Took me five read-throughs to get finally get what he was talking about :x

I definitely think there’s a motivational aspect that affects their games… but if the current Devils squad isn’t motivated to get out of this slump before the playoffs, I don’t know what will motivate them to be honest.

“Devils have won on all special event nights (Past Cup Teams, St. Pats. Day, retiring Stevens and Daneyko),” Something like that. The Division is important for just seeding, but we’ll get home ice for sure. It matters how to play going into the playoffs. If this is true, it’s extremely new for this teams locker room attitude. But I think they believe they are a cup contender and are waiting for the playoffs to dominate. Maybe resting? They will play their best when it really matters. First to 16 wins..

There’s no doubt that players should have enough motivation to play their best every night. For the most part, they all are getting paid to play a game they have an innate passion for. Getting amped for a game shouldn’t be that difficult.

That being said, over an 82 game season, i can see how it might be hard to get 20 guys to give 110% every single night, and there’s no doubt that added motivation can sway a game. Some games just seem to mean more than others.

But, with so few games remaining, I can’t imagine that there would be any lack of options when it comes to deciding what would motivate them at this point in the season. Be it winning the division (and likely avoiding the Caps until the Conference finals), or just entering the playoffs on a high note, I doubt anyone on the team will take any of the remaining games lightly.