"Red Wings" "Such a no brainer its laughable" - NHL fans debate upon which Eastern Conference non-playoff team will make playoffs next season

NHL fans are discussing which Eastern Conference team that missed the playoffs last season might make it next year. The NHL Network asked this question on X (formerly Twitter). They included logos of the Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils, Pittsburgh Penguins, Columbus Blue Jackets, Philadelphia Flyers, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators.

Fans shared their thoughts and predictions about which team could make the playoffs on X.

"Red Wings, hands down," one fan said.

"NJ is such a no brainer its laughable," another fan commented.

"Devils. They had a good team but horrible goaltending and injuries ruined their season. Markstrom and Allen aren't a great duo but theyre an upgrade. I dont think anyone else that missed last year gets in the playoffs in 24-25," one X user said.

Take a look at some more reactions from NHL fans on X.

"Devils. No doubt. I currently can't see where the other's leap would come from. Unless we get great rebounds from Tage & Co in Buffalo, or Detroit stays 100% healthy and their young D take a step. But Devils solved their glaring hole. They should be comfortably a play-off team," a fan tweeted.

"My heart would tell me the Canadiens but objectively it will be the devils," one fan said.

"I’m a Wings fan. I think they have a solid chance of making it this season, but New Jersey has the best chance as they really just had some terrible luck last season," a fan commented.

How Sheldon Keefe hiring can propel Devils to NHL playoffs

On May 23, the New Jersey Devils named Sheldon Keefe as their 31st head coach on a four-year deal. Keefe, previously with the Toronto Maple Leafs, has a strong record of 212-97-40 over five seasons. His teams often made the playoffs but advanced past the first round only once. Keefe had a 14-5-1 start with Toronto, the best in the franchise's history.

Keefe's defensive strategies and regular-season success were notable in Toronto. He managed superstar talent and used analytics well. This fits New Jersey's data-driven approach.

The Devils need his fresh perspective to fix their defensive breakdowns and inconsistent goaltending. Keefe's ability to adapt and learn from playoff experiences is valuable. By tightening defense and using analytics, Keefe can address the Devils' weaknesses and build a stronger, playoff-ready team.

Also read: Sheldon Keefe quotes NHL coaches' sly dig at Toronto Maple Leafs