Locked On Devils - Daily Podcast On The New Jersey Devils

In this episode of Locked On Devils, Zach Berman digs into the New Jersey Devils’ disappointing 4-2 loss to the Seattle Kraken, marking the first time the Devils have lost to the Kraken in regulation. He acknowledges some positives, like Dougie Hamilton's strong play and Jack Hughes scoring for the first time since returning from injury, but emphasizes that these bright spots are overshadowed by larger team issues and a critical missed opportunity to move closer to a playoff spot. Much of Zach Berman’s frustration centers around goaltender Jacob Markstrom, calling out what he sees as repeated “pathetic performances” and questioning why Markstrom keeps getting starts despite being the worst statistical goalie in the league. He speculates that GM Tom Fitzgerald is meddling in lineup decisions to justify Markstrom’s midseason contract extension, rather than prioritizing winning. This, according to Zach Berman, is emblematic of a deeper organizational problem where accountability is lacking and poor play isn’t addressed with benchings or real consequences. Beyond goaltending, Zach Berman highlights persistent issues with team depth, the lack of production at even strength, and puzzling lineup choices—such as continually starting underperforming veterans instead of giving opportunities to younger or hungrier players. He urges the team to make tough decisions, even if it means hurting veteran players' feelings, arguing that winning should take precedence over loyalty or contract justification. Overall, Zach Berman expresses deep frustration with the Devils’ management, lack of accountability, and the sense that fans are left in the dark about who’s really making decisions. He closes with a call for more transparency and for the organization to truly commit to putting the best possible lineup on the ice, regardless of contract status or management pride. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The latest episode of "Locked On Devils" features Zach remotely recording from New Orleans due to travel disruptions, but still keeping tabs on the New Jersey Devils’ dramatic 5-4 win over the Vancouver Canucks. Despite being away from the winter storm at home, Speaker A breaks down how the Devils have managed to secure three straight wins on their Western Canada road trip, keeping their playoff hopes alive. The game itself was far from a defensive masterpiece, with poor goaltending and questionable officiating, but the Devils did just enough to emerge victorious, even after nearly squandering a 3-0 lead to one of the league’s weakest teams.A highlight of the game was Lenni Hameenaho’s first NHL goal, a bright spot for a New Jersey team that’s been seeking steady contributions from its bottom six forwards. Zach emphasizes how Hameenaho’s confident, play-driving style has quickly become an asset, bringing much-needed energy and production to the Devils’ lineup. The emergence of the fourth line—including Cody Glass and Gritsyuk—has been a crucial development as the team tries to compensate for a lack of impactful trades from management.While Zach doesn’t shy away from nitpicking issues—such as defensive lapses, a sluggish third period, and a rough outing for Jesper Bratt—the focus remains on the importance of simply “finding a way to win” at this critical juncture in the season. With the team inching closer to a playoff spot, there’s both relief and frustration, especially regarding the organization’s cautious approach to roster changes and the ongoing struggles with high expectations for certain players.Looking ahead, Zach previews the upcoming clash with the Seattle Kraken, another pivotal matchup as New Jersey tries to extend its winning streak and stay in the postseason picture. The episode wraps with reminders for fans to stay safe during the storm back East, a little friendly urging to “build those snowmen,” and the recurring call for more decisive action from Devils’ management, ending with the familiar sign-off: “Let’s go, Devils. Fire Tom Fitzgerald.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Zach Berman recaps a dramatic late-night win for the New Jersey Devils against the Edmonton Oilers, highlighting the team's resilience in the second half of a back-to-back series in Alberta. The focus is on goaltender Jake Allen, whose outstanding performance in the third period helped the Devils steal a 2-1 victory despite being heavily outshot. Zach Berman is critical of the Devils’ gameplay in the final frame but praises the unexpected contributions from the newly energized fourth line, specifically Arseny Gritsyuk, Cody Glass, and Lenni Hameenaho, who were instrumental in both Devils’ goals. Beyond the game analysis, Zach Berman expresses cautious optimism about the Devils’ current position, with a recent winning streak bringing them within reach of a playoff spot. However, he also discusses ongoing concerns, such as inconsistency in offensive production from key players and the need for continued improvement from goaltender Jacob Markstrom. While he doesn't let himself get overly optimistic, there’s a glimmer of hope that the team might be turning things around. The conversation shifts to the upcoming $300 million renovation of the Prudential Center, the Devils' home arena. Drawing from his own experience selling tickets, Zach Berman shares his vision for making the arena more representative of New Jersey, improving the fan experience, and updating amenities. He suggests more natural light, better food options reflective of the state, fresh seating, enhanced fan engagement, and greater emphasis on the Devils’ identity within the venue. Zach Berman wraps up with updates on the show’s schedule and teases upcoming content, including a future analysis of the organization’s direction. He encourages listeners to follow him for more content, expresses nervous anticipation about the Devils’ next matches, and closes with his signature signoff, maintaining a hopeful yet critical outlook on both the team’s performance and organizational leadership. