Advertise on podcast: Locked On Devils - Daily Podcast On The New Jersey Devils

In this episode, Zach Berman passionately vents his frustration with the New Jersey Devils’ season, which has unraveled into disappointment and anger for both him and the fanbase. He recounts how ownership and management have failed to respond to the team’s ongoing struggles, allowing mediocrity to persist without accountability. Zach Berman specifically criticizes the GM, Tom Fitzgerald, and the lack of decisive action, pointing out that the absence of a top-six winger and poor roster decisions have derailed a "must-win" year. Drawing comparisons to the Buffalo Sabres, Zach Berman highlights how ownership intervention and leadership changes in other organizations, even ones historically viewed as dysfunctional, led to positive turnarounds. He laments the Devils' lack of similar urgency, questioning why ownership remains silent and seemingly indifferent despite financial and competitive consequences. The analogy with the Sabres underscores the Devils’ missed opportunities and a growing feeling of hopelessness among the fans. The episode breaks down the Devils’ latest loss to the Ottawa Senators, describing the game as a microcosm of the season’s problems: lazy penalties, ineffective coaching, and uninspired performances. Zach Berman calls out everyone involved—from players and coaches to announcers—and argues that the issues run deep throughout the organization. He expresses disbelief that so many aspects could be mishandled, and reserves some especially harsh words for the team’s lackluster broadcasts. Finally, Zach Berman previews the upcoming game against the Columbus Blue Jackets with little optimism, admitting that he almost hopes for another loss to force necessary change. He urges fans to stop supporting the team financially until ownership steps up and takes responsibility, concluding that without real action and leadership, the Devils will remain stuck in their cycle of frustration and failure. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Locked On Devils, Zach Berman dives deep into the never-ending stress and unpredictability that comes with being a New Jersey Devils fan in the current season. He opens with reflections on fan frustrations, ranging from the team's rocky play on the ice, the questionable arena experience, and the dispiriting news about ownership. The recent release of government emails implicating team owner Josh Harris in unsavory circles casts a shadow over what might otherwise be a positive moment, even though Harris himself wasn't accused of direct wrongdoing. Moving into hockey matters, Zach Berman gives a detailed recap of the Devils' overtime victory against the Nashville Predators—a rare bright spot amid a string of disappointing results. He highlights standout performances from young prospects like Lenny Hameenaho and Arseni Gritsyuk, praising their energy, skill, and the hope they bring to a struggling roster. The overtime winner by Nico Hischier sparks optimism, but it's tempered by the broader context: the team remains far from playoff contention, surrounded by disaster seasons across the Eastern Conference. A major storyline is Jack Hughes’ latest injury, which throws the rest of the Devils' season into turmoil. Zach Berman candidly discusses the challenge of building around a talented but oft-injured player. He argues that the organization's true failure lies in constructing a team that can't survive without Hughes on the ice, especially given their ongoing ticket sales struggles. With fans desperate for reasons to show up and little hope of winning a major trade, Zach Berman stresses the importance of prioritizing the Devils instead of international commitments, especially if Hughes isn’t healthy. To wrap up, Zach Berman previews the upcoming matchup against Ottawa, outlining both teams' woes and speculating on how the Devils might keep their slim playoff hopes alive—if only for a brief moment longer. He forecasts a regulation win for the Devils, crediting Ottawa’s previous hospitality and expressing just a sliver of hope before reality likely sets back in. Ultimately, the episode encapsulates the emotional rollercoaster of Devils fandom Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

n this episode, Zach Berman opens with a candid and critical assessment of the New Jersey Devils' season, declaring it effectively over despite there still being games left to play. He points out the team’s poor position in the standings, falling several points behind both in the Metropolitan Division and in the wildcard race. Zach Berman emphasizes that the team can no longer blame players like Ondre Palat for their struggles, especially as former Devils seem to find success elsewhere, highlighting deeper issues within the current core group of players. Throughout the episode, Zach Berman scrutinizes the lack of effort and production from key Devils players such as Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, and Timo Meier. He highlights how franchise legends and ownership witnessed a disappointing performance from the current roster, bringing into question the motivation and mental toughness of the team. Injuries and a lackluster response from newer players only add to the bleak outlook, contributing to Zach Berman's advocacy for substantial changes in management and potentially the player core. The focus