The Devils are in the third wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with 64 points.

The New Jersey Devils know the position they are in as time is winding down for the 2023-24 season.

The club sits just outside the playoff picture, five points behind the Philadelphia Flyers for third place in the Metropolitan Division and the Tampa Bay Lightning for the final wild-card spot.

The Devils are coming off a 7-2 win over the San Jose Sharks and will look to string together a winning streak as they fight for their second straight playoff appearance.

"We're in a dogfight here. That's no secret. We have to make up ground," Curtis Lazar said. 

Mental skills coaches will say that when playing a game, 85 percent is mental, and 15 percent is physical.

On Thursday, Curtis Lazar spoke to attending media at Honda Center about the importance of having fun, especially during a crucial stretch where the pressure is high.

"Overall, you play a lot better when you aren't gripping that stick too tight, and there's a smile on guys' faces," Lazar said. "It's a business. It's a job. We want to win hockey games, but you have to have fun doing it. You have to put in the work. At the end of the day, we all fell in love with having fun and being on the ice. You find that joy and that balance between embracing things and having fun."

The Devils have experienced plenty of momentum swings this season and are all too familiar with the highs and lows accompanying an NHL campaign. It is easy to criticize the team when they have a day off, but as Lazar explains, those rest days are essential for the players.

"We talk about the season; it is so long, and it is a grueling grind. You need to take those days for your well-being and the mental health side of things," he said. "The day off (gives us) a chance to clear our minds."

It will be back to business tomorrow as the Devils look to win their second straight game on Friday night when they face the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 10:00 P.M. EST.

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