Why the Devils Are the Best Team in the NHL

For the entire season, the New Jersey Devils have been playing some solid fundamental hockey. They have seen tons of headlines for achievements they have made this season, most notably with goalie Martin Brodeur breaking the shutout record.

However, they are not at the top of the standings. Instead, they are second in the Eastern Conference and third in the NHL.

That's not where they need to be, and I'd be willing to bet that they'll be in first at the end of the season.

The Devils have lost a grand total of ten games this season. That's regulation and OT. Even though they are behind Washington, they are actually beating the Caps in wins.

The Caps are receiving more points from OT losses, and have climbed above the Devils in the standings.

Give it a little time, and that will change.

The strength of Capitals is in their offense. With Ovechkin and Semin, it's almost impossible not to score goals.

In offense, the two teams don't match up. Washington's offense has scored 30 more goals than the Devils' and has a lot of talent that the Devils do not.

What the Capitals don't have is Martin Brodeur. He's starting to get a little older, but he's still one of the best goalies in the NHL. To me, that's more important than an offense.

The Devils have the best defense in the NHL, and will use that to take down the strong offenses.

However, the real reason that I believe the Devils are the best team in the NHL is their recent play. In the last ten, they are 8-2-0.

They have the best win percentage in the NHL. They have played two less games than the Caps and have won two more.

The Penguins are a little bit different. They have won just as many games as the Devils, but have lost three more. They have played in three more games.

I think that by the end of the season, we'll start to see a completely different look to the standings. Don't be surprised if New Jersey's big name goalie will beat Washington and Pittsburgh's big name forwards.

See more of my opinions at Tips for Hockey