Zach Berman opened the episode by acknowledging the season as one of the most disappointing in New Jersey Devils franchise history, characterized by both rare moments of happiness and several infuriating lows. He began with an overview of current league playoff matchups, reflecting on which teams Devils fans might root for in the absence of their own team and voicing frustration that it “should have been us” advancing, as the Devils struggled mightily this year—including being swept by the Philadelphia Flyers.

Transitioning into the season’s high points, Zach Berman identified Jack Hughes’ golden goal for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics as the proudest moment for Devils fans—a singular highlight that did not occur in an NHL game. Other top moments included the Devils’ early eight-game win streak, Simon Nemec’s hat trick against Chicago, Jack Hughes’ dominant game against the Rangers, and the firing of GM Tom Fitzgerald, which was largely seen as a much needed sign of change. Zach Berman also highlighted specific memorable wins, such as shootout victories over Washington and Toronto, and the long-awaited trade of underperforming forward Ondrej Palat.

However, the episode devoted even more focus to the season’s nadirs. The single worst moment identified was missing out on acquiring Quinn Hughes, as hopes to unite the three Hughes brothers were dashed when he was instead traded to the Minnesota Wild—a result Zach Berman argued was the signature failure of Fitzgerald’s tenure and a turning point that crystallized the team’s assorted contractual miscues and poor draft luck. Other lowlights included the ill-fated extension of goalie Jacob Markstrom, a record-setting 9-0 loss to the Islanders (compounded by the team’s lackluster response), and a series of humiliating defeats marked by poor goaltending, blown leads, or embarrassing efforts.

Finally, Zach Berman referenced further moments that symbolized the season’s dysfunction, such as Dougie Hamilton’s controversial benching and miscommunications from the front office. Adding to the misery was a freak off-ice injury to Jack Hughes that effectively doomed the Devils’ playoff hopes. Looking forward, Zach Berman promised to shift focus towards the NHL Draft and prospective rebuilding efforts in the next episode, inviting listeners to stay engaged despite this lost season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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