Locked On Devils - Daily Podcast On The New Jersey Devils

In this episode of Locked On Devils, Zach Berman begins by highlighting the remarkable transformation of Paul Cotter, a generally average player who seems to become a star during breakaways or shootouts—a timely focus since Cotter just clinched an overtime victory for the New Jersey Devils against the Boston Bruins. The show opens with a sense of excitement mixed with exasperation, as Zach Berman reflects on the ongoing frustrations of being a Devils fan this season, only briefly lifted by the drama of the big win. Shifting away from the game itself, Zach Berman dives into behind-the-scenes organization news, re...

In this episode of Locked On Devils, Zach Berman recaps an unexpectedly entertaining New Jersey Devils win over the Los Angeles Kings, with the Devils securing a 6-4 victory. He highlights the offensive outburst—remarking on the excitement and frustration that have come with recent Devils games, particularly since the Olympics. Despite the energetic performance and six different goals (and “six woos” in celebration), Zach Berman points out that the result does little to improve the team’s bleak playoff hopes. He delivers a play-by-play of the game, notably spotlighting standout plays from Nico Hischier and an especially dazzling goal by Arsen...

In this episode of Locked On Devils, Zach Berman opens by satirically investigating the "disappearance" of Jake Allen, the New Jersey Devils’ goalie who’s been notably absent from recent games, despite no official reports of injury or other issues. Instead, Sheldon Keefe has been repeatedly starting Jacob Markstrom, who has now played six consecutive games—including two back-to-backs within one week. Zach Berman finds this pattern highly unusual and points toward internal pressure, suggesting that GM Tom Fitzgerald might be forcing Keefe’s hand to justify a contract extension given to Markstrom, possibly as a move to salvage his own job...

In this episode, Zach Berman reflects on the New Jersey Devils’ disappointing 3-0 loss to the Detroit Red Wings, putting a witty spin on the recap by referencing Eminem’s "Lose Yourself" and the fact that Detroit is the rapper's hometown. He acknowledges that the loss effectively ended any hopes for a playoff run, and admits he was getting comfortable recapping wins after the team had shown flashes of potential against weaker opponents. Despite the team’s recent struggles, Zach Berman believes the talent on the roster warrants more optimism than the current results and front office turmoil suggest, calling for a...

In this episode of Locked On Devils, Zach Berman delivers an impassioned reaction to the New Jersey Devils standing pat at the NHL trade deadline. He begins by expressing the collective frustration of the fanbase, noting that the Devils neither acquired nor traded any players, aside from losing Luke Glendening on waivers. Despite the disastrous season and the team being well out of playoff contention, Zach Berman contends that making no moves might have been preferable to the risk of further damaging the roster through ill-advised trades, especially given the questionable decisions made by other league GMs. A significant portion...

In this episode of Locked On Devils, Zach Berman delivers an impassioned reaction to the New Jersey Devils standing pat at the NHL trade deadline. He begins by expressing the collective frustration of the fanbase, noting that the Devils neither acquired nor traded any players, aside from losing Luke Glendening on waivers. Despite the disastrous season and the team being well out of playoff contention, Zach Berman contends that making no moves might have been preferable to the risk of further damaging the roster through ill-advised trades, especially given the questionable decisions made by other league GMs. A significant portion...

In this episode, Zach Berman covers an unexpectedly exciting New Jersey Devils victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs, highlighting just how rare and memorable the moment was—the Devils hadn't won at home against the Leafs since 2018. While the game itself was fun, with lots of action and the Devils handily outshooting Toronto, Zach Berman expresses reservations about what these recent wins mean for the team, especially with the trade deadline looming and concerns about the decisions of GM Tom Fitzgerald. Throughout the recording, Zach Berman critiques several player performances, including Simon Nemec’s rough outing and Jacob Markstrom’s shaky...

The episode opens with Zach Berman discussing the swirl of trade rumors ahead of the NHL trade deadline, particularly focusing on the New Jersey Devils' situation. He notes how nearly every Devils defenseman—except for a few key players like Luke Hughes, Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, and Jesper Bratt—has been mentioned as potential trade bait. Zach Berman expresses skepticism about General Manager Tom Fitzgerald's ability to navigate the deadline successfully, hinting at rumors that Fitzgerald may not be fired and lamenting the uncertainty and lack of trust in current management decisions. Moving on, Zach Berman recaps the Devi...

