Locked On Devils - Daily Podcast On The New Jersey Devils

By Trey Matthews, Locked On Podcast NetworkSports Hockey

Locked On Devils - Daily Podcast On The New Jersey Devils episodes

March 26 Supernova: First Period Goal Explosion Leads New Jersey Devils Past Dallas Stars
The episode opens with Zach Berman expressing his skepticism about the New Jersey Devils' recent winning streak, which had come mostly against weaker teams. He sets the stage by stating he wouldn’t be convinced of this team’s progress until they beat a genuinely strong opponent. The Devils did exactly that, stunning the Dallas Stars—one of the top teams in the league—with a 6-4 victory on the road. Zach Berman highlights how the Devils exploded with four goals in the first period, including standout performances from Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Connor Brown, and notes that their offensive display was earned through high-quality chances, not fluke goals.
He provides a detailed breakdown of the goals and play, praising the Devils’ ability to generate scoring opportunities and capitalize against a strong opponent, even after Dallas switched goalies. Despite some defensive mishaps and questionable decision-making from Kovacevic, Zach Berman is impressed by the team's resilience—especially given that Dallas kept pressing until the final horn. He points out the importance of this win, showing the Devils’ potential if they play at their best, though he laments that such efforts came too late in the season to save their playoff hopes.
In the latter part of the episode, Zach Berman discusses Devils prospect Anton Salayev and rumors about whether he’ll join the team stateside next season. He shares his view that, given the current state of the Devils’ AHL development system (particularly in Utica), it might be better for Salayev to spend another year developing in Russia rather than risk stagnation with the Comets. He expresses concern over the organization’s ability to nurture young talent under the current management, advocating for a change in the front office while remaining pragmatic about the likely direction.
The show concludes with some thoughts on the challenging Eastern Conference, a brief look ahead to the Devils’ upcoming matchup against Nashville, and a bit of playful frustration at the team’s fortunes. Zach Berman thanks listeners, promotes the Everyday Air Club for ad-free content and community perks, and signs off—reminding fans to “fire Tom Fitzgerald,” a recurring theme suggesting his dissatisfaction with the general manager’s performance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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29 min
March 24 Dadonov Revenge Game?: Previewing New Jersey Devils @ Dallas Stars And Other Musings
On this episode of Locked on Devils, Zach Berman kicks things off with a lively recap of his recent visit to Edmonton to watch an Oilers game. He’s candid about his lackluster impression of the city and its amenities, but is blown away by Rogers Place’s atmosphere, comparing it favorably to his experiences at other NHL arenas. He notes the outstanding fan engagement, music, and arena energy, highlighting the contrast with the Devils’ home environment at the Prudential Center, which he feels suffers from neglect by ownership.
The show then shifts focus to previewing the upcoming Devils vs. Stars game in Dallas.
Zach Berman describes it as a lopsided matchup, praising the Stars for their smart front office and deep roster, especially players like Jason Robertson and Miro Heiskanen. He points out the Devils’ inability to secure overtime points and predicts a likely 4-1 Dallas victory, noting that recent Devils wins have mostly come against weaker opponents and cautioning fans not to be misled by this temporary uptick.
In the final segment, Zach Berman delivers disappointing injury news, stating Brett Pesce and Stefan Noesen are probably out for the rest of the season. He advocates resting Pesce, given the lost season and the player’s injury history. The discussion turns critical as he reacts to the Devils’ trade of prospect Herman Traff to Anaheim, lamenting the loss of a potentially valuable forward for little return and pointing to a pattern of questionable moves and lack of accountability within the organization.
Throughout the episode, Zach Berman repeatedly expresses frustration with Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald, calling for his dismissal and urging ownership to take decisive action. He finishes by encouraging fans to join the Everyday Club for ad-free content and direct interaction, while reminding them to tune in for future updates and, as always, championing the mantra: “Let’s go Devils—and fire Tom Fitzgerald.”

