New Jersey Devils Are Making Massive Lineup Changes For Their Second Preseason Matchup (Ft. Jersey Joe)

On this episode of Locked On Devils, Zach Berman laments having to skip the College Football National Championship to watch the New Jersey Devils play the Calgary Flames, highlighting that both teams are struggling significantly this season. With New Jersey and Calgary sitting near the bottom of their respective conferences and offering little excitement or hope for a playoff run, Zach Berman points out their mediocre records and underwhelming performances, reflecting a general sense of disillusionment among fans. The analysis takes a deep dive into recent trades involving the Flames, notably Rasmus Andersson’s move to the Vegas Golden Knights, and discusses how these deals may foreshadow future moves for the Devils, particularly the looming decisions regarding core players like Dougie Hamilton. Zach Berman also spotlights ex-Devils now playing for Calgary, confidently predicting that at least one will score against their former team—a sign of the current malaise and lack of defensive fortitude in New Jersey. With the Devils on a rough stretch—an 8-14 record since a pivotal loss to Columbus—frustrations boil over as Zach Berman questions the effectiveness of the team’s longstanding core and ultimately advocates for blowing up the roster and starting fresh. He argues that continued attempts to salvage the current group are futile, suspecting that any panic trades by GM Tom Fitzgerald would only delay an inevitable rebuild, and calls for a decisive change in direction. Looking forward, the one bright spot is the NHL debut of Lenni Hameenaho, the Devils’ 2023 second-round pick. Zach Berman expresses excitement for Hameenaho's potential to inject much-needed energy into the lineup, hoping he might become part of a future solution. However, this optimism is tempered by ongoing criticism of management and a demand for accountability, as he urges the team to secure wins on the road and calls for Fitzgerald’s firing if meaningful change isn’t achieved soon. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

19 Jan 23min

In this episode, Zach Berman opens by accurately predicting the New Jersey Devils’ dismal loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, expressing a sense of resignation over the team’s repeated failures against Carolina. He highlights that the Devils finally broke a lengthy power play drought against the Hurricanes, but that small victory was overshadowed by another poor performance from goalie Jacob Markstrom and an overall lackluster team effort. Despite a promising first period, the Devils fell apart as the game went on, allowing Andrei Svechnikov to score three times and ultimately losing 4-1 in a manner Zach Berman describes as both predictable and pathetic. The host turns his attention to the broader issues plaguing the Devils, noting that the team is now slipping in the Eastern Conference standings, only a few points away from the bottom. He questions the leadership and decision-making of GM Tom Fitzgerald, fearing that in a desperate attempt to save his job, Fitzgerald might make ill-advised trades that further damage the team’s future prospects. Zach Berman stresses that simply making the playoffs only to be swiftly eliminated wouldn’t benefit the team in the long run, emphasizing the need for the organization to accept its shortcomings and consider significant changes. Zach Berman draws parallels with the New York Giants, contrasting the Giants’ willingness to make bold, uncomfortable decisions—like hiring a new head coach—with the Devils’ ongoing reluctance to confront their mediocrity. He suggests that real change in New Jersey will only come when ownership acknowledges the current approach is failing, expressing frustration at the lack of accountability and meaningful adjustments. The recurring inability to defeat Carolina is held up as symbolic of deeper flaws within the Devils’ organization. Despite his evident disappointment, Zach Berman admits he remains emotionally invested in the team, planning to watch the next game with hope against his better judgment. He ends on a cynical note, urging for the firing of Tom Fitzgerald and warning that until the team commits to true reform, fans can expect the “cold winter” of lousy hockey to continue. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

18 Jan 19min

In this episode, Zach Berman previews the New Jersey Devils' upcoming game against the Carolina Hurricanes, highlighting the Devils' long-standing struggles against this opponent. He notes that the Hurricanes recently dominated the Florida Panthers and emphasizes how Carolina has consistently outplayed the Devils, both in the regular season and playoffs. Zach Berman expresses skepticism about New Jersey's chances, citing specific stats like the Hurricanes outscoring the Devils during power plays and describing Carolina as the Devils’ "boogeyman." Beyond the matchup, Zach Berman discusses the current state of the Devils, who have won two straight but remain outside the playoff picture. He references possible trades and management decisions, including speculation around Tom Fitzgerald and certain roster moves. Despite the recent wins, Zach Berman remains critical of the team’s direction and skeptical about quick fixes, urging the Devils to play a complete game and show progress—even just securing a point against Carolina would be seen as a step forward. The episode also takes a detour to analyze New York Rangers GM Chris Drury’s "rebuild letter" to fans, which Zach Berman mocks for being vague and lacking substance. He humorously compares the situations of the Rangers and Devils, pointing out both teams’ front office troubles and the challenge of making meaningful changes within a struggling organization. Looking ahead, Zach Berman outlines the Devils' schedule before the Olympic break, noting that the team has a relatively favorable stretch of games to gain ground in the standings. He sets expectations for how many games the Devils need to win to stay in contention and wraps up the episode by reinforcing his desire for management changes and acknowledging that fans may need to prepare for another frustrating result against Carolina. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

17 Jan 25min

Zach Berman and guest JP Gambatese recap the New Jersey Devils' overtime win against the Seattle Kraken, highlighting the contributions of key players like Luke Hughes and Nico Hischier. They discuss the team's shift away from their successful rush-based identity in favor of a more physical, playoff-style hockey, a change they believe has led to struggles this season. The conversation also covers roster construction issues, such as the need for better puck movers and depth, and the challenge of working with a stagnant trade market in the NHL. Both express hope for a return to the high-paced, skilled approach that previously brought the Devils success. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

15 Jan 38min

In this episode, Zach Berman delivers an unfiltered reaction to Tom Fitzgerald’s unexpected press conference, breaking down the New Jersey Devils GM’s comments and questioning the overall direction of the team. Listeners can expect honest opinions about the lack of clarity from management, analysis of the team’s playoff chances, and a preview of the Devils’ upcoming matchup against the Seattle Kraken. Zach Berman also gives fans encouragement and insight on what to expect in the arena, including possible crowd reactions and the presence of ownership. If you want the latest pulse on the Devils’ front office drama and tonight’s game, this episode has you covered. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

14 Jan 24min

So... Who saw this one coming? Amidst swirling rumors coming from the Devils front office and drama aplenty... sure, why not? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

13 Jan 25min

Did Dougie Hamilton play his last game as a Devil? Will the Devils ever win again? Who knows! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

12 Jan 24min

The New Jersey Devils did not show up to last night's hockey game. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

9 Jan 22min