NJ Devils Diaries Of A Heartbroken Fan Volume 1 (And Some Playoff Talk)

A heartbroken New Jersey Devils fan makes his first entry into his video diary during the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Also some playoff talk...
Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
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#njdevils #newjerseydevils #nhlplayoffs #stanleycupplayoffs #stanleycup #bradmarchand #bradytkachuk #nhl #hockey #njdevilspodcast #newjerseydevilspodcast

[@LSmith93]

Grew up watching the Devils with my Dad, took like 10 years off when I was in highschool and college (kinda went into anti sports mode) and just this year decided to get back into hockey. What a wild ride it's been and I've gone balls deep, even with this sad year. I am kind of glad I wasn't watching last season - I think I would be way more disappointed lol. That being said I am super excited for next season and really hope we get a goalie and some nasty defenders. Your video's have been amazing for me to watch and emerse myself back into Devils culture and I love all your perspectives. Keep doing what you're doing, I'll be watching!

[@runninwiththedevils]

Welcome back! Last year was one of the only bright spots since 2012. It’s been a long and dark road. Hopefully Fitzgerald makes some much needed moves this summer and we bounce back strong next season. Thanks for watching! LET’S GO DEVILS!!!

[@cbonez2909]

I use fubo as well. I also agree Alexander M 100% needs to be in the Hall of Fame. What is the NHL thinking. The guy is a monster goal scorer and has cups

[@runninwiththedevils]

@cbonez2909 The Mogilny situation is an absolute crime!

[@huskyunchained]

Loved Al Mo. Broke my heart seeing him get sent down to the River Rats. Would love to have that jersey though....

[@runninwiththedevils]

@huskyunchained I would love that one too!

[@bted]

Marchand is a rare player who is skilled, clutch, and a major agitator. Claude Lemieux was one of the greats in that category. I still miss that guy, almost more than i miss Stevens and Niedermayer. Koneckny is that kind of player too, or at least in that mold.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@bted Lemieux was HUGE in the playoffs for the Devils. One of my all time favorites for sure.....

[@TravelinDevil76]

Btw, I see Meigray charged my CC for the gamer Smith jersey. Someone is going to be checking the mail with a smile this next week :) They added a bunch of new game worn jerseys I noticed today. I love seeing MacDermid’s name on the Devils jerseys :) I’ll be picking one up next season if he sticks around.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@TravelinDevil76 I may or may not have been by there veryyyyy recently...

[@TravelinDevil76]

@@runninwiththedevils ahhhaha, you might be their #1 Devils customer. I need to move back to NJ!

[@runninwiththedevils]

@TravelinDevil76 I am more active in the "vintage" market than current. However, this season I went insane. Between the Stadium Series and the Line Brawl....it is the heaviest current buying I have ever done

[@TravelinDevil76]

​@@runninwiththedevils You're on another level than myself when it comes to Devils memorabilia. I went insane the two previous season with retail Adidas. I'm up to 45 (9 Devils) Primegreens. I did pick up a Stevens Authentic Center Ice CCM last year though. I've stopped buying retail, except for a few special jerseys and will only buy gamers for now on. In 4 days, I'll add to my game used equipment collection (Lazar and Smith jersey/gloves, lol) hopefully in the stick auction. I wish I could of got my hands on that Mac jersey!! Whenever you get around to making a video of your "vintage" collection, I'm probably going to crap myself. I bet you have a lot of great memories lingering in your NHL gear.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@TravelinDevil76 I have an illness, and I have had it for about 25 years. Nice pickups! I love Lazar and Smith.

