The Devils wanted to play better at home, and they've been given an immediate chance to course correct with a five-game homestand to start the 2021-22 campaign. So far, so good as New Jersey has a 3-1 record with
Tuesday night's contest against Calgary
being the homestand's finale.
"We know it's important. We talked about it. The home record was really something we needed to improve," Ruff said. "When you have an opportunity to start five games at home in a row you've got to play good hockey and you have to win games. Sometimes you have to find ways to win games, and we've been able to do that."
One major difference so far this season, other than the play on the ice, has been the presence of the fans. Most of last season's home slate was played in an empty
Prudential Center
, while some of the latter games had limited attendance due to COVID-19 restrictions. This season, it's been a full house from the opening puck drop.
"It's been awesome. Having the fans back out there in the stands supporting us is huge," forward Jesper Bratt said. "The fans have been great so far. For us, playing games at home has been awesome. We love playing at home too and having the start that we've had has been exciting."
And now the club is hoping, despite missing some key players to injury - Jack Hughes, Miles Wood, Mackenzie Blackwood, Jonathan Bernier - to earn eight of a possible 10 points on the homestand.
"It's a good start. We can go 4-1 to start at home, especially with the fans back, you can feel the energy at home," forward Pavel Zacha said. "When you don't have fans (at home) it's not that big of an advantage. With fans back in the building you feel the energy. We have one more game at home and we have to bring it again."
