1997–98 New Jersey Devils season

The 1997–98 New Jersey Devils season was the 24th season for the National Hockey League (NHL) franchise that was established on June 11, 1974, and 16th season since the franchise relocated from Colorado prior to the 1982–83 NHL season. The Devils won the Atlantic Division title with the best record in the Eastern Conference, but were eliminated in the first round of the 1998 Stanley Cup playoffs by the Ottawa Senators. == Regular season == The Devils once again led the NHL in defense, allowing a League-low 166 goals in the 82-game regular season. Although the Devils had the fewest power play opportunities in the League, with just 333, they finished second in power play percentage, with 18.92% (63 for 333). === Final standings === Divisions: ATL – Atlantic, NE – Northeast bold – Qualified for playoffs == Playoffs == === Eastern Conference Quarterfinals === The first two games were played at the Meadowlands. In Game 1, Ottawa won 2–1 in overtime, but in Game 2, the Devils were victorious by a score of 3–1. Games 3 and 4 were played in Ottawa. The Senators won Game 3, 2–1, in overtime and Game 4, 4–3. Game 5 was back in New Jersey, where the Devils won 3–1. Game 6 went back to Ottawa, where the Senators won 3–1 and the series 4–2. == Schedule and results == === Regular season === === Playoffs === == Player statistics == === Scoring === Position abbreviations: C = Center; D = Defense; G = Goaltender; LW = Left wing; RW = Right wing † = Joined team via a transaction (e.g., trade, waivers, signing) during the season. Stats reflect time with the Devils only. ‡ = Left team via a transaction (e.g., trade, waivers, release) during the season. Stats reflect time with the Devils only. === Goaltending === † = Joined team via a transaction (e.g., trade, waivers, signing) during the season. Stats reflect time with the Devils only. == Awards and records == === Awards === Martin Brodeur was a runner-up for the Vezina Trophy and Patrik Elias was a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy. === Milestones === == Draft picks == New Jersey's picks at the 1997 NHL entry draft, held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at the Civic Arena. == Media == This was the first season of television broadcast coverage on Fox Sports Net New York. == See also == 1997–98 NHL season == Notes == == References ==