[@TravelinDevil76]

I went with Fubo. Done with the viewing struggles. My favorite series so far has been the Bruins vs Leafs. Probably for the obvious reasons. Tough games, hits galore, decent scoring, it has everything an NHL fans wants for Playoff hockey. I’m going for the Leafs. Next round is going to be nuts if the Panthers get past the Lightning(which looks like it’s going to happen) and either the Bruins or Leafs get paired up for a rematch vs Florida. I will be cheering on Leafs if it plays out that way. F Florida. I’m not too heartbroken over the Devils not making the playoffs. It sucks and I prepared myself mentally early this year for the Devil-less offseason. Being a fan, I kept the hope up, but reality was a different story. 2023-2024 is behind me and I’m just looking forward to the new players(that need to be added)and season ahead. My nephew and I are planning to do an Eastern Canada trip to see the Hockey HOF museum and catch some Toronto, Habs and maybe a Sens game live. Preferably vs the Devils. We are waiting for the new schedule to come out before we plan any further. Since the Devils aren’t involved in any outdoor games this year, we decided on this :)

[@runninwiththedevils]

@TravelinDevil76 I hate Dangle so much that I hope the Leafs never win another round. I don't want Boston to win the Cup either, but I rather see the B's move on. I think Florida beats either of them. I love the Tkachuk brothers. I was trying to prepare for no playoffs, but we got strung along with false hope for soooo long. It was a painful end. Fitz better wake up from his hibernation and make some moves this summer. The HHOF is awesome. I haven't been since Marty's induction, but it was an amazing trip. I am hoping to return for the induction of Elias and/or Mogilny! Seeing the Devils in Montreal is still high on my list. Hopefully I get to that one soon. I also heard a rumor we may be getting the Winter Classic in a few seasons. That would be insane!

[@TravelinDevil76]

@@runninwiththedevils PLEASE let the Devils play in a Winter Classic. That would be awesome. My first outdoor game was the WC in Boston the other year vs Pittsburgh. That was fun af. Boston is a great city with some of the best food I’ve had in the States. Devils SS was a much better venue though for watching live. I’m a leafs fan because they were the team vs the Devils when I went to my first NHL game at the Meadowlands when I was a kid. I have love for the Islanders also from back then for other reasons :) Edit: I ended up getting two free WC customized Primegreen Boston jerseys 6 months after the game from the Proshop. Long annoying story about sh***y NHL marketing and Bruins Proshop service.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@TravelinDevil76 The Devils in a WC would be absolutely insane. I would think against the Rangers at MetLife Stadium would be BLOCKBUSTER busine$$ for the league. I love Boston, I have some friends there. I enjoy stuffing my face all over the North End. Mike's Pastry is a MUST! Seems like the NHL can't get it right with jerseys, special editions, etc. The SS jersey debacle will go down in history...

[@TravelinDevil76]

@@runninwiththedevils I went to Mikes Pastry’s after Regina’s Pizzeria. We got there late and they were closing…

[@runninwiththedevils]

@TravelinDevil76 What a lineup!

[@kfree1966]

We definitely need to find our new Stevens. I don't have faith Fitz will do it. He can't get his face off of a spreadsheet.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@kfree1966 There will never be another Stevens. I will settle for a Colin White, Randy McKay and a Bobby Holik

[@ITS_ABOUT_HOCKEY]

Marchand was molded into the player he is now by the veterans he played with that have since retired. To me, the Devils organization went from a tough gritty team to a core of younger players without an identity. They made the transition without any real veterans from the Devils. They’re still trying to figure out their identity and with players like the Hughes brothers, Bratt, Mier, Haula, they seem to be building off of the new era of hockey and not the tough nosed era we grew up watching. They need hardened vets and some grit IMO.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@ITS_ABOUT_HOCKEY I couldn't agree more. You know how I feel. I want allllll the grit brought in this summer. There are plenty of guys available that can fill this void. And of course, my #1 pipedream...Brady Tkachuk! We need our Randy McKay and Bobby Holik types ASAP. This team is Charmin sofffffftttt

[@bted]

So I guess Palat, Haula, Nosek, Lazar, Toffoli, Smith, Miller dont count as veterans? I guess none of them are "grit" type players? Bastian and McLeod are "skill" players?

