There’s merit behind the predictions. The Devils enter the playoffs with 91 points, which is tied with the Canadiens for the fewest among the 16-team field by a large margin. They once had the most points in the NHL on Dec. 27, but then went 18-21-4 after.

The New Jersey Devils have officially returned to the Stanley Cup Playoffs after having failed to qualify in 2023-24. Among the main reasons why they failed to achieve a postseason berth last season was injuries to players like Dougie Hamilton along with inconsistent goaltending.

The Devils last made the playoffs two years ago, defeating the New York Rangers in seven games in the first round before losing to Carolina in five games in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs begin Saturday, April 19.