Zach Berman opens the show with the surprising news that the New Jersey Devils are already looking to trade their recent acquisition, Nick Bjugstad, as reported by Chris Johnston of The Athletic. This sparks confusion given that the Devils just added Bjugstad, who is under contract for another year at a reasonable $1.5 million. Zach Berman questions the overall direction of the franchise, highlighting the lack of consistent strategy in management’s decision-making, and voicing frustration over Tom Fitzgerald’s ongoing role as GM despite mounting criticism and the team's faltering performance. The discussion shifts to the recent performance of the Devi...

In this bonus episode, Zach Berman breaks down the New Jersey Devils’ defensive roster as the NHL trade deadline approaches, focusing on potential moves and long-term implications. He starts by reviewing which current defensemen are safe from being traded—highlighting Luke Hughes, Brett Pesci, and Jonathan Kovacevic—and emphasizes their contractual security and importance to the team’s future. Simone Nemec’s situation is mentioned as a big decision looming for management, especially since he’s an RFA this summer and the Devils’ GM spot is uncertain.

The discussion moves to Jonas Siegenthaler, whose disappointing performance this season might m...

In this episode, Zach Berman dives into the New Jersey Devils’ trade deadline scenario, highlighting the uncertainty and anticipation surrounding the team’s direction as they’re currently 11 points out of playoff contention. He notes that this is one of the most significant trade deadlines in recent history for the Devils, with insiders unsure if the team will buy or sell. Based on their standings and roster situation, Zach Berman leans toward the Devils becoming sellers, focusing on which forwards could be dealt and what potential returns they might bring.

He discusses several key players on the roster...

In this bonus episode, Zach Berman dives into a painful January and February 2026 for New Jersey Devils fans, recapping the gloom of a season gone sour. The episode opens with Zach Berman acknowledging the high hopes the team once held, only to see those ambitions unravel as the months progressed. Early brief moments of promise, such as back-to-back wins against Utah and a signature victory in Columbus, are overshadowed by embarrassing defeats, most notably a devastating 9-0 loss to the Islanders and repeated failures to hold leads or compete well in third periods.

The rollercoaster continued as...

In this episode, Zach Berman breaks down the New Jersey Devils' recent win over the St. Louis Blues, a game which, despite the positive result, feels bittersweet for Devils fans. The team went into St. Louis and played arguably their best game of the month, winning 3-1 and snapping a notably poor stretch. Zach Berman points out that while it’s nice to see the Devils victorious, any wins at this stage only worsen their draft lottery odds, putting them further behind in the race for top prospects, a fact underscored by his tongue-in-cheek visit to Tankathon.

Th...

In this episode, Zach Berman dives into the dire state of the New Jersey Devils’ season, focusing on their matchup against the St. Louis Blues—a game he boldly declares the Devils "should lose" if they’re thinking about their future. The focus of the episode quickly shifts from playoffs (no longer a realistic goal) to tanking for a higher draft pick. Zach Berman compares both teams’ struggles, highlighting the Devils’ dismal recent record and the similarities between them and the lowly Blues, both suffering from horrible goaltending, underperforming stars, and front office uncertainty.

The episode emphasizes just how f...

n this episode, Zach Berman opens with a tone of exasperation, describing the New Jersey Devils’ ongoing struggles as repetitive and demoralizing. He highlights how the Devils lost yet again, this time to the Pittsburgh Penguins, who were missing star player Sidney Crosby. Zach Berman emphasizes the team's inability to score, manage games, or make any significant changes, noting their poor performance over the recent stretch—only three goals in their last thirteen periods. He also voices frustration at the Devils organization for being seemingly indifferent to both the fans’ dissatisfaction and the team’s downward spiral, as evidenced by their la...

In this episode of Locked On Devils, Zach Berman dives into yet another frustrating loss for the New Jersey Devils, who fell 2-1 to the Buffalo Sabres on what was supposed to be a special night. Right from the start, Zach Berman sets the tone by acknowledging how predictable and disappointing the team has become, especially after the Jack Hughes injury, and expresses a weary cynicism shared by the fanbase. Despite a strong emotional pregame ceremony celebrating Jack Hughes and his recent Olympic heroics, the Devils failed to capitalize on the energy and attention, ultimately defaulting to old habits—struggling to...