[@runninwiththedevils]

@bted There is a BIG difference between veteran and grit. Of your list I would consider Lazar semi gritty and Smith definitely gritty. Toffoli, Nosek, Smith and Miller are not under contract for next season with the Devils. We may see none of those names in a Devils jersey next season

[@bted]

@@runninwiththedevils @ITS_ABOUT_HOCKEY said we "need hardened vets and some grit." I agree grit and veteran are two different categories but I pointed out NJ had both this season. Quibbling about the degree of grit of individual players is beside the point: Lazar isn't here for his skill. Neither is Nosek. Palat is a proven playoff player. If you're going to condemn Fitz as a GM, at least be objective, look at what he DID do to address the areas you're talking about. How and why it didn't work this year is the real question.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@bted On a scale of 1-10 for this season in the Overall GRIT department, the Devils were a 0. They got battered ALL. SEASON. LONG. Fitz DOES NOT HAVE THE PLAYERS WE NEED! Lazar is valuable player, but he is not the type of player I am talking about. Nice depth player, but not truly "gritty". We need real dogs! Guys like Bertuzzi. THAT is real grit! It didn't work because we are the SOFTEST TEAM IN THE ENTIRE NHL. A soft team that is one dimensional offensively. It must change, and it is up to Fitz to make it happen. Have you watched any of the playoffs?!? ANY of these teams would be steamrolling us out of the arena every night.

[@jamesmikelskasjr.64]

Mogilny was and will always be my favorite player of all time . I used to love watching him play with Pierre turgeon, from Buffalo and then when the devils got him I was the happiest person . He needs to be a hall of famer

[@runninwiththedevils]

@jamesmikelskasjr.64 I will be trying to do my part, and launching a campaign video soon!

[@jamesmikelskasjr.64]

@@runninwiththedevils that sounds great to me. Thank you

[@runninwiththedevils]

@jamesmikelskasjr.64 Alex deserves all the help we can give him!

[@TravelinDevil76]

Devils have a 3.5% chance at the #1 Draft Pick in the Lottery on May 7. Same % chance we had at making the playoffs when Fitz decided to sit on his hands.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@TravelinDevil76 If we can get lucky again....that pick will be suppperrrrr valuable

[@KhordLizardMage]

Rangers fan here. Devs in the 8th spot would have been a better series than what the Caps are putting up. Better luck next year. Look forward to Vol. 2 after next season........just kidding. LGR!!!!

[@runninwiththedevils]

@KhordLizardMage The Caps are a complete no show. Ovechkin has been a ghost. Volume 2 will be in a couple of days max!

[@JSnow-rv8ls]

@KhordLizardMage Enjoy playing the layup team in the capitals who are horrible to watch… u guys better grab that cup soon. Cuz the guys u drafted with top picks are never gonna be the main guys

[@runninwiththedevils]

@JerseyGrove Big year for Laf for sure...

[@EKNYR]

For you guys it’s Mogilny-for us it’s Steve Larmer. Disgusting that they’re both not in

[@runninwiththedevils]

@EKNYR Larmer probably should be in, however, and no disrespect to Larmer...the Mogilny omission is far more egregious. I do not think most NHL fans would categorize him as a "Devil". I think most would classify him as a Sabre.

[@justinfalzon6854]

This pleases me. Muah ha ha ha. Lets go Rangers.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@justinfalzon6854 Pure evil! How many minutes does Rempe play tonight?!? I want to see Lav use him more...it shows the rest of the league that there is still a place for guys like him in today's game!

[@ritterengine1289]

Let’s see how long you’re going to be laughing.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@ritterengine1289 I have the Rags getting bounced in the next round against the Canes!

[@justinfalzon6854]

@@runninwiththedevils We'll see. That's why they play the game. Sure is fun this time of year though. 😃

[@justinfalzon6854]

@@ritterengine1289 Indeed, sir.

[@JSnow-rv8ls]

Watching these playoffs makes u look at all these teams thay play a heavy brand of hockey and the devils have none of that in our game.. kevin bahl is 6”6 after the season he said he wants to work on his shot.. he should take a shot to the head learn how to use the body if u want to last in this league

[@runninwiththedevils]

@JSnow-rv8ls The playoffs is a physical war and complete grind. The current nucleus is going to have to learn how to win these types of games. Fitz needs to bring in some guys that naturally play this way to set the tone for the entire group. BRADY...TKACHUK!

