After losing in the 2012 Stanley Cup Finals, the New Jersey Devils fell off, as players like Ilya Kovalchuk and a fellow named Zach Parise chose to move on.
They didn't get back in the playoffs until 2018, a six-year gap, but they lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning in five.
That playoff appearance seemed to be a fluke, as the Devils missed the postseason in each of the next four years.
But now things are different, and the dark age of Devil hockey seems to be wrapped up as they are talented from top to bottom, have a rather strong prospect pool, and have an absolute superstar in Jack Hughes.
Ahead of the New York Islanders' Friday nightcap, Stan Fischler updates you on the Devils.
Know The Foe, New Jersey:
1. The Next Step: A playoff team appeared in New Jersey last spring for the first time after a decade of non-postseason appearances. The Devils high command believes it can move its club another rung and into the elite class with Carolina and Vegas, among others.
2. The Architect: Like Bill Torrey in the 1970s, onetime Islander Tom Fitzgerald has swiftly converted Draft picks into scoring aces while simultaneously rebuilding his defense and goaltending. Giving vet coach Lindy Ruff a contract extension also was a fortuitous Fitz move.
3. The Red Lighters: Two centers -- Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier -- share offensive leadership. Each is a Kid Lightning type with a solid supporting cast. Timo Meier, Tyler Toffoli, Dawson Mercer, and Jesper Bratt add more substance to the arsenal.
4. Versatile Vets: Left-wing Ondrej Palat, center Erik Haula, and defenseman Dougie Hamilton provide experience and leadership. Hamilton -- in particular -- leads by example on both defense and offense.
5. Defense and Goaltending: Skeptics continue to use the legendary thinking of President Harry Truman: "I'm from Missouri --SHOW ME! Netminders Vitek Vanecek and Akira Schmid have convinced Fitz that they can do the job We'll see -- and that goes for rookie D-man Luke Hughes Jack's kid brother who's already been touted as a Calder Trophy candidate.
The Islander To Watch: Simon Holmstrom
Training camp was the audition stage for the "third man" to fill out the first line with Bo Horvat and Mat Barzal. To the surprise of some, the 6-2 205-pound native of Tranas, Sweden, got the gig. After two games on the top line -- and two wins -- Holmstrom now is in a position to retain that coveted position. So far, he's been defensively sound and, essentially, doing what coach Lane Lambert has asked.
But only a pair of games have been played. The audition continues against New Jersey.
Keep your eyes peeled!
P.S. Don't be overly surprised if Julien Gauthier is dressed sooner than later -- for speed control purposes.