1996–97 New Jersey Devils season

The Devils' head coach Jacques Lemaire expressed his disappointment following the team's loss to the Ottawa Senators in the final game of the 1995–96 season, the first time since 1970 that the defending Stanley Cup champion missed the playoffs in the following season. Lemare was quoted as saying that the team lacked confidence. He also felt that the media, the fans, and some players, misread his commitment to defensive hockey as a detriment to offensive creativity, stating that he never stopped his players from being creative in the offensive zone. He ended up needing to repair his relationship with Devils team captain Scott Stevens due to his comment following the Ottawa game that the team suffered from a "lack of leadership". Stevens reportedly saw the remark as a personal attack, and so himself and Lemare ended up sitting down together in order to discuss the comment. Lemare later stated to the media that the remark was intended to be an indictment of the entire team, himself included.{{Cite news|first=Bridget|last=Wentworth|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/s/InfoWeb/aggdocs/AWNB/0EFDAABE13122A5E/40896370E4E44DB3841FD855F26A3754?s_lang=en-US|title=Lemaire: We'll be ready Devils coach still can't pinpoint what went wrong in – '96|newspaper=The Star-Ledger|at=Sports, p. 56|location=Newark, New Jersey|date=June 24, 1996|access-date=June 4, 2011}}

The 1996 NHL free agent market officially opened on July 1, 1996, following the passing of the June 30 deadline for teams to file contracts with the league. The largest name to become a free agent on July 1 was Wayne Gretzky, who was released from the St. Louis Blues after the team failed to reach an agreement with Gretzky's agent. The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Phoenix Coyotes and New York Rangers (who eventually signed him) were reported to have expressed interest in signing Gretzky, but New Jersey Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello told reporters Gretzky did not fit with the team's financial plan. Lamoriello did express a desire to retain Phil Housley, an offensive-minded defenseman who was acquired by the Devils late in the 1995–96 season but who had been released by the team after failing to be signed prior to the deadline.{{Cite news|agency=The Associated Press|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/s/InfoWeb/aggdocs/AWNB/0EFDAACEF5F7E34D/40896370E4E44DB3841FD855F26A3754?s_lang=en-US|title=The Great One to command great $|newspaper=The Star-Ledger|at=Sports, p. 42|location=Newark, New Jersey|date=July 1, 1996|access-date=June 4, 2011}} The Devils were unable to sign Housley though, who signed a US$7.7 million three-year deal that included a no-trade clause with the Washington Capitals on July 22, 1996. Lamoriello stated that the team didn't want to make a long term offer, and would not consider a no-trade clause. He reportedly felt that Housley's previous $2.2 million salary was "astronomical".{{Cite news|first=Rich|last=Chere|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/s/InfoWeb/aggdocs/AWNB/0EFDAAED3185ABA3/40896370E4E44DB3841FD855F26A3754?s_lang=en-US|title=Housley signs with Caps|newspaper=The Star-Ledger|at=Sports, p. 53|location=Newark, New Jersey|date=July 23, 1996|access-date=June 4, 2011}}

