NHL: The New Jersey Devils Are on Fire, Will They Get the Eight Spot?

Newark, NJ – The New Jersey Devils are back and playing like the dynasty they once were. With eight consecutive wins they are 17-1-2 in their last 20 games. The red-hot Devils were once 27 long points away from thinking about the postseason and currently they are nine attainable points from the eighth place slot in the Eastern Conference.

Although everyone loves Cinderella stories you have to consider this, did the Devils stink so bad in the first half of the season that they cannot salvage it for a playoff spot? Or are they ready to make history and give the NHL a run for the Stanley Cup.

The worst is still ahead, with 22 games left in the season the Devils will need to play the same way they have in the past 20 games to make a run at history. The largest ever deficit of a team to make the playoffs was 13 points. Will the Devils make it or will this be the first time since 1996 that they won't play in the playoffs.

Here are some factors against them

1. Overall Standings

The Devils have made a sweet run, but you have to remember although they're eight points out of a playoff spot, they also have to count on other teams losing as well. It's always an uncomfortable situation when a team has to bank on others results, but if the Devils continue their ridiculous streak then can defy thee odds. 

                                        GP        W       L    OT    PTS    STREAK

7	NY RANGERS	62	32	26	4	68	WON 1
8	CAROLINA	61	28	24	9	65	LOST 2
9	BUFFALO	59	28	25	6	62	WON 1
10	TORONTO	61	27	27	7	61	WON 2
11	ATLANTA	61	25	26	10	60	LOST 4
12	FLORIDA	60	25	28	7	57	LOST 2
13	NEW JERSEY	60	26	30	4	56	WON 8

2. Upcoming Schedule

The Devils upcoming schedule will not be easy. They have 22 games ahead of them, 11 at the Prudential Center and 11 away. Eight of the games will be against Atlantic Division teams which will be important for wins. Devils also have Tampa Bay, Boston and Philadelphia who are all atop their divisions and the Eastern Conference. Although it is an uphill struggle Jacques LeMaire and the boys seem ready for the challenge. 

FRI FEB 25	VISITOR DEVILS	HOME LIGHTNING
SUN FEB 27	DEVILS	PANTHERS
MARCH 2011
WED MAR 2	LIGHTNING	DEVILS
FRI MAR 4	PENGUINS	DEVILS
SUN MAR 6	DEVILS	ISLANDERS
TUE MAR 8	SENATORS	DEVILS
FRI MAR 11	DEVILS	THRASHERS
SAT MAR 12	ISLANDERS	DEVILS
TUE MAR 15	THRASHERS	DEVILS
THU MAR 17	DEVILS	SENATORS
FRI MAR 18	CAPITALS	DEVILS
SUN MAR 20	DEVILS	BLUE JACKETS
TUE MAR 22	DEVILS	BRUINS
FRI MAR 25	DEVILS	PENGUINS
SAT MAR 26	DEVILS	SABRES
WED MAR 30	ISLANDERS	DEVILS
APRIL 2011
DATE	VISITOR	HOME
FRI APR 1, 2011	FLYERS	DEVILS
SAT APR 2, 2011	CANADIENS	DEVILS
TUE APR 5, 2011	DEVILS	PENGUINS
WED APR 6, 2011	MAPLE LEAFS	DEVILS
SAT APR 9, 2011	DEVILS	RANGERS
SUN APR 10, 2011	BRUINS	DEVILS

Here are some factors that they will make the Playoffs:

1. Jacques LeMaire

Probably doesn't even need an explanation on how valuable LeMaire has been. Notching his 600th career victory recently, he has the Devils rolling on all cylinders. 

2. Rolston-Elias-Zubrus Experience

When these three veterans step on the ice magic is bound to occur. In the past 20 games they have combined for 25 goals and 28 assists. Elias is playing hockey like in his 2003 form, Rolston's shot is still as dangerous as ever and Zubrus is creating and capitalizing a lot of chances. 

3. Hedburg and Brodeur.

Although Brodeur has been out for five games with a knee tweak, the consistent play of Moose has left the Devils hope. With the two goaltenders playing well in between the pipes, this leaves room to rest Brodeur their starting goalie and give Hedburg a chance. This can be beneficial for the Devils in the long run. 

4. No Name Boys on Defense

The Devils defense has been stellar. The fans are confident in them, the coach is confident in them, and they are gelling fluently at the moment. Volchenkov, White, Tallinder, Fayne, Fraser, and Greene are the men behind the bright lights but doing there work well. 

5. Million Dollar Man

I have to pay homage to the six figure Russian. His play of late has been jaw dropping. Controlling the puck and tempo of the game, Ilya Kovalchuk is on fire. He has 11 goals and 10 assists in the Devils comeback and had a 10-game point streak tying a game high. He also had a pair of game winners in back to back nights that gave the Devils more momentum to reach eight consecutive wins. 

The Devils are on fire.