The second half of a regular season tends to be more compelling than the first half. In the second half, the trade deadline becomes that much closer. Team management has to decide whether they’re willing to strive for the playoffs, look for that missing piece or two to become a contender, or look to sell with the intent for a better future. Last season, it was easy: the New Jersey Devils were bad and were clearly in a re-building mode. This season, there’s a real possibility that the New Jersey Devils can play some games that mean something in March and actually make the playoffs in April.