The New Jersey Devils are a storied franchise known for their passionate fans, dynasty years of the 90s and early 2000s, and fierce rivalry with the New York Rangers. But beyond their intimidating logo and past championships lie unexpected stories and quirky details. Prepare to discover the surprising side of the Devils’ legacy.
15 Little Known Facts about the New Jersey Devils
- Rocky Start in Kansas City
- The Devils almost didn’t exist! They began as the Kansas City Scouts in 1974 before nearly folding, then relocating to Colorado as the Rockies.
- Name Change and a New Home
- It wasn’t until 1982 that the team found its permanent home in New Jersey, adopting the “Devils” moniker after a mythical creature said to roam the Pine Barrens.
- From Duds to Dynasty
- The Devils were initially a bottom-dwelling team, but shrewd drafting and trades built the foundation of a dynasty.
- Claude Lemieux: Playoff Hero and Villain
- Lemieux was a polarizing figure, but his goal-scoring prowess and infamous hit on Kris Draper made him legendary among Devils fans.
- Scott Stevens: The Definition of Toughness
- Captain Scott Stevens embodied the Devils’ defensive identity, known for his fierce physical play and intimidating on-ice presence.
- Martin Brodeur: The King of Goalies – Brodeur is the NHL’s all-time leader in wins and shutouts, his stellar play in net anchoring three Stanley Cup victories for New Jersey.
- Neutral Zone Trap
- The Devils perfected the frustrating “neutral zone trap” defensive style, stifling opponents and becoming notorious for low-scoring games.
- The Miracle in the Meadowlands
- Trailing 3-2 in the 2000 Eastern Conference Finals, the Devils mounted a comeback fueled by Jason Arnott’s OT series-winning goal against rivals, the Flyers.
- Ken Daneyko: Mr. Devil
- “Mr. Devil” Daneyko, a defenseman who spent his entire career in New Jersey, is beloved for his longevity and commitment to the franchise.
- Lou Lamoriello: The Architect
- As the longtime General Manager, Lamoriello meticulously built the Devils into a perennial championship contender.
- The “A-Line”
- Jason Arnott, Patrik Elias, and Petr Sykora formed the Devils’ most potent offensive line during the dynasty years.
- The Red Sea at the Rock
- Devils fans are known for their loud and passionate support, turning the “Rock” (Prudential Center) into a sea of red.
- Chico Eats the Banana
- Legendary play-by-play announcer Doc Emerick’s enthusiastic call of Chico Resch eating a banana thrown on the ice became iconic.
- The Battle of the Hudson – The rivalry with the cross-river New York Rangers is one of the most intense in hockey with proximity fueling the fire.
- Jersey Pride – Despite being close to major cities, the Devils have a dedicated fan base who proudly represent New Jersey hockey.