The Conference Finals began on Wednesday, with the New York Rangers hosting the Florida Panthers.
Only four teams remain in the quest for the Stanley Cup.
The New York Rangers will play the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final, while the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers will be featured in the Western Conference Final.
As NHL.com pointed out, it is the first time in NHL history that all four teams in the conference finals are looking to win their first championship in at least 20 years.
The New Jersey Devils are well represented among the remaining teams, and one of these former players will hoist the Stanley Cup in June.
Florida Panthers: Dmitry Kulikov
For those who may not remember, Dmitry Kulikov signed with New Jersey as a free agent on Oct. 22, 2020. He appeared in 38 games and earned two assists before being traded to the Edmonton Oilers for a conditional pick in the 2022 NHL Draft on Apr. 12, 2021, that turned into Charlie Leddy.
Kulikov has played in all 12 postseason games for the Panthers, averaging 13 minutes of ice time. He was most recently paired with Oliver Ekman-Larsson in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final.
New York Rangers: Jimmy Vesey
Jimmy Vesey signed a one-year contract with the Devils on Oct. 10, 2021. He collected 15 points (eight goals, seven assists) in 68 games. At the conclusion of the deal, he signed with the Rangers.
He has collected three points (one goal, two assists) in 11 postseason games. Throughout the postseason, Vesey has played on the fourth line alongside center Barclay Goodrow.
Dallas Stars: Scott Wedgewood
Goaltender Scott Wedgewood remains a fan favorite in New Jersey, thanks to his multiple stints with the Devils. Mainly serving as a depth netminder, he appeared in 23 career games for New Jersey.
He has served as Jake Oettinger's backup throughout the postseason. In the regular season, he played 32 games and earned 16 wins. The 31-year-old concluded the 2023-24 campaign with a save percentage of .899 and 2.85 goals against average.
Edmonton Oilers: Adam Henrique
Speaking of fan favorites, Adam Henrique is back in the conference finals for the first time since his rookie season with New Jersey.
He was traded to Edmonton by the Anaheim Ducks at the NHL Trade Deadline and appeared in 22 regular season games for the Oilers.
Henrique played in six playoff games before suffering an ankle injury on May 10.
"We believe he's really close, and we're expecting him early in the series, whether that's Game 1, 2 or 3," head coach Kris Knoblauch said. "But we'll definitely be seeing him at some point."
In the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, he has one goal and one assist.
The conference finals continue Friday night at 8:00 P.M. when Vesey and the Rangers host Kulikov Panthers at MSG for Game 2.