Speculation the Devils would trade for all-star center Jeremy Roenick, 26 years old at the time, began following the Ranger's signing of Gretzky. In late August, Lou Lamoriello confirmed to the media he was attempting to bring Roenick, a restricted free agent, to the Devils via a trade. Any team signing Roenick out from the Phoenix Coyotes would be required to give the Coyotes five first-round draft picks in compensation, and Lamoriello was quoted as saying, "I have no intentions right now of giving up draft picks."{{Cite news|first=Rich|last=Chere|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/s/InfoWeb/aggdocs/AWNB/0EFDAB1BC8D7FBEF/40896370E4E44DB3841FD855F26A3754?s_lang=en-US|title=Devils want Roenick but they'll be picky about price|newspaper=The Star-Ledger|at=Sports, p. 65|location=Newark, New Jersey|date=August 20, 1996|access-date=June 4, 2011}} Rumors were reported in the media that Lamoriello considered dealing forwards Bill Guerin, Brian Rolston, Mike Peluso and defenseman Scott Niedermayer for Roenick.{{Cite news|first=Rich|last=Chere|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/s/InfoWeb/aggdocs/AWNB/0EFDAB1D78B7EFA4/40896370E4E44DB3841FD855F26A3754?s_lang=en-US|title=Devils bid: swap 4 for Roenick?|newspaper=The Star-Ledger|at=Sports, p. 73|location=Newark, New Jersey|date=August 21, 1996|access-date=June 4, 2011}} Reports the next day reiterated Lamoriello's interest in Roenick, both for the Devils and as a player for Team USA, also included the possibility of including Stephane Richer in a potential trade.{{Cite news|first=Rich|last=Chere|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/s/InfoWeb/aggdocs/AWNB/0EFDAB1F14D0A2BD/40896370E4E44DB3841FD855F26A3754?s_lang=en-US|title=Lamoriello intensifies efforts to land Roenick|newspaper=The Star-Ledger|at=Sports, p. 49|location=Newark, New Jersey]|date=August 22, 1996|access-date=June 4, 2011}} However, Richer was traded back to the Montreal Canadiens the following day in exchange for 28-year-old Lyle Odelein, whom the Devils immediately signed to a three-year contract at approximately $1.5 million per season.{{Cite news|first=Rich|last=Chere|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/s/InfoWeb/aggdocs/AWNB/0EFDAB206B4572F2/40896370E4E44DB3841FD855F26A3754?s_lang=en-US|title=Goodbye, Richer Devils obtain Odelein in swap with Canadiens|newspaper=The Star-Ledger|at=Sports, p. 33|location=Newark, New Jersey|date=August 23, 1996|access-date=June 4, 2011}} Roenick eventually signed with the Coyotes, despite interest from the Devils and Capitals, among others.

Amid rumors that the Devils were interested in dealing with the Detroit Red Wings for hold-out center Keith Primeau, Devils center Bobby Holik did not show up to training camp in what was described as a surprising decision on his part to not report to the team. Speculation among teammates and the media was that he wanted a trade.{{Cite news|first=Rich|last=Chere|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/s/InfoWeb/aggdocs/AWNB/0EFDAB456A10C940/40896370E4E44DB3841FD855F26A3754?s_lang=en-US|title=Is Holik's absence tied to a desire to leave?|newspaper=The Star-Ledger|at=Sports, p. 54|location=Newark, New Jersey|date=September 13, 1996|access-date=June 4, 2011}} Neal Broten, who was considering retirement at the time, and Mike Peluso, who had been benched by Lemaire during the 1995–96 season and thought that he would be traded over the summer, did report to training camp along with 60 other players. Several regular players who were involved with the 1996 World Cup of Hockey tournament were scheduled to report to camp late.{{Cite news|title=none|first=Sherry|last=Ross|author-link=Sherry Ross|newspaper=New York Daily News|date=September 9, 1996|at=Sports, p. 65}}

During the regular season, the Devils allowed the fewest goals (182), the fewest power-play goals (28), took the fewest penalties (235) and had the best penalty killing percentage (88.09%) in the league. Coincidentally, they also had the fewest power-play goals (40) and the fewest short-handed goals (4) in the league.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_1997.html|title=1996-97 NHL Summary}} Devils goaltenders combined to record 12 shutouts, the most in the NHL and 5 of those shutouts came in the final 10 games of the season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/NJD/1997.html|title = 1996-97 New Jersey Devils Roster and Statistics}}

{{1996–97 NHL Atlantic Division standings|team=NJD}}

{{1996–97 NHL Eastern Conference standings|team=NJD}}

In the first game of the series against Montreal, on April 17, 1997, with the Devils up by two goals late in the game, Martin Brodeur fired the puck the length of the ice and into the Canadiens' empty net to ensure a 5–2 victory. It was only the second time in NHL history that a goaltender had scored in the playoffs, and the fifth time overall.{{cite web|url=http://www.martinbrodeur.net/index.php?lng=en&vyber=fakty|title=Martin Brodeur – Facts|publisher=MartinBrodeur.net|access-date=June 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070217114025/http://www.martinbrodeur.net/index.php?lng=en&vyber=fakty|archive-date=February 17, 2007}} In the game 2, the Devils were victorious by a score of 4–1. Games three and four were played at Molson Centre. The Devils won game 3 6–4. However, in game 4, Montreal was victorious by a score of 4–3 in the third overtime. Game 5 shifted back to New Jersey where the Devils shut out Montreal 4-0 and won the series 4–1.