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29 min
March 21 Feast or Famine_ New Jersey Devils Goalied in Nation's Capital by Washington Capital
The episode centers on the New Jersey Devils' recent loss to the Washington Capitals, a game that Zach Berman describes as "fine," noting the primary difference was the superior performance of the Capitals’ goalie, Logan Thompson. The mood around the game was nonchalant, with Zach Berman suggesting it might have been better for the Devils to lose in order to reinforce the need for organizational change given their distance from a playoff spot. He reflects on how the team's elimination from realistic playoff contention came not with a collapse, but rather a standard loss, highlighting ongoing frustration with the Devils' inability to beat better teams and a sense of inevitability about their season’s direction.
A significant portion of the discussion is devoted to the future of Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald, referencing an Emily Kaplan report on the possibility of Fitzgerald being retained but demoted, or having someone brought in above him to share responsibilities. Zach Berman is critical of such a "half measure," arguing that organizational culture and decision-making won’t improve unless substantial changes are made, ideally through Fitzgerald’s dismissal rather than an awkward compromise or demotion. He floats names like Brendan Shanahan or even a return of Lou Lamoriello as possible leaders who could bring necessary authority and accountability.
Zach Berman also touches on the wider state of New York-area hockey, noting for the first time since 1986, all three metro teams (Devils, Rangers, Islanders) might miss the playoffs, deepening a sense of collective disappointment. He discusses the failed Ondrej Palat trade for the Islanders and the general malaise hovering over the Devils, especially compared to where expectations stood just months ago. The episode reveals the struggle between accepting a lost season and the desire not to take watching hockey for granted, even in tough times.
The episode closes with reflections on sports fandom, the limits of fans’ power, and the exhausting cycle of hope and disappointment. Zach Berman underscores the need for clear direction and change within the organization, expressing the frustration of many Devils fans amid an underwhelming season. He promises future coverage and teases his upcoming trip, but wraps on a familiar note: calling for change at the top and, ultimately, for the firing of Tom Fitzgerald,

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30 min
March 20 So Much Quit In New York: Jack Hughes STILL owns New York Rangers BUT Not the Golden Goal Puck