In this episode, Zach Berman previews the upcoming New Jersey Devils game against the Buffalo Sabres, expressing a mix of frustration, pessimism, and dark humor about the state of the Devils’ season. He highlights the unusual turnaround in fortunes where Devils fans now find themselves envious of the Sabres, a team recently termed a league punchline but currently sitting comfortably in a playoff position. Zach Berman points out the organizational failures and questions the decisions made by Devils management, drawing comparisons to the positive changes in Buffalo following a change in general manager—something he wishes the Devils would emulate. He w...

In this exuberant episode, Zach Berman relives what he considers one of the top three sports moments of his life: witnessing Jack Hughes score the golden goal in overtime to clinch Olympic gold for Team USA against Canada. The setting only adds to the excitement, as Zach Berman describes watching the game unfold at Chicago's O'Hare airport bar, surrounded by a passionate mix of American and Canadian fans alike, all caught up in the intensity and drama of such a high-stakes rivalry. Zach Berman delves into the magnitude of Hughes' achievement, underlining how the young New Jersey Devil's standout performance...

Team USA stuns Team Canada with Jack Hughes’ overtime heroics to clinch gold, marking a historic double as both U.S. men’s and women’s teams take top honors. Is this the start of a new era in international hockey, or will Canada’s depth and Connor McDavid’s star power rebound in the next Olympics?

Gil Martin, Eddie Garcia, David Morassutti, Zach Berman and Armando Velez break down the Olympic gold medal thriller, spotlighting Connor Hellebuyck’s record-setting goaltending and Canada’s struggles following Sidney Crosby’s absence. Conversation heats up with debate over the MVP selection, i...

USA and Canada set up a dream gold medal showdown after dominating in Olympic hockey semifinals—can Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon outduel the American stars for gold? Goaltending and blue line depth take center stage as Sidney Crosby’s possible return adds extra drama, while Brad Marchand’s leadership fuels Canada’s comeback momentum.

Gil Martin, David Morassutti, and Kyle Kjer break down Canada’s resilience, Team USA’s offensive explosion led by Jack Hughes and the Tkachuk brothers, and the impact of Zach Werenski on the American blue line. Key topics include Finland’s collapse after a hot st...

USA Women seize Olympic gold in dramatic overtime, stunning Team Canada and cementing a new era of rivalry. Is Canada's reign slipping with a generational shift underway? Hilary Knight’s heroic goals power Team USA, while Marie-Philip Poulin’s injury exposes Canada’s reliance on veteran stars. The squad examines whether physical contact rules in women’s Olympic hockey should evolve as skill, pace, and grit reach new heights.

Gil Martin, David Morassutti, Kyle Kjer, and Glenn Dreyfuss break down key moments, including the controversial penalty and Switzerland’s bronze medal win. Insights focus on the emergence of youth i...

The episode opens with Zach Berman celebrating a thrilling victory for Team USA’s women’s hockey team, but quickly pivots to the men’s Olympic quarterfinal where the American squad defeated Sweden for the first time since 1960 (Zach Berman argues it’s a bigger moment than the TJ Oshie “Shootout” win in Sochi). A lot of attention is paid to the Devils’ connections in the game—especially Jack Hughes, who excelled for Team USA, and Jesper Bratt, benched by Sweden until the third period. Zach Berman criticizes coaching decisions for both teams, notably Mike Sullivan’s defensive approach and Sweden’s use of Jacob M...

Canada and Team USA punch their tickets to the Olympic hockey semifinals after gripping overtime battles. Are NHL stars elevating the sport’s global stage and making these games must-watch? Sidney Crosby’s injury shakes up the Penguins’ playoff outlook, while Mitch Marner’s clutch heroics spark Leafs fans and ignite Twitter with debate about his legacy. Unforgettable moments abound as controversial officiating, intense trash talk, and maple syrup celebrations fuel the drama.

Gil Martin, David Morassutti, and Zach Berman dissect Canada’s narrow escape against Czechia and Team USA’s gritty win over Sweden. Key topics include the...

In this episode, Zach Berman covers a range of topics, starting with the current state of the New Jersey Devils. He discusses rumors that GM Tom Fitzgerald is looking to make a significant "hockey trade" once the Olympic roster freeze ends, potentially to shake up the team and save his job. Zach Berman is skeptical about the effectiveness of such moves, given many players have trade protection clauses, and he worries about the risks involved if Fitzgerald acts out of desperation. Possible trade targets like Dawson Mercer and Dougie Hamilton are mentioned, but Zach Berman doubts a trade would truly shake...

