New Jersey Devils

The New Jersey Devils represent the Garden State from Prudential Center in Newark, playing in the shadow of Manhattan while building a distinct identity as one of hockey's most successful modern franchises. The red and black have won three Stanley Cups through a commitment to defensive structure and elite goaltending that has defined Devils hockey for decades. New Jersey's fanbase, while smaller than their New York-area rivals, is knowledgeable and devoted, having witnessed some of hockey's greatest defensive teams and goaltenders. The Devils are building around young stars Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier, transitioning from the defensive juggernauts of the past to a more dynamic, skilled roster. Prudential Center, the Rock, provides a modern home where Devils faithful create an intense atmosphere that belies the team's second-fiddle status in the New York media market.

Originally the Kansas City Scouts and Colorado Rockies, the franchise moved to New Jersey in 1982 and became the Devils, winning three Stanley Cups in nine years from 1995 to 2003. The 'trap' era under Jacques Lemaire, featuring Martin Brodeur's revolutionary puck-handling and Scott Stevens' devastating hits, redefined defensive hockey and frustrated opponents throughout the league. Brodeur's 691 career wins and 125 shutouts, mostly with New Jersey, make him the greatest goaltender in NHL history by many measures. The 2000 and 2003 championships, with Brodeur, Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, and Patrik Eliáš, established the Devils as a dynasty and proved that defense could win championships consistently. The Devils' rivalry with the New York Rangers, the Hudson River Rivalry, has produced memorable playoff battles including the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals.