Since adding Brenden Dillon to their roster, the New Jersey Devils have embraced physicality and are more willing to defend their teammates.

Credit to New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald, who brought in the right players to protect his young stars and help build a strong camaraderie in the locker room.

Waiting outside the New Jersey Devils’ locker room following Monday’s win over the New York Rangers, you could feel the energy. Upbeat music was blaring from inside and players were hooting and hollering.

NEWARK—The New Jersey Devils are in ... who can play with an edge. Enter Brenden Dillon, Stefan Noesen, Paul Cotter, among others, and suddenly the Devils aren’t a team to be trifled with.

Murray) New York Rangers center Sam Carrick (39) and New Jersey Devils defenseman Brenden Dillon (5) get into a fight during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray) New York Rangers left wing ...

The New Jersey Devils' defensive play set an NHL record on Monday afternoon's victory over the New York Rangers.

It was a tight checking, high intensity affair, with offense for both teams hard to come by.

(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Mathieu Olivier, left, shoots as New Jersey Devils defenseman Brenden Dillon (5) defends in the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki ...

There has not been a more significant improvement from the New Jersey Devils than their overall ... blue line over the summer by bringing in Brenden Dillon, Johnathan Kovacevic, and Brett Pesce.

Dillon logged an assist and four hits in Friday's 4-2 win over the Hurricanes. Dillon has a goal and three helpers over his last seven contests. The 34-year-old defenseman has gone on some productive runs of offense in his career,

Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out.

The New Jersey ... giving the Devils a 3-2 lead! The Devils were not done breaking down the Carolina defense. Jack Hughes had the puck on the wall after Paul Cotter took the puck around the net and passed up high to Brenden Dillon, and Hughes shot low ...