it's definitely too early to hit the panic button on the Devils season but it's safe to say they've played pretty bad so far this year. Is it possible our expectations are too high for them? Maybe, but they should not be playing as bad they are. I'm going to go out and say that the Devils definitely should make the playoffs this year. There's really no excuse for them not to. I don't think they are the Devils of a couple years ago where they'll cruise through the regular season and get a high seed, but for them not to make the playoffs falls on the players and the coaching staff.

Let's look at the teams in the east who I don't think the Devils will finish higher than in the standings:

Pittsburgh Penguins

New York Rangers

Boston Bruins

Philadelphia Flyers

Washington Capitals

Buffalo Sabres

Granted the Sabres and Caps I think are borderline teams for us to finish ahead of if they keep struggling.

That leaves us with about 3 other teams to contend for 3 spots. The Leafs, Panthers, and Canadiens.

The Panthers and Leafs have been hot but I think they will fall back down to earth and be competing for a lower seed with us.

I know it sounds like I am a pessimistic Devils fan but we have some serious problems we need to address such as our powerplay, goaltending, and getting some even strength scoring. Also, what's up with all these shorties we've given up? That's unacceptable.

Devils are really going to have to turn it around this year and granted they have plenty of time to do it.

I think we've all kind of taken for granted all those years the Devils made it to the playoffs and last year left a bad taste in our mouths. I really can't go another year without us in the playoffs. Especially with the amount of talent this team has.