What Went Wrong for the Devils?

In a disappointing 5-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, the New Jersey Devils find themselves on the brink of elimination in the first round of the playoffs. Head coach Sheldon Keefe's candid comments about his team's shortcomings have raised eyebrows, as they seem to directly question the decisions made by the general manager.

A Fragile Roster Under Fire

Keefe did not mince words, highlighting the glaring lack of depth in the lineup. Despite injuries that have plagued the team, the weaknesses in roster construction were evident long before the playoffs began. The team’s bottom-six forwards have provided zero production in the postseason, putting immense pressure on star players like Nico Hischier and Timo Meier.

Depth Challenges Exposed

While the Hurricanes benefit from steady contributions from their depth players, such as Jordan Martinook and Logan Stankoven, the Devils have received nothing from forwards like Paul Cotter and Cody Glass. With an abysmal 0-for-12 power play and recent struggles from goaltender Jacob Markstrom, their 3-1 series deficit is not surprising.

Missing Key Pieces

The absence of top playmaker Jack Hughes, who has been sidelined since shoulder surgery, looms large. Even the return of any Hughes brother wouldn’t bridge the gap between the Devils' bottom two lines and their opponents. The reality is, general manager Tom Fitzgerald's failure to build necessary support around his star players has put the franchise in jeopardy.

A Glimmer of Hope?

Captain Hischier remains hopeful despite the daunting odds, noting that the team isn't ready to give in. However, the Hurricanes have historically dominated when leading a series 3-1, and the Devils have only managed a comeback from such a deficit once, during the 2000 Eastern Conference finals.

Can the Devils Rally?

The team desperately needs to find a spark—much like the iconic moment when legend Larry Robinson famously upended a garbage can to ignite his teammates. Following a rocky start to Game 4, where they fell behind 3-0, Meier’s efforts briefly invigorated the team, but they couldn't capitalize on their gained momentum.

Looking Ahead

The season has been an uphill battle since Game 1, compounded by significant injuries to key defensemen like Hughes and Brenden Dillon. The frustration isn't just about losing to Carolina; it’s the missed opportunity against a team that appears beatable.

Fitzgerald now faces the challenge of rejuvenating the bottom half of the roster in the offseason. Despite prior improvements to the defense, the lack of depth has become a critical weakness. Keefe’s frank acknowledgment post-Game 4 is a clear sign that the Devils are not simply missing talent, but are also short on what it takes to compete for the Stanley Cup.