The New Jersey Devils are about to make their first playoff appearance since 2023. They will face the Carolina Hurricanes in Round 1, but remain in a tough spot without star forward Jack Hughes. The Devils can benefit from the return of Dougie Hamilton, but the team still has their work cut out for them.
The Devils must focus on their speed, special teams, and winning crucial puck battles in the days ahead. In the meantime, there are certain players who need to step up their game in the postseason. Here are three Devils who must contribute more in the upcoming weeks.
Dawson Mercer
Dawson Mercer has been reliable for the Devils all season long. He shouldered additional responsibility after Hughes’s injury, centering the second line in his absence. His ability to play multiple positions has certainly come in handy, but his point production remains spotty.
Mercer wrapped up his fourth consecutive 82-game campaign on Wednesday night, keeping his Iron Man streak intact. In the Devils’ 5-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings, he scored an impressive goal in the third period. He has shown moments of potential throughout the season, including his two-goal game against the Chicago Blackhawks, but now he should focus on consistency.
He finished the regular season with 36 points, but appears to have found his game at the end of the season. With five points in his last six games, he needs to carry this momentum into Round 1.
This season, he earned a career high in both power-play goals (six) and total shot attempts (280). He also registers 6.81 shots on goal per 60 minutes of play and has a 51.47 goals for percentage (GF%). Regardless, Mercer has not come close to topping his 2022-23 56-point season, and must contribute more throughout the playoffs.
Ondrej Palat
Now that the regular season is over, the Devils need more from Ondrej Palat. His point production, defensive awareness, and scoring drought are all causes for concern. Palat had just five points in his last 20 games, and suffered a 10-game goal drought at the beginning of March. Likewise, his points per 60 minutes has been steadily declining since 2021, and he currently averages 1.59.
Palat had a rough start to the 2024-25 season, and was even demoted to the fourth line at one point. According to NHL Edge, he ranks below the 50th percentile in offensive zone time, top shot speed, and high-danger shooting percentage.
Recently, Palat has shifted between the third and fourth lines, playing alongside Tomas Tatar. Together, they have a 33.33 goals for percentage (GF%), and Devils goaltenders recorded a .882 save percentage (SV%) with this duo on the ice.
This season marks Palat’s 10th playoff appearance, and his second time in the postseason with the Devils. In 2023, he earned seven points in 12 games, including one power-play goal and one game-winning goal. Palat has the chance to prove himself in the playoffs, and his versatility could be an asset, but he needs to start scoring.
Simon Nemec
The final Devil who needs to improve his game during the playoffs is Simon Nemec. Following a moderately-successful rookie season, the defenseman struggled this season. He spent a significant amount of time in the American Hockey League, notching 23 points in 34 games. Despite having difficulties at the NHL level, he could redeem himself in the playoffs.
Throughout 27 games with the Devils, Nemec recorded just two goals and two assists, rounding out the season with a poor performance. Not only does he average just .59 points per 60 minutes, he also has a minus-7 on-ice goal differential.
Related: Dougie Hamilton’s Return Could Take Devils Far in Playoffs
Nemec was predominantly paired with Brenden Dillon, with little to no success. Together, the two have an abysmal 27.27 GF% at even strength, which is 21.3% less than Dillon registers on his own.
Nemec might have a 38.7 on-ice goals percentage, but he has still shown flashes of potential during the season. He has steadily recorded at least one shot on goal per game since mid-March, and even scored a goal against the Boston Bruins last Tuesday. It appears that Nemec feels immense pressure as the 2022 second-overall pick, but he could still find his game during the postseason.
Devils Must Fight to Remain in Playoffs
Overall, the Devils are still capable of having a decent Stanley Cup run, as long as every player makes a solid effort. Their defense may be able to keep them afloat, but offensive production needs to be fast and furious.
The Devils will begin their playoff journey this Sunday, April 20, when they face the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of the series.
