The New Jersey Devils postseason magic number is a concept used in hockey to determine how close a team is to clinching a playoff spot. In the National Hockey League (NHL), the magic number is calculated by subtracting the maximum number of points a team in the pursuing pack can earn from the current standings. The remaining number is then subtracted from the total number of remaining games the team has left to play in the regular season. The Devils' magic number represents the number of points they need to secure a playoff spot, taking into account the performance of other teams in their conference. It is essentially a way to track the team's progress toward the playoffs and gauge their chances of qualifying. Teams typically start calculating their magic numbers as the regular season enters its final stretch.
Remaining games: 4 (3 home, 1 road).
5 games behind the Astros for the last AL wild-card spot by losing the rubber game of a home series with Houston, which pulled away late in an 8-3 victory. Having said that, most of those Devils teams needed more than their top three players to combine for at least 78 goals- especially last season s team, who lost 30 out of 54 games by at least two goals.
Teams typically start calculating their magic numbers as the regular season enters its final stretch. As games are played and results are recorded, the magic number fluctuates. If the Devils win games, their magic number decreases, bringing them closer to clinching a playoff spot.
Can This “Magic Number” Return The Devils To The Playoffs?
Is there a magic number that an NHL team needs to reach (collectively or among certain players) to ensure making the postseason?
The question dawned on me during a discussion I was having with my fellow DAB writers, where we yet again pondered what it would take (and if it was achievable in one offseason) to get New Jersey back in the playoffs. It’s a subject Devils management, fans, and media have tried wrapping their heads around that nobody has been quite able to answer. While New Jersey certainly aren’t favorites to contend with their current roster, I came across an interesting correlation among the league’s playoff teams since the current division and playoff formats were introduced.
The Devils scored the third-fewest goals in 2016-2017. -Getty Images
Over the last four seasons, the top three scorers on 48 out of the 64 teams that reached the postseason combined for at least 78 goals. Among 56 non-playoff teams over the last four seasons, only 15 reached this threshold. The chart below breaks down how many playoff and non-playoff teams saw their top three scorers combine for at least 78 goals over the last four seasons.
Season
One statistic the chart doesn’t show that’s worth mentioning: out of the 16 teams that made the playoffs since 2014 whose top three scorers combined for fewer than 78 goals, 11 were eliminated in the first round. Between 2014 and 2017, the top three scorers on each of the last four Devils rosters respectively combined for 66 (2016-2017), 76 (2015-2016), 59 (2014-2015), and 67 (2013-2014) goals. Having said that, most of those Devils teams needed more than their top three players to combine for at least 78 goals- especially last season’s team, who lost 30 out of 54 games by at least two goals.
On the contrary, it seems that teams whose top three scorers meet this threshold, fall into some favorable odds. To translate this statistic- 48 out of 64 playoff teams between 2014 and 2017 whose top three scorers combined to reach that “magic number” into a percentage…an NHL squad has a 75 percent chance of making the playoffs if their top three scorers collectively tally at least 78 goals (since 2014).
Can New Jersey’s top three scorers combine for at least 78 goals next season? -Getty Images
With the current Devils roster, it’s really hard to say whether reaching that magic number could propel this team into the playoffs. Between shedding a lot of dead weight in underachieving forwards and their offseason gains, the Devils offense should improve to some extent. New Jersey has forwards capable of collectively reaching this figure- Taylor Hall, Kyle Palmieri, Adam Henrique, Marcus Johansson, and perhaps Nico Hischier who can help New Jersey attain that magic number.
I mentioned in a previous article that the Devils were among the worst teams in shot and goal differentials. If that doesn’t change, it may not matter much if the Devils top three goal scorers hit the magic number of 78. While I’m sure Cory Schneider will be rebound in 2017-18, the Devils will need to improve their defense in order to make substantial gains in their shot and goal differentials or otherwise the magic number may not have any significance.
There is indeed a distinct correlation among NHL teams whose top three goal-scorers reach that magic number, and making the playoffs. Even if New Jersey’s top three scorers reach this threshold next season, it’d be unwise to solely rely on the favorable odds of this particular trend to witness the return of playoff hockey in Newark; at least with the roster’s current qualitative state.
Sept. 30: Rays, 3:07 p.m., EST
Conversely, if they lose games or other teams in their conference win, the magic number increases. The magic number can also be affected by a team's performance in overtime or shootouts, as these results earn teams one point for going to overtime, regardless of the final outcome. It is important for the Devils to secure victories in regulation to decrease their magic number quicker and avoid relying on other teams' results. Once a team's magic number reaches zero, they have officially clinched a playoff spot. This means that they have earned enough points to ensure that they finish ahead of all the pursuing teams and mathematically guarantee a place in the postseason. In summary, the New Jersey Devils postseason magic number is a method for tracking their progress towards clinching a playoff spot. It takes into account the performance of other teams in their conference and reflects the number of points they need to secure their place in the postseason. Winning games and earning points decreases their magic number, while losing games and other teams' victories increase it. Once the magic number reaches zero, the Devils have officially clinched a playoff spot..
Reviews for "Can the New Jersey Devils Survive with a High Postseason Magic Number?"
- Sarah - 1 star - I was extremely disappointed with "New Jersey Devils Postseason Magic Number". The book lacked depth and failed to convey the excitement and intensity of the team's journey in the playoffs. The writing felt rushed and the author failed to capture the essence of the team and its players. Overall, it was a letdown and not worth the read for any true Devils fan.
- John - 2 stars - As a lifelong fan of the New Jersey Devils, I had high hopes for "New Jersey Devils Postseason Magic Number". Unfortunately, I found it to be poorly organized and lacking in substance. The author touched on some key moments from the team's postseason run, but failed to provide any real insight or analysis. The writing style was dry and uninspiring, making it difficult to stay engaged. Overall, I was left disappointed and would not recommend this book to other Devils fans or hockey enthusiasts.
- Jessica - 1.5 stars - I was excited to learn more about the New Jersey Devils' postseason success in "New Jersey Devils Postseason Magic Number", but I was left unimpressed. The book lacked depth and failed to captivate my attention. The author seemed more focused on listing game scores and statistics than on delivering a compelling narrative. The writing style was dull and the storytelling felt forced. Overall, this book fell short of my expectations and did not do justice to the team's historic playoff run.
- Michael - 2 stars - "New Jersey Devils Postseason Magic Number" was a letdown for me as a die-hard Devils fan. The book had potential, but the execution fell flat. The author skimmed through the most exciting moments of the team's playoff journey without providing any real context or analysis. The writing lacked the passion and enthusiasm that one would expect from a book about a beloved sports team. Overall, I was left unfulfilled and would not recommend this book to other fans of the New Jersey Devils.