then shifts to the implications of missing the playoffs in a year when success was mandatory. Zach Berman suggests that firings should start at the top, including general manager Tom Fitzgerald and other executives, but also ponders whether core players should be traded or if the franchise needs a more drastic rebuild. He expresses skepticism about ownership's willingness to enact meaningful change, criticizing the organization’s leadership for prioritizing profits over genuine team improvement and fan experience. To close, Zach Berman previews the upcoming game against Nashville, albeit with little enthusiasm, noting the only points of interest are observing new and underperforming players. He expresses frustration that departed players seem to thrive, while the Devils continue to struggle, calling for decisive action: firing key management and finding players who can truly produce. He ends on a practical note with ad reads and a promise to react to the next game, maintaining his tone of tough love and realism toward the team’s current state. 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 emergency episode of Locked On Devils, Zach Berman reacts to the major news that the New Jersey Devils have traded away veteran forward Ondrej Palat to the New York Islanders. This marks the first Devils “emergency” episode since a significant Jack Hughes injury earlier in the season, and Zach Berman notes the significance of the move, especially given Palat's underwhelming tenure with New Jersey. Palat, alongside draft picks, heads to the Islanders in exchange for Max Tsyplakov, with the Devils also benefiting from offloading a sizable cap hit. Zach Berman dives into the background of the Palat signing, emphasizing that it was criticized by some within the Devils’ own front office and has turned out to be perhaps the worst free agent signing in franchise history. Despite playing an important role in the Devils' recent playoff run, Palat’s overall performance has sharply declined, and his contract became a major burden. The trade is viewed as a necessary move to correct a clear organizational misstep, even if questions remain about the decision-making that led to Palat's acquisition in the first place. The episode also discusses the Devils' new acquisition, Max Tsyplakov, describing him as a low-risk, buy-low type of player who might not be a core piece but does open up valuable cap space for the team. Zach Berman expresses mixed feelings: there’s relief in moving on from Palat, but also trepidation about what General Manager Tom Fitzgerald will do with the financial flexibility now available. Trade rumors are swirling, including possible future moves involving players like Nico Hischier, and there is concern about whether Fitzgerald will wisely use the new cap space. Wrapping up, Zach Berman takes a moment to critique both the Devils’ and Islanders’ front offices, suggesting that what might feel like a win could quickly sour based on future decisions. While the removal of Palat’s contract is seen as a positive step, there’s still skepticism about the overall direction of Devils management. Ultimately, the episode captures both a sense of catharsis and anxiety as the franchise turns the page on the Palat era and prepares for potentially transformative changes ahead. 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 of Locked On Devils, Zach Berman records late at night to preview an especially meaningful game for New Jersey Devils fans. The Devils are set to honor John MacLean, inducting him into their Ring of Honor during a home game against the Winnipeg Jets. Zach Berman reflects on MacLean’s legacy, describing the importance of his franchise-defining goal that sent the Devils to their first playoffs, and recounts John MacLean's lasting impact as both a player and coach, noting this induction is long overdue. Zach Berman shares personal insights on the generational divide in Devils fandom, mentioning how older fans see Lou Lamoriello as a savior who brought the franchise’s early success, while younger fans remember him for questionable late-career decisions. Despite these differences, Zach Berman jokes he’d take Lou back over the Devils’ current general manager, Tom Fitzgerald, whom he critiques sharply for being inactive in the trade market. As the episode shifts to a preview of the game itself, Zach Berman labels the matchup with Winnipeg a “must-win” for the Devils, who are trailing in the playoff race. He breaks down Winnipeg’s roster, pointing out their top-heavy lineup and recent struggles. He notes the Devils’ ongoing issues with five-on-five scoring and the underperformance of key players like Jesper Bratt and Timo Meier, urging that significant improvement is needed immediately with the playoff window closing. Finally, Zach Berman calls for resilience from the Devils, expressing hope that the ceremony honoring MacLean can inspire the team to turn things around. He closes with an earnest message to the players: the season’s stakes are high, time is running out, and failing to perform—especially with such a prominent franchise figure in attendance—will only justify fans' frustration. He also reiterates his call for change in management if things don’t improve, encouraging listeners to stay tuned for post-game reactions. 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 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.