*Regular Season Finish: 3rd in Eastern Conference’*Postseason Finish: Eliminated in Eastern Conference Quarterfinals’
New Jersey has a knack for always pulling through, no matter how difficult the circumstances. In 2008-09, despite missing the play of Hall of Fame netminder Martin Brodeur, the Devils managed to win the Atlantic Division and secure the 3rd overall spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Unfortunately, the Devils ran into a steaming hot Carolina club and were ousted on some bad luck at the end of the series. 
Luck has not been on the Devils’ side in the offseason either, as they lost one of their top scorers when Brian Gionta opted to be reunited with former linemate Scott Gomez and signed with Montreal. The Devils haven’t made many moves this offseason, aside from signing defensemen Rob Davison and Cory Murphy. As usual the Devils placed little emphasis on improving offensively, trusting their defensive and goaltending capabilities to provide them with success.
The Devils also re-signed veteran winger Brendan Shanahan, who continues to impress, despite his advanced age. The 40 year old winger had a goal and 2 assists in the Devils’ lone playoff series, although it will be interesting to see how well he can perform over a full season. Despite their lack of moves this offseason, the Devils can never be counted out, as they made the very significant move of hiring defensive mastermind Jacques Lemaire to man the bench. With Lemaire at the helm, and Brodeur between the pipes, look for the Devils to be in plenty of close games in 2009-10.