Devils End 2016 on Sour Note, Hynes Still Trying to Find Right Combinations

(Photo by Catalina Fragoso – Double G Media)

With today’s loss, New Jersey Devils faithful are waiting patiently for the clock to strike midnight and begin the season anew as it becomes 2017. Keith Kinkaid got his second straight start for the first time this season after the Devils win against the Capitals on Thursday. However, his inexperience with consecutive starts (only having a few last season) coupled with the Devils lackluster play resulted in the 6-2 loss.

These losses are making the Prudential Center increasingly quiet with fans sitting very silent as their team falls to their opponents in large margins for the most part. Longtime fans are remembering the late 80’s and bracing for what might be a long, low win season. Fans really need to dig deep down to cheer for the Devils.

While there was lots of negative chatter around Coach Hynes trying different line-ups and combinations I pose the question, “How will he find what works without these trial and error combinations in game situations?”.

I believe that Hynes really is the answer to bringing the Devils back to a playoff contention team but it will take more than two seasons. The previous regime was an extension of an old way of thinking and an old way to play hockey. It will take some time for Hynes to reset the system but he comes from a Penguins system that is full of grinding out until there is a winning system. He is just getting the foundation in place, I predict once he does the Devils will be competitive.