DitD & Open Post - 4/15/26: Disappointment Edition

Apr 14, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New Jersey Devils goalie Nico Daws (50) looks on as defenseman Simon Nemec (17) and Boston Bruins forward James hagen (44) go after the puck during the first period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images | Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Here are your links for today:

Devils Links

The season, mercifully, is over. This mess of a campaign ends with a 4-0 loss to the Bruins. The Devils end the season with 87 points and a 42-37-3 record. [Devils NHL]

Nico reacting to this disappointing season: [Devils NHL]

“Fitzgerald wasn’t the worst GM you could have. There are worse; just look at the Vancouver Canucks or Rangers. Though he’s no longer the Devils’ GM, Fitzgerald did some good things in his time leading the front office. Unfortunately, the cons outweighed the pros. Let’s look back on his best and worst moves as Devils GM as the organization prepares to move into a new era.” [Devils on the Rush ($)]

“Examining what John Chayka may bring as a possible candidate to take over the New Jersey Devils’ now-vacant General Manager position.” [Devils’ Advocates]

Hockey Links

“‘The Great 8’ skated off into the great unknown Tuesday. Alex Ovechkin insisted again that he’s unsure what the future holds for him following the Washington Capitals’ 2-1 win against the Columbus Blue Jackets in their season finale at Nationwide Arena. But the 40-year-old left wing seemed to leave the door open that this wasn’t the end of his NHL career.” [NHL.com]

Jonathan Quick is retiring:

“Columbus Blue Jackets coach Rick Bowness questioned his players’ commitment to winning after an uninspired season-ending loss to the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night.” [ESPN]

“Before we turn the page to the playoffs for some teams and the offseason for others at the end of next week, The Athletic asked its NHL staff for the player who provided the very best on a nightly basis (our 2025-26 MVPs) and the player who emerged as most disappointing on each team this season. Here’s who our writers picked.” [The Athletic ($)]

Feel free to discuss these and any other hockey-related stories in the comments below.