Prioritizing physicality is the life insurance policy of the New Jersey Devils

As of this writing, the New Jersey Devils have played just under 35% of their regular season schedule. At 17-9-2, the new-look Devils share a spot atop the mighty Metropolitan Division with the surprising Washington Capitals. They are coming off a “disrespectful” brawl with their rivals across the river in the world’s most famous arena.

With a total of 699 hits, the Devils are currently fifth in the NHL. Additionally, they lead all teams in the fighting majors. As important as goaltending has been to New Jersey, Tom Fitzgerald’s prioritization of physicality this past offseason was the necessary insurance policy for an organization ready to compete again.

In November, the Devils totaled 333 goals in 14 games, going 9-5-0. This month, the Devils responded to adversity in more ways than one. During the first game of the month, Ryan Lomberg hit a falling Paul Cotter dangerously along the sidewall, provoking a befitting reaction from Nathan Bastian. Unfortunately for Bastian and his jaw, the fight was quickly stopped and the 6’3″ striker hasn’t seen a game since. The Devils lost the battle that night, but responded brilliantly the following week with a three-game winning streak.

The home loss to San Jose was a big blow. Mackenzie Blackwood stole the show this Sunday night, taking two points and his pride to the West Coast. The Devils responded with a two-game win over the defending Stanley Cup champions in Sunrise, FL.

In those games, they showed a consistent level of physicality and stamped their presence in the minds of Paul Maurice’s club and the rest of the NHL. Understanding the mission, resilient veterans Brenden Dillon and Kurtis MacDermid impacted both games with their willingness to drop the gloves in some spirited hockey confrontations. Even Jack Hughes received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty when he deliberately tackled Anton Lundell after he checked the young star to his dismay. The Devils’ response was quick and to the point. They’re here to buy time and know what it takes to stay in the mix.

In response to the loss to Tampa, the Devils won three games for the second straight year in November, with Timo Meier receiving a five-minute major penalty and a game-misconduct penalty for checking Zachary L’Heureux in response to a push behind the opponent net. The Swiss striker would receive a one-match ban, but the reaction was clear. Push the devils and they will hit back. Whether Meier’s decision was right is neither here nor there.

In New Jersey’s last road game in November, the Devils responded with a lead over the Detroit Red Wings. Johnathan Kovacevic struggled against Michael Rasmussen after Jack Hughes’ stare-down the month before, and it was necessary for New Jersey to put the hostile part of the game behind them and worry about the scoreboard. The Devils did just that, defeating Detroit 5-4 by going 3/4 on the power play, scoring 30 total and blocking 13 shots.

Of course, goalkeeping is the key to success now and in the future. However, it is New Jersey’s newfound physicality that acts as an insurance policy when adversity rears its ugly head. When losses occur, when injuries occur, when guys get hit or pushed around or stared at, the Devils’ insurance policy, their prioritization of physicality, kicks in. The doors will be pushed open and the league will know that the Devils are not here to be pushed around. Not this time.