The New Jersey Devils' recent performance has been a cause for concern, to say the least. After a promising start to the season, they've been struggling for nearly two months, and their 9-0 loss to the New York Islanders on Tuesday night was a stark reminder of their current predicament. The Devils' captain, Nico Hischier, admitted that the team's performance was 'flat-out embarrassing', and he's determined to turn things around quickly. With the team's best player, Jack Hughes, returning from injury, there was hope for a turnaround, but the Devils' struggles persisted. Despite outshooting the Islanders 44-24, including 15-7 in the first period, their veteran goaltender, Jacob Markstrom, couldn't prevent the loss. The Devils' struggles extend beyond this game, as they've lost two in a row and four of six, falling behind the Eastern Conference playoff cut line. The team's coach, Sheldon Keefe, made a surprising decision to keep Markstrom in the game despite his struggles, but the team's performance remains a topic of discussion. The Devils now face the Pittsburgh Penguins, and their position in the Eastern Conference standings is a cause for concern, with only three teams below them. The Associated Press contributed to this report, highlighting the team's need for improvement and the challenges they face in the highly competitive NHL.
