Rookie Dylan Cozens is leading the way with 22 points in 25 games -- an impressive start for the 19 year old who is getting 2nd line minutes and facing some very tough competition. "He's playing a smart, two-way game which you don't usually see from a young center," said the Devils GM, "We knew another season on the farm was unnecessary." Another former 1st rounder is having an impact as well. In his second pro season, Noah Dobson is playing over 20 minutes a night in a top four role. Dobson has 15 points and is a 2nd to only Phil Kessel at  +10. "On paper, our defense is not where we wanted it to be to start the season. But everyone is stepping up and overperforming."

In net, Pavel Francouz is well on his way to meeting his endorsement with 8 wins. But the bigger story has been the strong play of veteran backup Curtis McElhinney. The 31 year old career backup, most of his pro starts with Washington, was a UFA signing last offseason. He had an average season for a below average Devils team. After working hard in the offseason, McBackup came to play. He's now 5-0-2 with a sparkling 2.17 GAA and .928 save percentage. With goalies showing increased fatigue and injuries this season, the stable veteran backup has been a bright spot for New Jersey.