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30 min
March 17 The Curious Case Of Paul Cotter: New Jersey Devils win ELECTRIC Contest over Boston Bruins
In this episode of Locked On Devils, Zach Berman begins by highlighting the remarkable transformation of Paul Cotter, a generally average player who seems to become a star during breakaways or shootouts—a timely focus since Cotter just clinched an overtime victory for the New Jersey Devils against the Boston Bruins. The show opens with a sense of excitement mixed with exasperation, as Zach Berman reflects on the ongoing frustrations of being a Devils fan this season, only briefly lifted by the drama of the big win.
Shifting away from the game itself, Zach Berman dives into behind-the-scenes organization news, revealing via a trusted source that head coach Sheldon Keefe’s days are numbered. More controversially, he reports the fate of GM Tom Fitzgerald as unresolved—a true 50-50 on whether Fitzgerald will be allowed to hire yet another coach. This sparks a passionate critique, calling out the front office’s pattern of failure, questionable roster decisions, and an entrenched culture of mediocrity. Zach Berman warns that if the organization keeps Fitzgerald, it may signal a return to the franchise’s least competent days.
After getting the organizational rant off his chest, Zach Berman transitions to a breakdown of the electrifying game itself. The Devils fell behind early and looked outmatched in the first period, but rallied through standout performances from Jack Hughes, Connor Brown, Jesper Bratt, and ultimately Paul Cotter. Despite defensive problems and poor goaltending from Jacob Markstrom, the Devils managed a comeback, forced overtime, and snatched victory in thrilling fashion—culminating with Cotter’s game-winning goal after a dramatic sequence.
The episode closes with mixed feelings. Zach Berman celebrates the joy of hard-fought wins, especially against rival teams, but questions their long-term value if they empower the management to persist with the status quo. The host encourages fans to enjoy the highs but stay vigilant about the franchise’s direction—balancing hope for the future with the painful realities of the present.
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for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
31 min
March 15 Royal Flush: New Jersey Devils OFFENSIVE OUTBURST Outlasts Los Angeles Kings
In this episode of Locked On Devils, Zach Berman recaps an unexpectedly entertaining New Jersey Devils win over the Los Angeles Kings, with the Devils securing a 6-4 victory. He highlights the offensive outburst—remarking on the excitement and frustration that have come with recent Devils games, particularly since the Olympics. Despite the energetic performance and six different goals (and “six woos” in celebration), Zach Berman points out that the result does little to improve the team’s bleak playoff hopes. He delivers a play-by-play of the game, notably spotlighting standout plays from Nico Hischier and an especially dazzling goal by Arseny Gritsyuk, describing it as one of the nicest by a Devil in recent memory.
Goalie performances are a key talking point. Zach Berman critiques Jake Allen’s rustiness after being benched for seven games, blaming organizational management for his struggles and calling out long-standing issues with the Devils' goaltending coach. He also analyzes the game’s momentum swings, particularly how New Jersey surrendered their early lead in a “vile” second period, then rebounded with a strong final frame, demonstrating much-needed heart and providing at least some positive fan moments in a challenging season.
The episode then shifts to broader league and Devils-related narratives. Zach Berman reacts passionately to the lack of a response from the Toronto Maple Leafs after a dangerous hit on Auston Matthews, using it as a springboard to speculate wildly—but optimistically—about Matthews’ future and the potential of him someday joining the Devils. This segment underscores a desire to inject hope into the fanbase despite ongoing frustrations with team management and performance, encouraging listeners to “will something positive into existence.”
Finally, Zach Berman touches on rumblings about potential organizational changes, emphasizing the need for a new general manager and possible coaching adjustments to revitalize the franchise. He expresses weariness with the perennial springtime struggles Devils fans face, yearning for a return to meaningful hockey late in the season. Despite the negativity surrounding the state of the team, he tries to end on an uplifting note by celebrating exciting young players and urging fans to savor the bright spots, like the Gritsyuk goal, as the season winds down. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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advertising.
30 min
March 13 The Disappearance of Jake Allen: Are the New Jersey Devils FORCE-FEEDING Starts to Jacob Markstrom?
In this episode of Locked On Devils, Zach Berman opens by satirically investigating the "disappearance" of Jake Allen, the New Jersey Devils’ goalie who’s been notably absent from recent games, despite no official reports of injury or other issues. Instead, Sheldon Keefe has been repeatedly starting Jacob Markstrom, who has now played six consecutive games—including two back-to-backs within one week. Zach Berman finds this pattern highly unusual and points toward internal pressure, suggesting that GM Tom Fitzgerald might be forcing Keefe’s hand to justify a contract extension given to Markstrom, possibly as a move to salvage his own job amid a disappointing season.
The discussion then dives into the game against the Calgary Flames, which the Devils lost 5-4. Zach Berman breaks down the frustrating performance, highlighting Markstrom’s struggles in net—giving up five goals to one of the league’s worst offensive teams. Adding salt to the wound were goals scored by ex-Devils like Kevin Bahl and Yegor Sharangovich, reinforcing the sense of repeated mistakes and failures in decision-making both on and off the ice.
A significant portion of the episode critiques the broader organizational culture, particularly GM Tom Fitzgerald’s influence. Zach Berman shares an anecdote from a team event in which players openly criticized Fitzgerald’s negative impact on the locker room, describing him as overbearing and poorly liked. This, coupled with parallels drawn to the Buffalo Sabres’ turnaround after firing their own problematic GM, supports Zach Berman’s belief that the Devils’ problems are rooted in upper management rather than needing a full roster rebuild.
