Locked On Devils - Daily Podcast On The New Jersey Devils

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
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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
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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
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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.”

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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
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