$5 Things We\'ve Learned From the New Jersey Devils\' Early-Season Action$

5 Things We've Learned From the New Jersey Devils' Early-Season Action

By Nick Villano

Things We've Learned From the New Jersey Devils' Early-Season Action

New Jersey Devils Good Start — The New Jersey Devils were supposed to be one of the worst teams in the league this season. While it is hard to say a team is good or bad after two or three weeks, it seems these Devils aren't working for the top overall draft pick like some believed. Here is what we know now.

5. Travis Zajac Is Not Done Yet

5. Travis Zajac Is Not Done Yet

5. Travis Zajac Is Not Done Yet

5. Travis Zajac Is Not Done Yet — It seems harsh to even think that a 30-year-old center who was once a cornerstone of the franchise could already be seen as done, but Zajac has never been the same since signing an eight-year contract in 2013. He went from on the cusp of superstardom to a borderline second or third line player. This season, he is proving once again he has the ability to be a good two-way player. At this point, that's all the Devils can ask from him.

4. Adam Henrique and Mike Cammalleri Can Lead The Offense

4. Adam Henrique and Mike Cammalleri Can Lead The Offense

4. Adam Henrique and Mike Cammalleri Can Lead The Offense

4. Adam Henrique and Mike Cammalleri Can Lead The Offense — Adam Henrique is leading this team with six goals and Mike Cammalleri has 11 points. These two players are the reason why the Devils are not the offensive bottom feeders everyone expected. They have been very good on the top line. Cammalleri is tied for fourth in the league in points, which seems preposterous for a Devils player. These two players can carry the team until another great scorer comes.

3. Cory Schneider Is An Elite Goalie

3. Cory Schneider Is An Elite Goalie

3. Cory Schneider Is An Elite Goalie

3. Cory Schneider Is An Elite Goalie — This was not a disputable fact coming into the season, but even in a 'rough' start, he has a .922 save percentage and a 2.28 goals against average. In six games, Schneider has points in five of them. He won all four of the Devils' games, including three that included 3-on-3 overtime. He is one of the best in the league, and will continue to be for the next few years.

2. This Team Wins Close Games

2. This Team Wins Close Games

2. This Team Wins Close Games

2. This Team Wins Close Games — Again, the Devils have won three overtime games. They played four straight overtime games, which did not seem to affect them. They held on to win their fourth straight game against the Sabres. This team wants to win. They heard everyone tell them they were going to be terrible. They are motivated to prove that notion wrong.

1. This Team Isn't The Worst In The League

1. This Team Isn't The Worst In The League

1. This Team Isn't The Worst In The League

1. This Team Isn't The Worst In The League — The Devils were supposed to fight for worst team in the league status. Barring some unforeseen injury, they will avoid coming anywhere close to that. It is hard to believe they can make the playoffs, but it seems at least possible at this point.

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New Jersey Devils

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