The series opened at the Meadowlands. The Devils won 2–0 in Game 1, but New York evened the series in Game 2 by winning 2–0. Games 3 and 4 were played at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers won Game 3, 3–2, and Game 4, 3–0. Game 5 was back at the Meadowlands. New York won 2–1 in overtime and the series four games to one on a wraparound goal by Adam Graves to eliminate the Devils and advance.

{{Game log start|style=background:#fff; border-top:#C8102E 5px solid; border-bottom:#010101 5px solid;|title=1996–97 regular season{{cite web |title=1996-97 New Jersey Devils Schedule |url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/NJD/1997_games.html |website=Hockey-Reference.com |access-date=July 19, 2023}}}}

{{Game log section start|hide=y|style=background:#fff; border-top:#C8102E 2px solid; border-bottom:#010101 2px solid;|title=October: 4–5–1 (home: 3–2–1; road: 1–3–0)|Game |Result |Date |Score |Opponent |Record |Recap}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|1||W||October 5, 1996||3–1 || align="left"| Detroit Red Wings||1–0–0 || {{NHL recap|1996020008}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|2||L||October 7, 1996||1–3 || align="left"| @ Philadelphia Flyers||1–1–0 || {{NHL recap|1996020022}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|3||L||October 12, 1996||2–4 || align="left"| Dallas Stars||1–2–0 || {{NHL recap|1996020047}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|4||W||October 15, 1996||3–2 || align="left"| Montreal Canadiens||2–2–0 || {{NHL recap|1996020060}}

|- {{Game-tied}}

|5||T||October 18, 1996||2–2 OT|| align="left"| Ottawa Senators||2–2–1 || {{NHL recap|1996020077}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|6||L||October 19, 1996||2–6 || align="left"| @ Hartford Whalers||2–3–1 || {{NHL recap|1996020081}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|7||W||October 24, 1996||3–1 || align="left"| San Jose Sharks||3–3–1 || {{NHL recap|1996020107}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|8||W||October 26, 1996||4–1 || align="left"| @ Tampa Bay Lightning||4–3–1 || {{NHL recap|1996020118}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|9||L||October 29, 1996||2–5 || align="left"| @ Boston Bruins||4–4–1 || {{NHL recap|1996020131}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|10||L||October 30, 1996||1–6 || align="left"| New York Rangers||4–5–1 || {{NHL recap|1996020137}}

|-

{{Game log section end}}

{{Game log section start|hide=y|style=background:#fff; border-top:#C8102E 2px solid; border-bottom:#010101 2px solid;|title=November: 8–5–0 (home: 4–2–0; road: 4–3–0)|Game |Result |Date |Score |Opponent |Record |Recap}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|11||W||November 2, 1996||2–1 || align="left"| Tampa Bay Lightning||5–5–1 || {{NHL recap|1996020160}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|12||W||November 6, 1996||2–0 || align="left"| @ Detroit Red Wings||6–5–1 || {{NHL recap|1996020179}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|13||W||November 7, 1996||4–2 || align="left"| @ Chicago Blackhawks||7–5–1 || {{NHL recap|1996020187}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|14||W||November 9, 1996||4–0 || align="left"| New York Islanders||8–5–1 || {{NHL recap|1996020197}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|15||W||November 12, 1996||3–2 OT|| align="left"| Washington Capitals||9–5–1 || {{NHL recap|1996020213}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|16||L||November 14, 1996||0–3 || align="left"| Vancouver Canucks||9–6–1 || {{NHL recap|1996020224}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|17||W||November 16, 1996||6–3 || align="left"| Tampa Bay Lightning||10–6–1 || {{NHL recap|1996020239}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|18||W||November 19, 1996||2–1 || align="left"| @ Ottawa Senators||11–6–1 || {{NHL recap|1996020252}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|19||L||November 22, 1996||1–5 || align="left"| Washington Capitals||11–7–1 || {{NHL recap|1996020271}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|20||L||November 23, 1996||3–4 || align="left"| @ Washington Capitals||11–8–1 || {{NHL recap|1996020277}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|21||W||November 27, 1996||3–2 || align="left"| @ Dallas Stars||12–8–1 || {{NHL recap|1996020299}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|22||L||November 28, 1996||3–4 OT|| align="left"| @ Phoenix Coyotes||12–9–1 || {{NHL recap|1996020304}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|23||L||November 30, 1996||1–2 || align="left"| @ Colorado Avalanche||12–10–1 || {{NHL recap|1996020319}}

