The 2021 New Jersey Devils season went off the rails pretty quickly. It wasn't a season of huge expectations, but some thought they could compete off the backs of a quality goaltending tandem. After signing Corey Crawford to a two-year deal, the tandem with Mackenzie Blackwood could have been one of the best in the league.
Then, Crawford surprisingly retired, and the year was basically a wash. This was already a shortened season, playing just 56 games as the world was still dealing with the pandemic. However, the team's play on the ice made it worse.
There was plenty to celebrate this season.