Breakaway on SI

Devils Relying on Rivals to Clinch Playoff Berth

The New Jersey Devils can clinch a playoff spot on their off day but will have to rely on help from a couple of rival teams.

Nick Horwat

Apr 5, 2025; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils right wing Timo Meier (28) celebrates his goal against the New York Rangers during the third period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
Apr 5, 2025; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils right wing Timo Meier (28) celebrates his goal against the New York Rangers during the third period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images / Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
In this story:

The New Jersey Devils failed to punch their ticket to the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs on their own, but their hopes aren’t totally dashed. Even on an off day, the Devils still have a chance to clinch a return to the postseason.

While the Devils sit idle, they will look toward the matchup between a pair of their rivals in the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers.

If the Rangers lose to the Flyers in any fashion, the Devils will officially clinch a playoff spot. If the Rangers win, but in a shootout, that would be enough to seal the deal for the Devils, thanks to a tiebreaker.

Despite superstar forward Jack Hughes being out for the remainder of the year with a shoulder injury, the Devils are still hopeful they can surprise everyone with a deep playoff run.

If/when the punch their ticket, it will be the Devils’ third playoff appearance in the last 13 years. The last time the Devils were a regular face in the playoffs, they made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Final in 2012.

The Devils entered the 2024-25 season as a sneaky pick to contend for the Cup again. It’ll be tough without Hughes, but the organization made sure to fill the few holes they had last season.

The issue of goaltending was fixed by acquiring a steady veteran in Jacob Markstrom who holds a 26-15-6 record in 48 games played. Defense was shored up with the additions of Brenden Dillon and Brett Pesce who have been steady on the blue line. They even grabbed a new head coach in Sheldon Keefe to lead the way.

It’s not a guarantee the Devils can make it far without Hughes, but they are certainly deserving of a playoff spot and a chance to compete for the Cup.

Make sure you bookmark Breakaway On SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, recruiting coverage, and more!

Published
Nick Horwat
NICK HORWAT

Home/News Feed Page