Sheldon Keefe Questions if Opponent Appropriately Respects Devils

The New Jersey Devils carved out another statement win within the week, defeating the Carolina Hurricanes 4-2 on Thursday evening. Yet, head coach Sheldon Keefe questions whether the Devils are appropriately respected by their opponents.

There wasn’t much that Sheldon Keefe didn’t like about his team’s victory over the Hurricanes, who hold first place in the Metropolitan Division.

“Good game from our guys,” Keefe stated. “Even in the first period, it took us a bit to register a shot. But, we were all around the net. We had chances, we just hit the post before they came down and scored. I liked all three periods, honestly. There’s bits and pieces there. I don’t like the last 30 seconds or so of the second period and probably the first couple minutes of the third, but aside from that, lots to like about our game tonight.”

Thursday’s tilt with the Hurricanes was about as even as it gets. That is, until the Devils broke loose of a 2-2 tie in the third period on goals by Dougie Hamilton and Jesper Bratt‘s (his second of the night).

Keefe recognized it was a big win over not just a top team in the Metropolitan Division and Eastern Conference, but a top team in the entire NHL.

“[The Hurricanes are] a top team in the league, as far as I’m concerned, and certainly in our division. So we gotta get points from them when we can,” Keefe said.

For those counting at home, the Devils have defeated the Hurricanes, Florida Panthers (twice), and the Edmonton Oilers this month—all of which can be spoken of in the same respect as a top team in the NHL.

Yet, Keefe thinks his team isn’t quite as respected in that aspect just yet.

“In Florida, we’re playing the champs, and here tonight, we’re playing a top team in the league and in our division,” Keefe explained. “I liked our effort. Love the results, [they’re] very good. I don’t think they respect us the same way we would respect them. So I don’t think it’s as big a deal for them. Carolinas here off a back-to-back, and they’ve been storming through the league. But for us, it’s a big game. It’s a big moment. You got to find ways to win, you can only play the games that are on the schedule, and I like that about our team to stay with it.”

Keefe attempted to soften his meaning by explaining Carolina’s circumstances. However, after their breakout 2022-23 and major regression in 2023-24, Keefe isn’t negligent to the fact that his team might not be spoken of in the same regard as former champions or perennial division leaders.

And whereas that might be a fair assessment, the Devils continue to collect points from the opposition, especially those who are considered contending teams.

Only two points separate the Devils and Hurricanes for the top of the Metropolitan Division. That also means only two points separate the Devils from second overall in the NHL, just behind the Winnipeg Jets, who seemingly don’t lose.

Perhaps they just need to show a bit more consistency after last season’s debacle. But a quarter of the way through the 2024-25 season, the Devils have proven to be an elite team that demands respect.

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