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The episode kicks off with Zach Berman humorously lamenting another eventful day for the New Jersey Devils: Simone Nemec netted yet another dramatic overtime winner, while Luke Hughes suffered a shoulder injury—echoing his brother’s history of similar issues. Zach Berman reflects on the Hughes brothers' incredible talent and unfortunate trouble with shoulder injuries, a running theme for the family. Joined by guest Alex Chauvancy, the conversation sets the stage for a recap of the Devils’ recent win in Calgary and anticipation for the upcoming matchup in Edmonton, especially given the team’s ongoing injury woes. As Alex Chauvancy introduces himself and his Devils-centric Substack and podcast, discussion pivots to the long-term impact of Luke Hughes’ injury. Both speakers are puzzled at how such a minor play resulted in a dislocated shoulder and analyze the implications for the team’s defensive lineup. The loss of Hughes could alter trade strategies, cementing Simone Nemec’s place in the lineup and changing the roles of other defenders. Despite the injury cloud, they credit the Devils for securing crucial points in Calgary, especially as the team grapples with inconsistent play and a need for momentum. The conversation shifts to bright spots, particularly rookie Lenni Hameenaho, whose debut provided a welcome spark to the Devils’ forward group. Zach Berman and Alex Chauvancy praise Hameenaho’s confidence, intelligence, and immediate impact—outchancing Calgary while on the ice and energizing his teammates. They also dissect upcoming games on the road trip, identifying winnable contests and the potential challenges posed by Edmonton’s star power. The duo dives into the Devils’ broader problems, notably their struggles with finishing and lack of true scoring talent, pointing to system issues and a mismatched roster as underlying causes. The final segments delve into what it would take to “fix” the Devils. Alex Chauvancy argues that while the roster needs tweaks—such as adding a proven scorer and a puck-moving defenseman—the core of young talent is still promising. They discuss possible trades, who the team could realistically move on defense, and ponder ideal targets for a third-line center to upgrade the forward depth. Ultimately, both agree that the team’s main stars remain worth building around but recommend the front office address roster composition and age to recapture success, closing with some light-hearted anecdotes and optimism for future episodes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Locked On Devils, Zach Berman laments having to skip the College Football National Championship to watch the New Jersey Devils play the Calgary Flames, highlighting that both teams are struggling significantly this season. With New Jersey and Calgary sitting near the bottom of their respective conferences and offering little excitement or hope for a playoff run, Zach Berman points out their mediocre records and underwhelming performances, reflecting a general sense of disillusionment among fans. The analysis takes a deep dive into recent trades involving the Flames, notably Rasmus Andersson’s move to the Vegas Golden Knights, and discusses how these deals may foreshadow future moves for the Devils, particularly the looming decisions regarding core players like Dougie Hamilton. Zach Berman also spotlights ex-Devils now playing for Calgary, confidently predicting that at least one will score against their former team—a sign of the current malaise and lack of defensive fortitude in New Jersey. With the Devils on a rough stretch—an 8-14 record since a pivotal loss to Columbus—frustrations boil over as Zach Berman questions the effectiveness of the team’s longstanding core and ultimately advocates for blowing up the roster and starting fresh. He argues that continued attempts to salvage the current group are futile, suspecting that any panic trades by GM Tom Fitzgerald would only delay an inevitable rebuild, and calls for a decisive change in direction. Looking forward, the one bright spot is the NHL debut of Lenni Hameenaho, the Devils’ 2023 second-round pick. Zach Berman expresses excitement for Hameenaho's potential to inject much-needed energy into the lineup, hoping he might become part of a future solution. However, this optimism is tempered by ongoing criticism of management and a demand for accountability, as he urges the team to secure wins on the road and calls for Fitzgerald’s firing if meaningful change isn’t achieved soon. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Zach Berman opens by accurately predicting the New Jersey Devils’ dismal loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, expressing a sense of resignation over the team’s repeated failures against Carolina. He highlights that the Devils finally broke a lengthy power play drought against the Hurricanes, but that small victory was overshadowed by another poor performance from goalie Jacob Markstrom and an overall lackluster team effort. Despite a promising first period, the Devils fell apart as the game went on, allowing Andrei Svechnikov to score three times and ultimately losing 4-1 in a manner Zach Berman describes as both predictable and pathetic. The host turns his attention to the broader issues plaguing the Devils, noting that the team is now slipping in the Eastern Conference standings, only a few points away from the bottom. He questions the leadership and decision-making of GM Tom Fitzgerald, fearing that in a desperate attempt to save his job, Fitzgerald might make ill-advised trades that further damage the team’s future prospects. Zach Berman stresses that simply making the playoffs only to be swiftly eliminated wouldn’t benefit the team in the long run, emphasizing the need for the organization to accept its shortcomings and consider significant changes. Zach Berman draws parallels with the New York Giants, contrasting the Giants’ willingness to make bold, uncomfortable decisions—like hiring a new head coach—with the Devils’ ongoing reluctance to confront their mediocrity. He suggests that real change in New Jersey will only come when ownership acknowledges the current approach is failing, expressing frustration at the lack of accountability and meaningful adjustments. The recurring inability to defeat Carolina is held up as symbolic of deeper flaws within the Devils’ organization. Despite his evident disappointment, Zach Berman admits he remains emotionally invested in the team, planning to watch the next game with hope against his better judgment. He ends on a cynical note, urging for the firing of Tom Fitzgerald and warning that until the team commits to true reform, fans can expect the “cold winter” of lousy hockey to continue. