Yahoo Sports 'There Is No Panic In Here': Devils Frustrated Amid Slump, But Not Panicking As They Look To Get Back On Track
The vibes are not exactly high around the New Jersey Devils, who are in a slump that has led to a 2-5-3 record over their last 10 games.
After a high-energy practice on Tuesday, Devils defenseman Brenden Dillon gave a glimpse into the team's current state.
"We are frustrated," he said. "We want to win games. Basically, since Christmas time, we have not been getting the results we want.
"We have obviously talked about it in the room," he continued. "We have talked about it in our meetings." he continued. "We saw the lines are completely different today. We have been struggling to score goals, which I think for this team in the past hasn't been an issue. I think it is new to a lot of guys who are not getting the results they are used to getting."
On the defensive side of the game, Dillon acknowledged the team has been playing well.
"We have been giving up two goals a game, which should win you games in this league, especially with how much offense we have," he said.
Head coach Sheldon Keefe called out his top forwards after his team's 2-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators on Sunday afternoon.
"Our best players have to be better," he said. "It is that simple. End of statement."
The Devils' lone goal came from the fourth line, as Tomas Tatar scored his fourth of the season, and Curtis Lazar picked up the primary assist.
"For any team in the NHL, if their top people aren't clicking and producing, the games look like that," Keefe continued. "You know, it is 0-0 or it is 1-1. That is what the games look like when you defend like we have. We have done a good job, we have defended well. You don't get two, three, or four (goals) unless your best people are clicking. That is on me to help these guys get back to playing at the level that they were at."
Jan 19, 2025; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Ottawa Senators center Nick Cousins (21) celebrates a goal by Ottawa Senators defenseman Artem Zub (2) (not pictured) against the New Jersey Devils during the third period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
"We are pissed off," Dillon said. "We are frustrated. We are mad we are not winning. We also understand that we are still in a playoff spot. Ultimately, we have to get through this patch, and we will be okay coming out of it."
The Devils have an opportunity to turn things around on Wednesday night when they host the Boston Bruins. Dillon's message to the fans is to stick with them.
"There is no panic in here," he said. "We are still a confident group. We are just as, if not way more, frustrated that we are not getting the wins. We have a really good hockey team in here that we believe is going to do well. We still have a lot of games left to get things back in the win column."
Puck drop between the Devils and Bruins will be at 7:23 p.m., as the organization will hold a pregame ceremony for Jacques Lemaire, who will be inducted into the Devils Ring of Honor.
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