|-

{{Game log section end}}

{{Game log section start|hide=y|style=background:#fff; border-top:#C8102E 2px solid; border-bottom:#010101 2px solid;|title=December: 8–3–2 (home: 3–1–2; road: 5–2–0)|Game |Result |Date |Score |Opponent |Record |Recap}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|24||W||December 3, 1996||2–0 || align="left"| Florida Panthers||13–10–1 || {{NHL recap|1996020329}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|25||W||December 5, 1996||2–1 || align="left"| Calgary Flames||14–10–1 || {{NHL recap|1996020342}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|26||L||December 7, 1996||3–4 OT|| align="left"| Phoenix Coyotes||14–11–1 || {{NHL recap|1996020358}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|27||W||December 10, 1996||5–2 || align="left"| @ Toronto Maple Leafs||15–11–1 || {{NHL recap|1996020370}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|28||W||December 12, 1996||7–4 || align="left"| @ Boston Bruins||16–11–1 || {{NHL recap|1996020381}}

|- {{Game-tied}}

|29||T||December 14, 1996||3–3 OT|| align="left"| Montreal Canadiens||16–11–2 || {{NHL recap|1996020394}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|30||W||December 16, 1996||5–0 || align="left"| @ Calgary Flames||17–11–2 || {{NHL recap|1996020407}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|31||W||December 18, 1996||2–1 || align="left"| @ Vancouver Canucks||18–11–2 || {{NHL recap|1996020419}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|32||W||December 20, 1996||3–2 || align="left"| @ Edmonton Oilers||19–11–2 || {{NHL recap|1996020429}}

|- {{Game-tied}}

|33||T||December 23, 1996||0–0 OT|| align="left"| Buffalo Sabres||19–11–3 || {{NHL recap|1996020448}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|34||L||December 26, 1996||1–4 || align="left"| @ New York Islanders||19–12–3 || {{NHL recap|1996020458}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|35||W||December 28, 1996||5–3 || align="left"| Mighty Ducks of Anaheim||20–12–3 || {{NHL recap|1996020472}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|36||L||December 31, 1996||5–6 || align="left"| @ Buffalo Sabres||20–13–3 || {{NHL recap|1996020490}}

|-

{{Game log section end}}

{{Game log section start|hide=y|style=background:#fff; border-top:#C8102E 2px solid; border-bottom:#010101 2px solid;|title=January: 4–4–4 (home: 1–2–4; road: 3–2–0)|Game |Result |Date |Score |Opponent |Record |Recap}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|37||L||January 2, 1997||1–6 || align="left"| Pittsburgh Penguins||20–14–3 || {{NHL recap|1996020501}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|38||W||January 3, 1997||1–0 || align="left"| @ Ottawa Senators||21–14–3 || {{NHL recap|1996020508}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|39||L||January 5, 1997||3–5 || align="left"| St. Louis Blues||21–15–3 || {{NHL recap|1996020523}}

|- {{Game-tied}}

|40||T||January 8, 1997||1–1 OT|| align="left"| Colorado Avalanche||21–15–4 || {{NHL recap|1996020536}}

