There still are bigger issues for the Devils, such as the franchise’s financial health, but making the Eastern Conference finals against the Rangers, 2-1 winners over the Capitals in Game 7 last night, has encouraged Zach Parise that the organization is set up with a chance to win it all each season.
The Devils captain can become an unrestricted free agent July 1. His only NHL team’s previous inability to win more than one round since he joined in 2005-06 has raised questions whether the Devils’ reputation as contenders is still deserved.
Parise has gagged himself on his the subject of free agency, but made a slight exception for this special case of finally reaching the semifinals.
“I’ m enjoying this, we’re playing well. It’s not even crossing my mind,” Parise said, at first.
Then he opened up, a bit.
“It means a lot,” Parise told The Post. “It means we have a lot of good, young players who are going to be here a long time.”
That means the Devils’ chances at keeping him are probably improved, if only slightly.