This will be a regular feature during the Devils’ five game All-Star break. In this feature, we’ll look at overall team news, discuss individual player performances, and give expectations for the second half of the season. You can find all these articles under the “Devils At The Break” category located on the sidebar.

The New Jersey Devils made playoff appearances commonplace during the past 13 seasons. This season, however, ushered in a new era, one where fans and players probably won’t see New Jersey in the playoffs.

The Devils, mired in last place, will need a Herculean effort to even position themselves for the playoffs. In their remaining 33 games, New Jersey must go nearly perfect to gain enough points to contend. They’d also need a tremendous amount of help from other contending teams. This perfect storm, unfortunately, won’t occur.

So now, the fans, players and organization enter the post All-Star break as – gasp – sellers. It’s an unknown feeling, one which could determine the direction of the organization for the next few seasons. For many fans, however, the shock and disappointment of this unknown time are over.

The Devils, as we all know, opened this season with great expectations. The offense looked stacked, Martin Brodeur returned to his Vezina ways just a season ago, and new coach John MacLean promised a fresh, up-tempo attack. If only the games were played on paper.

New Jersey’s “super team” fell flat on its face. The offense fell flat, the defense looked miserable and their goaltending was atrocious. Injuries also piled up, shelving important players like Zach Parise, Bryce Salvador and Brian Rolston.

Through it all, MacLean couldn’t resuscitate his team. Players seemed to quit after goals, and no changes worked. Eventually, with a 9-22-2 record, Lou Lamoriello decided to fire MacLean. Lamoriello, known to take control of teams, entrusted former coach Jacques Lemaire to turn his team around.

Lemaire’s time as coach began as MacLean’s ended. In his first three games – all losses – the Devils were outscored 17-3. Even after starting 1-7-0, Lemaire continued to adamantly argue this squad had talent. Then, the Devils started winning. Eventually, they put together a four-game win streak and finished for the All-Star break on a 6-1-1 run.

The recent success won’t bring the Devils to the playoffs, but it shows a return to Devils’ hockey. The team defense is better, the offense scores goals, and it seems Brodeur found his stride. Lemaire re-built a solid foundation within this organization, and the players now have a system that works.

The post All-Star break won’t be fun for the Devils. Their 13-year playoff streak, second to only Detroit’s current 19 season run, will come to an end. Players will be moved, the team will lose, and pride will be the motivation for several players. It’s not the situation many expected for this franchise. But if the past eight games show anything, the Devils won’t go down without a fight.