|- {{Game-tied}}

|41||T||January 10, 1997||3–3 OT|| align="left"| Chicago Blackhawks||21–15–5 || {{NHL recap|1996020549}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|42||L||January 12, 1997||0–3 || align="left"| @ New York Rangers||21–16–5 || {{NHL recap|1996020562}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|43||W||January 14, 1997||4–2 || align="left"| Boston Bruins||22–16–5 || {{NHL recap|1996020573}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|44||W||January 21, 1997||4–1 || align="left"| @ Los Angeles Kings||23–16–5 || {{NHL recap|1996020595}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|45||L||January 22, 1997||1–3 || align="left"| @ Mighty Ducks of Anaheim||23–17–5 || {{NHL recap|1996020605}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|46||W||January 24, 1997||3–1 || align="left"| @ San Jose Sharks||24–17–5 || {{NHL recap|1996020615}}

|- {{Game-tied}}

|47||T||January 29, 1997||1–1 OT|| align="left"| Ottawa Senators||24–17–6 || {{NHL recap|1996020638}}

|- {{Game-tied}}

|48||T||January 31, 1997||3–3 OT|| align="left"| Toronto Maple Leafs||24–17–7 || {{NHL recap|1996020652}}

|-

{{Game log section end}}

{{Game log section start|hide=y|style=background:#fff; border-top:#C8102E 2px solid; border-bottom:#010101 2px solid;|title=February: 7–1–5 (home: 4–0–2; road: 3–1–3)|Game |Result |Date |Score |Opponent |Record |Recap}}

|- {{Game-tied}}

|49||T||February 1, 1997||4–4 OT|| align="left"| @ Montreal Canadiens||24–17–8 || {{NHL recap|1996020656}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|50||W||February 5, 1997||4–1 || align="left"| New York Islanders||25–17–8 || {{NHL recap|1996020681}}

|- {{Game-tied}}

|51||T||February 7, 1997||2–2 OT|| align="left"| Florida Panthers||25–17–9 || {{NHL recap|1996020692}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|52||W||February 8, 1997||4–2 || align="left"| Philadelphia Flyers||26–17–9 || {{NHL recap|1996020699}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|53||W||February 12, 1997||3–2 || align="left"| @ Hartford Whalers||27–17–9 || {{NHL recap|1996020716}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|54||W||February 13, 1997||4–0 || align="left"| Hartford Whalers||28–17–9 || {{NHL recap|1996020724}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|55||W||February 15, 1997||4–1 || align="left"| @ Montreal Canadiens||29–17–9 || {{NHL recap|1996020734}}

|- {{Game-tied}}

|56||T||February 17, 1997||2–2 OT|| align="left"| @ New York Rangers||29–17–10 || {{NHL recap|1996020749}}

|- {{Game-tied}}

|57||T||February 19, 1997||1–1 OT|| align="left"| New York Rangers||29–17–11 || {{NHL recap|1996020761}}

|- {{Game-tied}}

|58||T||February 20, 1997||2–2 OT|| align="left"| @ Florida Panthers||29–17–12 || {{NHL recap|1996020766}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|59||L||February 22, 1997||1–3 || align="left"| @ Tampa Bay Lightning||29–18–12 || {{NHL recap|1996020778}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|60||W||February 26, 1997||5–3 || align="left"| @ New York Islanders||30–18–12 || {{NHL recap|1996020800}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|61||W||February 27, 1997||4–1 || align="left"| Buffalo Sabres||31–18–12 || {{NHL recap|1996020805}}

