This season has been quite special for the New Jersey Devils to begin with, but given how the injuries have become impactful on their winning chances, it seems that their odds have been dampened with their lack of star power. However, one can say that the team still has a lot of power in terms of their roster, which says a lot about how they can still manage to win big.

This season, the Devils will be gunning for the rest of the campaign without top forward Jack Hughes (shoulder surgery), and even no. 1 defenseman Dougie Hamilton. If anything, the Devils are going to be shorthanded on both ends, and their Stanley Cup Playoff chances are definitely in question now more than ever.

However, the Devils still have a lot of reliable players in its rotation, and one can even say that they have what it takes to come up with a deep playoff run now more than ever, which is definitely giving them a chance to at least secure their spot in the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference while also putting up a fight against the elite contenders all the way to the season finish now more than ever.

Production from Secondary Players

The Devils have seen a huge spark of production from wing star Timo Meier ever since Hughes and Hamilton were set out of the game, and it cannot be denied that he has been impressive since that stretch and has ensured that New Jersey will still have a winger to rely on their offensive push so far. Meier has six points (four goals, two assists) and 23 shots on goal in his past seven games and is tied for fourth in 5-on-5 shot attempts since March 1 (47).

Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe shouldn’t worry that much about how the squad can take the fiery battles ahead. Depth players have elevated their play, such as Stefan Noesen, who has led the forwards in high-danger shots on goal and goals made in that regard. It is worth noting that even without both Hughes and Hamilton, they are having better shooting fortunes on that end so far.

Both captain Nico Hischier and center Cody Glass have also shown thriving performances so far as well. Hischier has seen a career-high 12 power-play goals, tied for seventh in the league overall. Glass, on the other hand, has been a good acquisition with his quick plays and has been present on the line most of the time with Jesper Bratt.

Devils Still Hopeful

Despite the challenges posed by key injuries this season, the New Jersey Devils remain in a strong position to make the playoffs, thanks to the depth and talent spread throughout their roster. Other players contributing offensively and providing stability in both ends of the ice shows that they do have a strong chance now more than ever. The team’s well-rounded approach, including their strong defensive core and goaltending tandem, ensures that even in the absence of some key figures, the Devils are still competitive and capable of sustaining success.

Moreover, New Jersey’s depth isn’t just about individual players stepping up; it’s also a testament to the team-oriented system that has been instilled by head coach Lindy Ruff. The Devils have developed a style of play that emphasizes speed, transition, and relentless puck pressure, allowing them to continue generating scoring opportunities even without their top stars fully healthy.

The commitment to a collective effort has seen other players take on expanded roles, and this is where the Devils' resilience shines. As long as they continue to play to their strengths, rely on their well-rounded depth, and get timely contributions from all corners of the lineup, the playoffs remain within reach for New Jersey.