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Zach Berman previews the New Jersey Devils' upcoming game against the Carolina Hurricanes, highlighting the Devils' long-standing struggles against this opponent. He notes that the Hurricanes recently dominated the Florida Panthers and emphasizes how Carolina has consistently outplayed the Devils, both in the regular season and playoffs. Zach Berman expresses skepticism about New Jersey's chances, citing specific stats like the Hurricanes outscoring the Devils during power plays and describing Carolina as the Devils’ "boogeyman." Beyond the matchup, Zach Berman discusses the current state of the Devils, who have won two straight but remain outside the playoff picture. He references possible trades and management decisions, including speculation around Tom Fitzgerald and certain roster moves. Despite the recent wins, Zach Berman remains critical of the team’s direction and skeptical about quick fixes, urging the Devils to play a complete game and show progress—even just securing a point against Carolina would be seen as a step forward. The episode also takes a detour to analyze New York Rangers GM Chris Drury’s "rebuild letter" to fans, which Zach Berman mocks for being vague and lacking substance. He humorously compares the situations of the Rangers and Devils, pointing out both teams’ front office troubles and the challenge of making meaningful changes within a struggling organization. Looking ahead, Zach Berman outlines the Devils' schedule before the Olympic break, noting that the team has a relatively favorable stretch of games to gain ground in the standings. He sets expectations for how many games the Devils need to win to stay in contention and wraps up the episode by reinforcing his desire for management changes and acknowledging that fans may need to prepare for another frustrating result against Carolina. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Zach Berman and guest JP Gambatese recap the New Jersey Devils' overtime win against the Seattle Kraken, highlighting the contributions of key players like Luke Hughes and Nico Hischier. They discuss the team's shift away from their successful rush-based identity in favor of a more physical, playoff-style hockey, a change they believe has led to struggles this season. The conversation also covers roster construction issues, such as the need for better puck movers and depth, and the challenge of working with a stagnant trade market in the NHL. Both express hope for a return to the high-paced, skilled approach that previously brought the Devils success. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Zach Berman delivers an unfiltered reaction to Tom Fitzgerald’s unexpected press conference, breaking down the New Jersey Devils GM’s comments and questioning the overall direction of the team. Listeners can expect honest opinions about the lack of clarity from management, analysis of the team’s playoff chances, and a preview of the Devils’ upcoming matchup against the Seattle Kraken. Zach Berman also gives fans encouragement and insight on what to expect in the arena, including possible crowd reactions and the presence of ownership. If you want the latest pulse on the Devils’ front office drama and tonight’s game, this episode has you covered. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

So... Who saw this one coming? Amidst swirling rumors coming from the Devils front office and drama aplenty... sure, why not? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Did Dougie Hamilton play his last game as a Devil? Will the Devils ever win again? Who knows! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The New Jersey Devils did not show up to last night's hockey game. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Devils lost 9-0 on Tuesday. Business as usual? Apparently! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Devils lost 9-0 to the Islanders. The title of the episode says it all. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Devils hosted the Mammoth and Hurricanes this past weekend and a lot went down! Zach brings Rob DeLuca from Pucks and Pitchforks on to talk about the action both on the ice... and in the stands. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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Finally, a win recap. Let's talk about it! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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Another game to preview. Will things change? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bad. A lot of bad and a lot of mad. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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Ugh. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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What an absolutely bonkers month of hockey. Let's rewind. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's a 19 minute one-taker. Enjoy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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There was only one way that tonight's episode was going to go. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nemo. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Zach is joined by a special guest, Rob DeLuca of Pucks and Pitchforks to preview the Devils' Thanksgiving Eve Clash against the St Louis Blues! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's late and Zach is operating in a makeshift studio for the time being in Florida, but the show must go on! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The New Jersey Devils have hit a skid, and Zach is frustrated. He also previews tonight's game against the Detroit Red Wings... after going in on the roster construction. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

No ETSY Witches involved here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Zach recaps an absolutely insane weekend of New Jersey Devils news and hockey. No seriously. So much happened this weekend. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The title is self explanatory. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Simon Nemec is the third defenseman in New Jersey Devils franchise history to record a hat trick. And he also won it in overtime. Nothing else. No notes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Zach previews the New Jersey Devils' first game of a five-game road trip, as they're set to take on Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For the first time all season, the New Jersey Devils cannot put a pitchfork in a game on home ice, and Zach laments the end of the Prudential Center win streak. Still, there is plenty of positive to take away from last night's contest, and Zach finds himself awfully excited about the direction of the overall team. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Zach previews the first Devils-Islanders matchup of the season, and breaks down some of the lineup shuffles as well as his excitement over seeing Islanders 1OA pick Matthew Schaefer for the first time. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.