|-

{{Game log section end}}

{{Game log section start|hide=y|style=background:#fff; border-top:#C8102E 2px solid; border-bottom:#010101 2px solid;|title=March: 10–3–1 (home: 6–2–0; road: 4–1–1)|Game |Result |Date |Score |Opponent |Record |Recap}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|62||W||March 1, 1997||6–3 || align="left"| Pittsburgh Penguins||32–18–12 || {{NHL recap|1996020817}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|63||W||March 4, 1997||3–1 || align="left"| @ Pittsburgh Penguins||33–18–12 || {{NHL recap|1996020832}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|64||W||March 5, 1997||3–1 || align="left"| @ Philadelphia Flyers||34–18–12 || {{NHL recap|1996020839}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|65||L||March 8, 1997||1–5 || align="left"| @ New York Islanders||34–19–12 || {{NHL recap|1996020856}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|66||W||March 9, 1997||4–1 || align="left"| @ Buffalo Sabres||35–19–12 || {{NHL recap|1996020862}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|67||W||March 11, 1997||6–1 || align="left"| Edmonton Oilers||36–19–12 || {{NHL recap|1996020874}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|68||W||March 13, 1997||6–0 || align="left"| Hartford Whalers||37–19–12 || {{NHL recap|1996020885}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|69||W||March 15, 1997||3–2 || align="left"| Washington Capitals||38–19–12 || {{NHL recap|1996020898}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|70||L||March 17, 1997||1–4 || align="left"| Florida Panthers||38–20–12 || {{NHL recap|1996020912}}

|- {{Game-tied}}

|71||T||March 19, 1997||2–2 OT|| align="left"| @ Washington Capitals||38–20–13 || {{NHL recap|1996020918}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|72||W||March 22, 1997||3–2 || align="left"| @ Pittsburgh Penguins||39–20–13 || {{NHL recap|1996020936}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|73||L||March 25, 1997||3–4 || align="left"| Philadelphia Flyers||39–21–13 || {{NHL recap|1996020952}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|74||W||March 27, 1997||4–0 || align="left"| New York Rangers||40–21–13 || {{NHL recap|1996020963}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|75||W||March 30, 1997||5–2 || align="left"| Los Angeles Kings||41–21–13 || {{NHL recap|1996020980}}

|-

{{Game log section end}}

{{Game log section start|hide=y|style=background:#fff; border-top:#C8102E 2px solid; border-bottom:#010101 2px solid;|title=April: 4–2–1 (home: 2–0–0; road: 2–2–1)|Game |Result |Date |Score |Opponent |Record |Recap}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|76||W||April 1, 1997||1–0 || align="left"| @ Washington Capitals||42–21–13 || {{NHL recap|1996020989}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|77||W||April 4, 1997||3–0 || align="left"| Tampa Bay Lightning||43–21–13 || {{NHL recap|1996021007}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|78||W||April 6, 1997||2–0 || align="left"| @ St. Louis Blues||44–21–13 || {{NHL recap|1996021020}}

|- {{Game-tied}}

|79||T||April 8, 1997||2–2 OT|| align="left"| @ Tampa Bay Lightning||44–21–14 || {{NHL recap|1996021029}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|80||L||April 9, 1997||2–4 || align="left"| @ Florida Panthers||44–22–14 || {{NHL recap|1996021033}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|81||W||April 11, 1997||2–0 || align="left"| Boston Bruins||45–22–14 || {{NHL recap|1996021047}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|82||L||April 13, 1997||4–5 || align="left"| @ Philadelphia Flyers||45–23–14 || {{NHL recap|1996021063}}

|-

{{Game log section end}}

|-

|

Legend:

{{legend2|#cfc|Win (2 points)|border=1px solid black}}

{{legend2|#fcc|Loss (0 points)|border=1px solid black}}

{{legend2|#ffc|Tie (1 point)|border=1px solid black}}

{{Game log end}}

{{Game log start|style=background:#fff; border-top:#C8102E 5px solid; border-bottom:#010101 5px solid;|title=1997 Stanley Cup playoffs}}

{{Game log section start|hide=y|style=background:#fff; border-top:#C8102E 2px solid; border-bottom:#010101 2px solid;|title=Eastern Conference Quarterfinals vs. (8) Montreal Canadiens – Devils win 4–1| Game| Result| Date| Score| Opponent| Series| Recap}}

|- {{Game-won}}

| 1 ||W|| April 17, 1997 || 5–2 || align="left"| Montreal Canadiens || Devils lead 1–0 || {{NHL recap|1996030111}}

|- {{Game-won}}

| 2 ||W|| April 19, 1997 || 4–1 || align="left"| Montreal Canadiens || Devils lead 2–0 || {{NHL recap|1996030112}}