[@JSnow-rv8ls]

Boston is good but i think florida is the team to beat…

[@runninwiththedevils]

@JSnow-rv8ls I have Edmonton over Florida in my bracket

[@EKNYR]

Devils need their own personal Pirate stream. Rangers have one, but I can’t reveal it cause you goofs will get us banned 🤣 Saves me 70$ a year

[@JSnow-rv8ls]

Hah cant wait for the rangers to grt bounced next round…

[@EKNYR]

@@JSnow-rv8ls fair enough bro, ask the guy who runs the channel I’m not a troll I’m here in good faith. Live in NJ now and want the devils to be competitive because it’s good for the sport.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@JSnow-rv8ls It's true, @EKNYR is a rare logical and sensible Rangers fan/hockey fan. The rivalry should be entering another peak zone. I expect some absolute wars next season. Another playoff matchup would be something else...

[@JSnow-rv8ls]

The capitals and islanders look terrible and the devils and the devils couldnt pass those teams for a playoff spot..

[@runninwiththedevils]

@JSnow-rv8ls Both may very well get swept

[@bted]

I hate the Caps. Theyre boring. Always. They made the playoffs boringly and they will get bounced boringly by the Rangers. Their goal differential this year was downright comical. Ovechkin is the only NHL player ive ever suspected of using steroids. Their one Cup seemed like a fluke because ... theyre the Washington Capitals. And i cant even root against them because they drew the effing Rangers.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@bted Ovechkin has been a ghost

[@bted]

@@runninwiththedevils I was kidding about the steroids. I'm guessing Ovechkin is playing hurt. Every time we've seen a really good player playing shitty this year, it's turned out he's playing injured. Either that or he's finally getting old all at once.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@bted Probably a combo of both. He could be hurt, but the fact is, he IS indeed old...and has alotta miles on him....total legend. I would love to see him get the record

[@steverobinson8771]

I will happily donate a kidney if we can get Brady Tkachuk 😈🏒

[@runninwiththedevils]

@steverobinson8771 I keep dreaming that it happens...

[@EKNYR]

@@runninwiththedevilsgonna be super expensive. He instantly makes you guys WAY better, but Ottawa are sick of being bad too… would you trade Bratt for Brady one for one? They score at nearly identical rates for a career, so I think that one for one it’d be a boon for NJ.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@EKNYR I would trade Bratt for Brady 1 for 1 in a heartbeat. However, the Sens would NEVER take that deal. I would prefer to give up more future pieces to land Brady. We have the ammo to do it. If we were able to keep Bratt and land Brady....Fitzgerald would regain a little respect in my book. I would think a package of this year's 1st Round Pick, Mercer, Casey and Marino or something like that should get it done. I would do it in a heartbeat. Tkachuk immediately puts us into legitimate WIN NOW mode. (with a few other maneuvers like getting a goalie and a defensemen or 2)

[@steverobinson8771]

@@EKNYR if that's what it takes I'd do it... Bratt is great, consistent point producer, but Brady is the total package ffs come on. I'd take Brady over an "elite" goalie any day. It's not just the position he plays, it's the desire to win, the passion, the anger 😎 he's top drawer... just like Keith and Matthew

[@runninwiththedevils]

100%

[@jeffa.7618]

I have Hulu/ESPN+ being out of market. It's great for regular season watching, but zero playoff coverage. So I'm sailing the seven seas to watch the playoffs rn. Yo ho!🏴‍☠️🦜 And yes, Mogilny MUST make it. Complete travesty he hasn't gotten in yet.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@jeffa.7618 "Sailing the seven seas" HAHAHA, that is great. I am launching the Official "Alexander Mogilny for 2024 HHOF" campaign very soon. I hope hockey fans at large get behind it. This sh!t has gone on for wayyyyyyyyyyy too long.

[@TravelinDevil76]

I have the same streaming service as you jeffa. It is good for regular season. Problem is it’s useless for Playoffs. I was going to sail the 7 seas but broke down and spent the $80 a month for Fubo. Thankfully my CC had a deal for $15 off if I used it to play for the service.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@TravelinDevil76 I just caved and paid for Fubo because I always encountered "choppy waters" when sailing those seas. I wanted a smooooooth process with no hiccups.

[@TravelinDevil76]

@@runninwiththedevils same reasons. I don’t have the sea legs to put up with choppy waters. Lmao