, including one on the winning goal.