|- {{Game-won}}

| 3 ||W|| April 22, 1997 || 6–4 || align="left"| @ Montreal Canadiens || Devils lead 3–0 || {{NHL recap|1996030113}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

| 4 ||L|| April 24, 1997 || 3–4 3OT|| align="left"| @ Montreal Canadiens || Devils lead 3–1 || {{NHL recap|1996030114}}

|- {{Game-won}}

| 5 ||W|| April 26, 1997 || 4–0 || align="left"| Montreal Canadiens || Devils win 4–1 || {{NHL recap|1996030115}}

|-

{{Game log section end}}

{{Game log section start|hide=y|style=background:#fff; border-top:#C8102E 2px solid; border-bottom:#010101 2px solid;|title=Eastern Conference Semifinals vs. (5) New York Rangers – Rangers win 4–1| Game| Result| Date| Score| Opponent| Series| Recap}}

|- {{Game-won}}

| 1 ||W|| May 2, 1997 || 2–0 || align="left"| New York Rangers || Devils lead 1–0 || {{NHL recap|1996030211}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

| 2 ||L|| May 4, 1997 || 0–2 || align="left"| New York Rangers || Series tied 1–1 || {{NHL recap|1996030212}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

| 3 ||L|| May 6, 1997 || 2–3 || align="left"| @ New York Rangers || Rangers lead 2–1 || {{NHL recap|1996030213}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

| 4 ||L|| May 8, 1997 || 0–3 || align="left"| @ New York Rangers || Rangers lead 3–1 || {{NHL recap|1996030214}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

| 5 ||L|| May 11, 1997 || 1–2 OT|| align="left"| New York Rangers || Rangers win 4–1 || {{NHL recap|1996030215}}

|-

{{Game log section end}}

|-

|

Legend:

{{legend2|#cfc|Win|border=1px solid black}}

{{legend2|#fcc|Loss|border=1px solid black}}

{{Game log end}}

• Position abbreviations: C = Center; D = Defense; G = Goaltender; LW = Left Wing; RW = Right Wing
• {{dagger}} = Joined team via a transaction (e.g., trade, waivers, signing) during the season. Stats reflect time with the Devils only.
• {{double-dagger}} = Left team via a transaction (e.g., trade, waivers, release) during the season. Stats reflect time with the Devils only.

|-

|scope="row"| 33 || align="left"| {{Sortname|Reid|Simpson}} ||LW ||27 ||0 ||4 ||4 ||0 ||60 ||5 ||0 ||0 ||0 ||−1 ||29

|-

|scope="row"| 26 || align="left"| {{Sortname|Jason|Smith|dab=ice hockey}}{{double-dagger}} ||D ||57 ||1 ||2 ||3 ||−8 ||38 || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-99|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}}

|-

|scope="row"| 17 || align="left"| {{Sortname|Petr|Sykora|Petr Sýkora}} ||RW ||19 ||1 ||2 ||3 ||−8 ||4 ||2 ||0 ||0 ||0 ||1 ||2

|-

|scope="row"| 22 || align="left"| {{Sortname|Peter|Zezel}}{{dagger}} ||C ||18 ||0 ||3 ||3 ||4 ||4 ||2 ||0 ||0 ||0 ||0 ||10

|-

|scope="row"| 8 || align="left"| {{Sortname|Mike|Peluso|dab=ice hockey, born 1965}}{{double-dagger}} ||LW ||20 ||0 ||2 ||2 ||0 ||68 || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-99|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}}

|-

|scope="row"| 8 || align="left"| {{Sortname|Pascal|Rheaume|Pascal Rhéaume}} ||C ||2 ||1 ||0 ||1 ||1 ||0 || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-99|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}}

|-

|scope="row"| 9 || align="left"| {{Sortname|Neal|Broten}}{{double-dagger}} ||C ||3 ||0 ||1 ||1 ||−1 ||0 || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-99|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}}

|-

|scope="row"| 1 || align="left"| {{Sortname|Mike|Dunham}} ||G ||26 ||0 ||0 ||0 || style="background:#ccc| ||2 || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-99|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}}

