Devils Prepare for Playoffs After Season Finale Loss to Red Wings

NEWARK, NJ – The New Jersey Devils concluded their 2024-25 regular season with a 5-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings at Prudential Center on Wednesday night. The game was essentially a prelude to the playoffs, as the Devils rested several key players, finishing the season with a record of 42-33-7 and a total of 91 points.

Despite the setback, New Jersey’s Erik Haula and Dawson Mercer found the net. Haula added an assist to record a two-point night. Teammates Daniel Sprong, Seamus Casey, and Mike Hardman also contributed assists, but it wasn’t enough to top Detroit, whose scoring included goals from Jonatan Berggren, J.T. Compher, Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat, and Marco Kasper.

In a crucial return, defenseman Dougie Hamilton played his first game after missing 18 contests due to a lower-body injury. He logged a team-high 23:43 minutes on the ice, showcasing his recovery with smooth skating and directional changes. “It was great just to be back playing,” Hamilton said, emphasizing his hope to regain full comfort with upcoming practices. Head coach Sheldon Keefe praised Hamilton’s confidence and the impact he had on the ice.

Hamilton’s pairing with Brenden Dillon, his previous defense partner, proved beneficial. “It was big for me,” Dillon said, noting their strong communication and effectiveness in the offensive zone. “When Dougie is shooting the rock, he’s at his best.”

With playoffs on the horizon, the Devils opted for a “preseason” lineup against the Red Wings. Notably absent were center Nico Hischier, winger Jesper Bratt, and other top players as the team ensured they would be well-rested for the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Bratt’s consecutive games streak ended at 249, a run that began on April 24, 2022. Over the season, he set a franchise record with 67 assists and finished with 88 points. Meanwhile, Hischier concluded the campaign with a career-high 35 goals, including 14 on the power play.

In an unusual turn of events, Detroit initially thought they opened the scoring halfway through the first period on a power play goal from Vladimir Tarasenko. However, the goal was disallowed after the Devils challenged for goalie interference, citing that T.J. Compher’s stick impacted goalie Nico Daws‘ ability to make the save. Keefe commented, “I was challenging that one regardless. We needed to be sure the puck wasn’t already past at the time of the contact.”

Looking ahead, the Devils will face the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, with the opening two games scheduled to take place in Raleigh, North Carolina. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for the official schedule announcement.