The New Jersey Devils closed out their regular season with a statement weekend, showcasing the clutch scoring that makes hockey so thrilling. On Saturday, Jesper Bratt was the hero, netting a pair of goals to fuel a 5-3 victory over the Detroit Red Wings, officially ending Detroit's playoff hopes.

The drama continued into Sunday's home finale. In a nail-biting overtime, captain Nico Hischier delivered a power-play goal to seal a 4-3 win against the Ottawa Senators, sending the Prudential Center crowd home happy.

While the Devils' on-ice performance provided excitement, the off-ice focus remains squarely on the future. The search for a new General Manager is the top priority, and several intriguing candidates are in the conversation. Analysis suggests Sunny Mehta, noted for being smart and media-savvy, could benefit from pairing with an experienced hockey mind like former Devil Brendan Shanahan to navigate the role.

Another name generating buzz is Tyler Dellow, who brings a strong data-driven background and a history with the organization, having contributed to the success of the Carolina Hurricanes' front office.

In a historic note for the tri-state area, the 2025-26 Stanley Cup Playoffs will mark the first time since the Devils joined the league in 1974 that none of the New York-area teams—the Devils, Islanders, or Rangers—have qualified, underscoring the competitive parity of the modern NHL.

Elsewhere in the league, the Colorado Avalanche faced a scary moment as head coach Jared Bednar was struck in the head by an errant dump-in puck during a game. The team announced he sustained facial fractures and a corneal abrasion, requiring him to miss an upcoming road trip, though he is expected to make a full recovery without surgery.

Finally, as the playoffs approach, the debate over the league's most underrated forwards heats up—a testament to the incredible depth of talent across the NHL that often flies under the radar.