In the episode, Zach Berman dives into the debate surrounding Jesper Bratt, a New Jersey Devils star who has recently been benched by Team Sweden during the Olympic Games. The conversation kicks off by acknowledging how polarizing Bratt is among Devils fans—opinions seem to force people to take sides, whether they're loyal supporters or vocal critics. Zach Berman shares his own conflicted feelings, reflecting that while Bratt has been a durable and productive player in previous seasons, his performance since Thanksgiving has visibly declined, leading to frustration and calls from some fans to trade him. Zach Berman details Bratt’s st...

USA and Canada women’s hockey set up a classic gold medal showdown, but is the lack of parity hurting the sport’s global growth? Gil Martin, Eddie Garcia, Zach Berman, and Glenn Dreyfus break down Team USA’s defensive dominance, Marie-Philip Poulin’s crucial return for Canada, and the uphill battle facing Swedish and Czech programs. The hosts debate whether dynasties boost or hinder Olympic excitement, and consider what it would mean for Canada to stage a Miracle on Ice upset.

The roundtable also tackles Tom Wilson’s rare Olympic fight, the fallout from Kevin Fiala’s injury, an...

Finland shocks Sweden with a commanding 4-1 win in a fierce Nordic rivalry, as Juuse Saros rebounds with standout goaltending and Mikko Rantanen finds the scoresheet. Can Sweden bounce back after defensive lapses and an underwhelming performance from its blue line? Gil Martin, David Morasuti, and Glenn Dreyfus break down the dramatic shift in Group play, highlight William Nylander’s return from injury, and spotlight Slovakia’s narrow escape against a spirited Italy fueled by Damian Clara’s 35-save effort.

Canada flexes its offensive muscle with the McDavid-MacKinnon-Celebrini line, all scoring in a 3-goal outburst against Switzerland, with t...

In this episode, Zach Berman offers a passionate update on New Jersey Devils players participating in the Winter Olympics, while reflecting on the broader state of the Devils themselves. He opens by celebrating the return of NHL players to Olympic hockey and the standout performances of Devils like Jack Hughes, Timo Meier, and Simon Nemec. However, Zach Berman remains cautiously optimistic, noting that Team USA and these star players have yet to face the tournament’s toughest competition, emphasizing the need to see them against stronger teams beyond Latvia and France. The discussion pivots to Team USA’s dominant start, especial...

Slovakia shock Finland as Juraj Slafkovsky and Simon Nemec make a statement—could their Olympic hockey run upset the favorites? Canada assert their dominance, with Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Macklin Celebrini igniting early, while questions linger about Finland’s goaltending and Sweden’s struggles. The hosts highlight the evolving Olympic tournament, from surprise upsets and breakout performances to fierce rivalries and roster intrigue.

Gil Martin, David Morrassuti, Zach Berman, and Ian McLaren break down key moments as Canada’s star-studded lineup dismantles Czechia and Team USA’s depth makes waves against Latvia. Insights include Switzerland and Germany’s...

In this episode, Zach Berman opens with a humorous nod to the recent controversy surrounding the New Jersey Devils' social media team cropping Quinn Hughes out of a Team USA photo. The social team has maintained this running bit for years, playfully removing Quinn (the Hughes brother not on the Devils) from family and team images. However, Zach Berman critiques the timing and relevancy of continuing the joke, especially after the Devils failed to trade for Quinn Hughes and are enduring a disappointing season. He suggests the bit should be retired and urges the organization to read the room, considering fan...

Team USA Women shock Team Canada with a dominant 5-0 victory—has the balance of power shifted in Olympic hockey? Gil Martin leads the debate with David Morassutti and Glenn Dreyfuss, spotlighting the Americans’ airtight defense, standout performances from Hannah Bilka and Laila Edwards, and the historic inclusion of three Black players in a single Olympic game. The crew questions if Team Canada can recover from this lopsided loss, debating what adjustments Marie-Philip Poulin’s return might spark and whether the U.S. could be overconfident heading toward a likely gold medal rematch. Turning to the men’s tournament, the pane...