Throughout the episode, there's a clear sense of fan frustration and fatigue—Zach Berman voices disappointment with the team’s trajectory and suggests that, like Buffalo, the Devils could improve by removing a "toxic" GM rather than blowing up the roster. The show wraps with a call for organizational change, especially at the GM level, while expressing exhaustion over yet another drama-filled, losing season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
29 min
March 10 Ope There Goes Gravity: New Jersey Devils Snap Back to Reality, Shut Out by Detroit Red Wings
In this episode, Zach Berman reflects on the New Jersey Devils’ disappointing 3-0 loss to the Detroit Red Wings, putting a witty spin on the recap by referencing Eminem’s "Lose Yourself" and the fact that Detroit is the rapper's hometown. He acknowledges that the loss effectively ended any hopes for a playoff run, and admits he was getting comfortable recapping wins after the team had shown flashes of potential against weaker opponents. Despite the team’s recent struggles, Zach Berman believes the talent on the roster warrants more optimism than the current results and front office turmoil suggest, calling for a reset with new management and coaching.
He dives into the specifics of the team's issues, citing poor roster decisions and mismanagement as the main reasons the Devils haven't reached their potential. Examples include questionable acquisitions and underperforming players like Jonathan Kovacevic and Evgeny Dodonov, whom he describes as having unexpectedly bad seasons. Zach Berman implies that these problems may not be entirely due to bad luck, but rather systemic issues caused by General Manager Tom Fitzgerald and the coaching staff, suggesting ownership needs to be serious about change if the team wants to succeed.
The episode also unpacks the Devils' performance against the Red Wings, pointing out persistent problems like giving up early goals, taking unnecessary penalties, and failing to finish opportunities. Zach Berman discusses the puzzling goalie management, wondering if starter Jacob Markstrom playing back-to-back games was driven by injury, contract justification, or simply poor decision-making. He emphasizes that the Devils have put themselves in a position where every loss matters deeply, making their margin for error very slim.
Finally, Zach Berman expresses the emotional struggle of being a fan when wins might also prolong ineffectual management. He weighs the importance of finishing the season strong, developing young players, and maintaining morale, but worries that a good run could allow Fitzgerald and the front office to keep their jobs—something he sees as the worst-case scenario. The episode closes with hope for eventual contention and a fourth Stanley Cup, but a clear call for change: “fire Tom Fitzgerald.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
31 min
March 08 Hughes Your Daddy: Jack Hughes STILL OWNS The New York Rangers
In this episode of Locked On Devils, Zach Berman delivers an impassioned reaction to the New Jersey Devils standing pat at the NHL trade deadline. He begins by expressing the collective frustration of the fanbase, noting that the Devils neither acquired nor traded any players, aside from losing Luke Glendening on waivers. Despite the disastrous season and the team being well out of playoff contention, Zach Berman contends that making no moves might have been preferable to the risk of further damaging the roster through ill-advised trades, especially given the questionable decisions made by other league GMs.
A significant portion of the episode focuses on the press conference held by GM Tom Fitzgerald, which Zach Berman lambasts as the most embarrassing in modern franchise history. He highlights Fitzgerald’s evasive and, at times, dishonest answers—particularly regarding Dougie Hamilton’s trade status—and criticizes the lack of transparency, as fans couldn't even watch the presser. Zach Berman is incensed by Fitzgerald’s apparent job security, citing ownership’s continued trust in him as evidence that the team’s leadership simply doesn’t care about winning.
Throughout the episode, Zach Berman extends his ire to the ownership group, questioning their motives and commitment to the team’s success. He speculates that any decisions about roster moves, the front office, or coaching are being deferred to the offseason, resulting in stagnation and wasted potential for both players and fans.
Ultimately, Zach Berman paints a bleak picture of the franchise's future, given the current management and ownership. He calls for sweeping changes, including firing the GM and selling the team, and emphasizes the frustration and helplessness felt by fans forced to endure poor leadership and a lack of direction.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
31 min
March 07 HE DID NOTHING: Tom Fitzgerald HUMILIATES HIMSELF in Presser After Standing Pat at TDL
In this episode of Locked On Devils, Zach Berman delivers an impassioned reaction to the New Jersey Devils standing pat at the NHL trade deadline. He begins by expressing the collective frustration of the fanbase, noting that the Devils neither acquired nor traded any players, aside from losing Luke Glendening on waivers. Despite the disastrous season and the team being well out of playoff contention, Zach Berman contends that making no moves might have been preferable to the risk of further damaging the roster through ill-advised trades, especially given the questionable decisions made by other league GMs.
A significant portion of the episode focuses on the press conference held by GM Tom Fitzgerald, which Zach Berman lambasts as the most embarrassing in modern franchise history. He highlights Fitzgerald’s evasive and, at times, dishonest answers—particularly regarding Dougie Hamilton’s trade status—and criticizes the lack of transparency, as fans couldn't even watch the presser. Zach Berman is incensed by Fitzgerald’s apparent job security, citing ownership’s continued trust in him as evidence that the team’s leadership simply doesn’t care about winning.
Throughout the episode, Zach Berman extends his ire to the ownership group, questioning their motives and commitment to the team’s success. He speculates that any decisions about roster moves, the front office, or coaching are being deferred to the offseason, resulting in stagnation and wasted potential for both players and fans.
Ultimately, Zach Berman paints a bleak picture of the franchise's future, given the current management and ownership. He calls for sweeping changes, including firing the GM and selling the team, and emphasizes the frustration and helplessness felt by fans forced to endure poor leadership and a lack of direction.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
31 min

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Locked On Devils podcast is the daily podcast that drops the puck and keeps you ahead of the game and the first to know the latest news, analysis, and insider info for the New Jersey Devils and the…