|-

|scope="row"| 26 || align="left"| {{Sortname|Krzysztof|Oliwa}} ||LW ||1 ||0 ||0 ||0 ||−1 ||5 || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-99|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}}

|-

|scope="row"| 5 || align="left"| {{Sortname|Ricard|Persson}}{{double-dagger}} ||D ||1 ||0 ||0 ||0 ||0 ||0 || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-99|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}}

|-

|scope="row"| 35 || align="left"| {{Sortname|Jeff|Reese}} ||G ||3 ||0 ||0 ||0 || style="background:#ccc| ||0 || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-99|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}}

|-

|scope="row"| 9 || align="left"| {{Sortname|Vadim|Sharifijanov}} ||LW ||2 ||0 ||0 ||0 ||0 ||0 || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}} || {{sort|-99|—}} || {{sort|-1|—}}

|}

Martin Brodeur was also a runner-up for the Vezina Trophy.

The New Jersey Devils were 10th{{Cite news|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/s/InfoWeb/aggdocs/AWNB/0EFDAABAABBEF615/40896370E4E44DB3841FD855F26A3754?s_lang=en-US|title=SPORTS|newspaper=The Star-Ledger|at=Sports, p. 40|location=Newark, New Jersey|date=June 22, 1996|access-date=June 4, 2011}} in order of selection at the 1996 NHL entry draft, held June 22, 1996, in St. Louis. In a move interpreted to be an affirmation of their commitment to a defense-first philosophy, the Devils chose 6–3, 195-pound Lance Ward of the Western Hockey League's Red Deer Rebels, who had not been ranked anywhere near the tenth seed to observers, with their first pick.{{Cite news|first=Bridget|last=Wentworth|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/s/InfoWeb/aggdocs/AWNB/0EFDAABB44B4B5D6/40896370E4E44DB3841FD855F26A3754?s_lang=en-US|title=Devils ' No. 1 pick a defensive one|newspaper=The Star-Ledger|agency=Newswire|at=Sports, p. 4|date=June 23, 1994|access-date=June 4, 2011}}

"I was a bit surprised to go early because there are a lot of great players [here], but I'm a pretty happy kid right now", Ward said. "I was hoping to go in the first round but you never know what's going to happen. It was a pretty open field and I guess [the Devils] liked me. They flew me to Toronto for a physical test and an interview [last month] and I guess I did well." Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello was impressed with Ward's potential to be yet another hard-hitting New Jersey defenseman, stating, "We liked [Ward's] potential as far as his upside is concerned", Lamoriello said. "We have guys like Scott Stevens and Ken Daneyko on our team and this young man [is like them]. He's strong now, he's mean, and he's got skills."

During the draft, the Devils traded backup goaltender Corey Schwab to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for their backup goalie Jeff Reese along with their second-round (47th overall) and eighth-round (198th overall) picks in the draft. The Devils then traded their original second round pick (28th overall) to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for the Penguins' two second-round picks (41st and 47th overall).

Notes

{{Reflist|group=Draft}}

This was the final season of television broadcast coverage on SportsChannel New York as the channel would rebrand itself to Fox Sports Net New York the following season.

{{notelist}}

{{refbegin}}

• {{cite web |title=New Jersey Devils 1996-97 roster and scoring statistics at hockeydb.com |url=https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0000511997.html |website=www.hockeydb.com |access-date=July 19, 2023}}
• {{cite web |title=1996-97 New Jersey Devils Roster, Stats, Injuries, Scores, Results, Shootouts |url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/NJD/1997.html |website=Hockey-Reference.com |access-date=July 19, 2023}}

{{refend}}

{{reflist}}

{{New Jersey Devils}}

{{New Jersey Devils seasons}}

{{1996–97 NHL season by team}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:New Jersey Devils, 1996-97}}

1996-97

Category:1996–97 NHL season by team

Category:1996 in sports in New Jersey

Category:1997 in sports in New Jersey

1996-97 New Jersey Devils season

1996-97 New Jersey Devils season