Episode Details

n this episode, Zach Berman opens with a tone of exasperation, describing the New Jersey Devils’ ongoing struggles as repetitive and demoralizing. He highlights how the Devils lost yet again, this time to the Pittsburgh Penguins, who were missing star player Sidney Crosby. Zach Berman emphasizes the team's inability to score, manage games, or make any significant changes, noting their poor performance over the recent stretch—only three goals in their last thirteen periods. He also voices frustration at the Devils organization for being seemingly indifferent to both the fans’ dissatisfaction and the team’s downward spiral, as evidenced by their lack of public acknowledgment and decision to raise ticket prices while reducing membership benefits. The discussion then turns to the coaching situation, with Zach Berman admitting he’s been too lenient on head coach Sheldon Keefe. He draws parallels to the Rangers and Maple Leafs, whose management at least communicated with their fans during hard times. In contrast, the Devils’ management has remained silent. Zach Berman also critiques how Keefe, despite being a highly sought-after coach when hired, has shown little adaptability or leadership in adversity, and speculates that he is blatantly daring upper management to fire him—something the organization seems stubbornly unwilling to do. As he recaps the Penguins game, Zach Berman summarizes a familiar script: the Devils start decently but fail to convert scoring chances, collapse in the third period, and ultimately lose 4-1. He singles out both player and organizational mismanagement, noting curious decisions like keeping Timo Meier on his off wing and failing to adjust defensive pairings or special teams. The broadcast quality and arena experience are mocked as equally miserable, underscoring the sense of organizational dysfunction. In the closing segment, Zach Berman discusses the looming trade deadline and the team’s indifferent attitude toward tanking for a better draft position. He comically experiments with different draft lottery scenarios, reflecting a fanbase now more invested in the draft than the season’s outcome. Ultimately, Zach Berman calls for sweeping changes, including firing the general manager and head coach, and even selling the team, expressing hope for better days but grave frustration with the current regime. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.