Devils bonding over perceived lack of respect

PITTSBURGH -- Keep doubting these New Jersey Devils.
Please.
That's the hope of Devils forward Taylor Hall, who continues to use the perceived lack of respect New Jersey is receiving from the hockey world as a motivational tool inside the dressing room.

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Whether their concept of being snubbed is accurate, that's the way the Devils feel.
In Hall's mind, it's a rallying point that seems to be working. It certainly is for him.
"We're just trying to come in to each game with a bit of a chip on our shoulder," Hall said minutes after his goal 27 seconds into overtime gave the Devils a 4-3 victory against the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena on Friday.
As if to underscore his point, Hall peered down at the words emblazoned in large red letters on the front of the black t-shirt he was wearing.
"New Jersey Devils Vs. Everybody," it said.
On the back were the words: "The Devils Vs. The World."

The Devils found the shirts hanging in their lockers prior to their game against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center on Feb. 13. They won 5-4 in a shootout after Hall tied the game 4-4 with 1:21 remaining in the third period.
Five weeks later, Hall said the legions of naysayers continue to grow. Such was the case when New Jersey embarked on a six-game trip that ended in Pittsburgh.
"No one really gives us a chance," Hall said. "No one is still giving us a chance. Every week we never seem to get talked about or be in anyone's power rankings. No one gives us any respect around the League.
"And yet, here we are, coming out of our road trip 4-2."
If you didn't believe in these Devils to this point, maybe you should start.
By winning in Pittsburgh for the second time this season, the Devils (38-28-8) are in fifth place in the Metropolitan Division, nine points ahead of the Carolina Hurricanes, and lead the Florida Panthers by three points for the second wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Eastern Conference. The Panthers have two games in hand.
The Philadelphia Flyers are in fourth place in the Metropolitan Division with 88 points, four more than the Devils. New Jersey has one game in hand.
Hall continues to keep his name in the conversation as a candidate for the Hart Trophy (MVP). With a goal and two assists against the Penguins, he has a NHL career-high 81 points (33 goals, 48 assists) and eclipsed his previous best of 80 set with the Edmonton Oilers in 2013-14.
But Hall didn't want to talk about himself. The object of his praise was rookie forward Nico Hischier, who set Hall up for the game-winner.
"I saw a chance to get behind [the Penguins back line]," Hall said. "I saw Nico battling for the puck and hoped he'd win it. And he did.

"It says a lot about Nico. He's 19, it's his rookie season, he probably doesn't have as much energy as he'd like because he's never played this much hockey in a season before, and he came out and had a great game. He made plays and that's what he's done all year."
The Devils have been pleased with Hischier's development. He had a goal and an assist to give him 48 points (17 goals, 31 assists) this season.
"It's a huge win but it's over now," Hischier said. "Tomorrow is a new day.
"We just concentrate on what we're doing. It's not about anyone else. Obviously it's a good feeling to beat a team like that. But I really believe our team is a great team. And I really believe when we play our game we can compete with anyone in this league."
The Devils will have that chance when they host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday (7 p.m. ET; MSG+ 2, SUN, NHL.TV). Tampa Bay (51-19-4) leads the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference with 106 points.
It will be the first game for the Devils at Prudential Center since a 3-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets on March 8.
"We haven't really played that well there (18-14-3) … and hopefully we can build off this momentum," Hall said. "Six of our final eight games are at home so we need to take advantage."
Devils coach John Hynes told his players not to show up Saturday until several hours before the game.
"Get home, get rested, then get ready to play," Hynes said. "It will be nice to be home."
Especially after coming off such a signature win.