The 2022-2023 season was certainly a memorable one for the New Jersey Devils and their fans. It is not hyperbole to say this was the best regular season in franchise history with the Devils collecting a record points tally and setting a new franchise wins record. On top of that, there were numerous individual accolades and landmark accomplishments to round out a truly exciting year.

A Record-Setting Year

As mentioned above, the 2022-2023 Devils set new franchise records for most wins and points in a single season. Prior to this year, the 2008-2009 Devils were the only New Jersey squad to eclipse the 50-win mark, collecting 51 wins with a 51-27-4 record. The 2000-2001 team held the points record with 111 points. Thanks to a thrilling, three-goal comeback win in Washington, this year’s Devils team made it 52 wins and 112 points.

Speaking of comebacks, that was certainly a calling-card of the 2022-23 Devils. New Jersey came from behind in 26 of their 52 wins (50%), eclipsing the previous franchise record of 23, set in the 2017-2018 season, per New Jersey Devils PR. Of those 26 come-from-behind victories, nine were multi-goal comebacks. Both of those marks led the league. Thursday’s three-goal comeback was New Jersey’s largest of the season as well.

Lastly, the Devils also set a new NHL record for the largest year-to-year points improvement in the 82-game schedule era, which began in 1995-1996. This year, New Jersey’s 112 points marked a 49 point improvement over last year’s 63-point campaign.

The previous record was shared by the 2005-2006/2006-2007 Pittsburgh Penguins and the 2016-2017/2017-2018 Colorado Avalanche who both improved by 47 points. Both of those teams ended up winning Stanley Cups shortly after those record-setting breakout years with most of their core still intact.

The Win Streak

When fans look back on the 2022-23 regular season, the first thing that will jump to mind will be the 13-game win streak in October and November. The streak launched the Devils back into NHL relevance and tied a franchise record that was set back in February and March of 2001.

Part of that stretch included New Jersey sweeping a three game road trip in Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary, as well as Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa. In doing so, the Devils became the first team in league history to sweep both the traditional Eastern and Western Canada three-game road swings in a single season.

That road dominance was noteworthy as well. After an opening-night loss in Philadelphia on October 13, the Devils did not lose away from the Prudential Center until December 12 in overtime against the New York Rangers. New Jersey rattled off 11-straight road wins over that stretch, tying a franchise record, also set in 2000-2001.

That road dominance never went away, either. New Jersey collected 28 road wins which tied a franchise record from 2008-2009. Those 28 road wins were second in the league, trailing only Boston’s 31.

Individual Accolades

Beyond team success, several individuals had career years in Newark. Most notably was Jack Hughes who set a new franchise single-season points record with 99 points. Entering the season, only four Devils had ever scored 90 points in a season, with Patrik Elias holding the franchise-record with 96 points. With a strong finish to the season, scoring points in 10 of the final 11 games, Hughes surpassed Elias with a goal in the home finale against Columbus.

Nico Hischier also had a career-year. He set new career-bests with 31 goals and 49 assists for 80 points in 81 games. Together with Hughes, they became the first Devils to both have 80-point seasons since Brian Gionta (89) and Scott Gomez (84) in 2005-2006.

Defensively, Dougie Hamilton set new career-highs in goals, assists, and points (22-52-74). The blueliner’s 22 goals tied a franchise record with Barry Beck from 1977-1978, when the Devils were still the Colorado Rockies. The Devils’ specific record was 18 by Scott Stevens during the 1993-94 season. He shattered that previous high.

Dawson Mercer also had a career-high with 27 goals, 29 assists, and 56 points. During his breakout season, Mercer had a eight-game goal streak that was the longest for any player 21 or younger besides Wayne Gretzky in 1981-1982. The Newfoundland native has also not missed a game since debuting last year. His 164 straight games to begin a career has shattered Scott Gomez’ old record of 140.

Meanwhile, Jesper Bratt put up 73 points for a second-consecutive season, matching a career-high. However, he scored a career-best 32 goals, reaching 30 for the first time. Bratt also set a new franchise record with an 11-game point streak to begin the season. Tim Higgins had the old record with 10 in 1984-1985.

Debut-wise, Luke Hughes was the only Devil to make his NHL debut in 2022-23. He didn’t have to wait long for his first goal, either. The 2021 fourth-overall pick scored the overtime winner on Thursday for his first career goal. Per New Jersey Devils PR, the youngest of the Hughes brothers is the third Devil to score his first career goal in overtime, joining Yegor Sharangovich and Jon Merrill.

Finally, Vitek Vanecek had an impressive first season in goal for New Jersey. He posted a .911 save percentage and a 9.21 GSAx via Natural Stat Trick, winning 33 games in the process. He was the first Devils goalie not named Martin Brodeur to win 30 games in a season.

Wrap-Up

It was a tremendous regular season for the Devils, but now the page flips to the postseason. New Jersey matches up with the New York Rangers in the first round. Game 1 is scheduled for Tuesday night at the Prudential Center.