It’s the age-old hockey debate that never seems to die: skill versus will, offense versus defense, excitement versus reliability.
As the New Jersey Devils continue building around their electrifying offensive stars, a voice from their championship past has weighed in with a sobering reminder of what truly wins in the NHL.
Jay Pandolfo, two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Devils and current Boston University head coach, didn’t hesitate when asked about the balance between offensive firepower and defensive responsibility during his appearance on NJ Advance Media’s “Speaking of the Devils” podcast.
“Most of the teams that are going to win, they have to be able to check, right?” Pandolfo told Devils beat reporter Ryan Novozinsky. “I mean, it’s just that’s just the way it is. Like at the end of the day, the teams that can defend well are going to find ways to win.”
It’s not exactly a revolutionary statement, but coming from a player who embodied the defensive excellence of those championship Devils teams, it carries particular weight. As New Jersey continues constructing a team around offensive dynamos like Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Nico Hischier, Pandolfo’s message serves as both warning and roadmap.
“Of course, you have to score, too,” Pandolfo said. “The way the game is now, you have to have that ability and have guys on your team that have that ability, game breakers that can win games for you. …
“But you also need those guys to play both ends of the rink. And it’s so important when the games get tighter. You start getting into the playoffs, every game’s so tight, you have to have guys that are reliable on both sides of the puck.”
This isn’t just nostalgic preaching from the Dead Puck Era. It’s practical wisdom from someone who’s seen firsthand what separates exciting regular-season teams from champions. Pandolfo specifically mentioned Nico Hischier as exemplifying this dual-threat capability, calling him a “terrific two-way player” and someone “you certainly can win with.”
When discussing Devils prospect Shane Lachance, Pandolfo’s praise was telling.
“He has an identity as a player and I think that’s real important for a young player to know what they are as a player and he knows what he is… and he’s a reliable player,” Pandolfo said.
That word — reliable — kept emerging in Pandolfo’s assessment, a quality that might not make highlight reels but becomes invaluable when games tighten up in April, May, and June.
For all the celebration of the Devils’ offensive potential, Pandolfo’s comments suggest the organization’s championship aspirations may ultimately hinge on whether their skilled players can embrace the less glamorous aspects of hockey — the checking, the defensive zone coverage, the willingness to sacrifice for team defense.
“They’re certainly a fun team to watch with some of the skill they have up front,” Pandolfo noted. “I mean, they play fast, they make plays off the rush.”
But he was quick to add: “Seems like they’re getting better and better defensively as a team.”
That improvement might be the most important development for New Jersey’s long-term championship hopes.
Want more insights from Jay Pandolfo on the Devils’ evolution, his coaching journey, and stories from the championship era?
Check out the full episode of “Speaking of the Devils,” where host Ryan Novozinsky digs deep with the Devils legend on everything from prospect development to unforgettable Lou Lamoriello encounters.