Team USA and Team Canada dominate the Olympic women’s hockey tournament—are they locked in for another gold medal showdown? Hilary Knight breaks records while Marie-Philip Poulin’s injury sparks new questions. Is Sweden or Czechia ready to crash the party and claim bronze, or is the gap still too wide?

Glenn Dreyfuss, Gil Martin, and Kyle Kjer spotlight the rivalry series, competitive edge from the PWHL, and how legendary goaltenders like Ann-Renée Desbiens are tipping the balance. Key topics include USA’s offensive surge, power play threats, and the impact of increased professional opportunities for women...

In this episode of Locked On Devils, Zach Berman begins by expressing relief about focusing on the US Olympic hockey team rather than the New Jersey Devils, only to discover that both teams have been shaped by Tom Fitzgerald and Chris Drury, with a heavy emphasis on grit and physicality over skill. He humorously laments the prospect of Team USA repeating past mistakes by prioritizing toughness, doubting their chances of medaling this year, and sets the stage for a deep dive into potential head coach and GM pairings for the Devils next season. Zach Berman reviews fan-submitted suggestions, evaluating names like...

Over the course of this episode, Zach Berman provides a candid and, at times, brutally honest ranking of the last eleven seasons of New Jersey Devils hockey, measured on a scale from most to least enjoyable. He opens with a touch of sarcasm, warning fans not to expect positivity given the team's recent struggles. Despite noting the franchise’s overall miserable stretch—featuring only two lottery wins, three weeks of playoff appearances, and a single series win—Zach Berman walks listeners through each season’s highs and lows. He highlights the clear high points: the 2022-23 season stands out as the most en...

In this episode, Zach Berman delivers a raw and emotional breakdown of the New Jersey Devils’ latest disappointing loss, highlighting how the team was swept in the season series by the New York Islanders. Zach Berman mixes frustration and dark humor in describing how even betting on an ex-Devil for a “revenge goal” didn’t pan out, while the Devils themselves continue to underperform. He points out the Devils’ abysmal divisional record, their slim playoff chances, and emphasizes how boring and predictable their hockey has become. Throughout the episode, Zach Berman returns again and again to the theme of hopelessness that’s pervaded...

In this episode, Zach Berman delivers a passionate and frustrated recap of the New Jersey Devils’ current struggles, beginning with personal anecdotes about recording from his childhood bedroom due to Wi-Fi and fire alarm issues. He recounts the dismal state of the team, emphasizing that the Devils have managed only three goals in the last six games he attended, and voices his bewilderment at management and coaching decisions, particularly why GM Tom Fitzgerald and coach Sheldon Keefe are still employed despite the team's failures. The main news of the episode centers on the Devils’ trade activity. Zach Berman details rumors of a...

In this episode, Zach Berman passionately vents his frustration with the New Jersey Devils’ season, which has unraveled into disappointment and anger for both him and the fanbase. He recounts how ownership and management have failed to respond to the team’s ongoing struggles, allowing mediocrity to persist without accountability. Zach Berman specifically criticizes the GM, Tom Fitzgerald, and the lack of decisive action, pointing out that the absence of a top-six winger and poor roster decisions have derailed a "must-win" year.

Drawing comparisons to the Buffalo Sabres, Zach Berman highlights how ownership intervention and leadership changes in other o...

On this episode of Locked On Devils, Zach Berman dives deep into the never-ending stress and unpredictability that comes with being a New Jersey Devils fan in the current season. He opens with reflections on fan frustrations, ranging from the team's rocky play on the ice, the questionable arena experience, and the dispiriting news about ownership. The recent release of government emails implicating team owner Josh Harris in unsavory circles casts a shadow over what might otherwise be a positive moment, even though Harris himself wasn't accused of direct wrongdoing. Moving into hockey matters, Zach Berman gives a detailed recap of t...

n this episode, Zach Berman opens with a candid and critical assessment of the New Jersey Devils' season, declaring it effectively over despite there still being games left to play. He points out the team’s poor position in the standings, falling several points behind both in the Metropolitan Division and in the wildcard race. Zach Berman emphasizes that the team can no longer blame players like Ondre Palat for their struggles, especially as former Devils seem to find success elsewhere, highlighting deeper issues within the current core group of players. Throughout the episode, Zach Berman scrutinizes the lack of effort a...

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, emphasizi...