The excitement for the upcoming fantasy hockey draft season is palpable, especially for enthusiasts eyeing top players from the New Jersey Devils. With the Devils looking to build on their promising roster, key names like Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Dougie Hamilton are set to dominate fantasy discussions. Hughes, if healthy, is viewed as a must-have in the early rounds, while Bratt's consistency and productivity make him a reliable pick. Hamilton’s defensive prowess also adds value, especially in leagues that reward blue-liners. The Devils' emerging talents and offseason acquisitions have made them a team to watch closely.

Celebrating 1,300 episodes, the Locked On New York Rangers podcast takes a light-hearted approach by ranking all 16 Stanley Cup playoff teams based on likability from a Rangers fan perspective. The Minnesota Wild tops the list, largely due to fan favorite Mats Zuccarello, who continues to shine post-trade. Next up are the Colorado Avalanche, buoyed by former Rangers Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey, both of whom have shown strong performance this postseason. The underdog Ottawa Senators follow, with an exciting young roster facing the Toronto Maple Leafs. The St. Louis Blues round out the top four, driven by the beloved Pavel Buchnevich, while other teams like the Los Angeles Kings and Toronto Maple Leafs see mixed sentiments. Meanwhile, the podcast highlights teams like the Tampa Bay Lightning and Washington Capitals as undesirable winners, creating a spirited discussion around rivalries and fan sentiments.

The New Jersey Devils faced a disappointing start in the Stanley Cup playoffs against the Carolina Hurricanes, with a glaring lack of offensive presence leading to turnovers and injuries. Despite Jacob Markstrom's solid performance in goal, the team's inability to maintain possession and convert opportunities proved costly. The Devils will need to adjust their strategy and improve their puck management to remain competitive in the series.

In-game two, the key for the Devils will be better starts, especially in the first period, as they have struggled to come from behind throughout the season. Historical performance indicates they fare much better when leading or tied after two periods. Additionally, splitting star players Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt may create more scoring opportunities across the lineup. With significant injuries affecting their depth, including Luke Hughes, the Devils will need contributions from their supporting cast to mount a comeback.

The Colorado Avalanche secured a commanding 5-1 victory against the Dallas Stars in Game 1 of their playoff series, showcasing their offensive depth despite the absence of key players for the Stars. Mackenzie Blackwood made a strong playoff debut in goal for the Avalanche, though the Stars struggled with injuries, limiting their competitiveness. Gabriel Landeskog's potential return adds an emotional boost for the Avalanche, who await the next game in Dallas with cautious optimism.

In other playoff action, the New Jersey Devils faced a tough loss against the Carolina Hurricanes, struggling with turnovers and injuries, notably impacting their performance. The Devils need to tighten their defense and improve their offensive strategies, especially in the first period, to regain momentum in the series. Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Jets displayed resilience, coming back multiple times against the St. Louis Blues in a closely contested matchup, proving their depth and adaptability.