Yes, we know that this is taking a while!

As many of you know, we here at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the 50 of each major North American sports team.  That being said, we have existing Top 50 lists out and we always consistently look to update them when we can and based on necessity.  As such, we are very happy to present our post 2022/23 revision of our top 50 New Jersey Devils.

As for all of our top 50 players in hockey we look at the following:

1.  Advanced Statistics.

2.  Traditional statistics and how they finished in the National Hockey League.

3.  Playoff accomplishments.

4.  Their overall impact on the team and other intangibles not reflected in a stat sheet.

Last year, New Jersey turned the corner and made the playoffs for the first time in years.  This resulted in two new entrants, and other minor fluctuation on the top 50.

As always, we present our top five, which saw no changes:

1. Martin Brodeur

2. Scott Stevens

3. Scott Niedermayer

4. Patrik Elias

5. Ken Daneyko

You can find the entire list here.

Center, Nico Hischier, jetted up to #31 from #50.

Left Wing, Jesper Bratt, makes his first appearance at #38.

American Center, Jack Hughes, is the second debut, entering at #39.

Defenseman, Damon Severson, went up two spots to #34.

We welcome your input and comments and as always, we thank you for your support.

Overwatch 2, the successor to the popular team-based shooter Overwatch, has captivated players with its enhanced mechanics and expanded hero roster. This sequel brings more depth with new maps, modes, and dynamic hero abilities, offering a fresh yet familiar experience. Improving your gameplay in Overwatch 2 requires a blend of skill, strategy, and understanding of the game's nuances. Embracing these changes and adapting your playstyle accordingly is key. Whether you're a novice or an experienced player, these pro tips will help you elevate your gameplay and stand out in the competitive arena of Overwatch 2.

1. Master the Heroes and Their Roles

Overwatch 2 boasts a diverse roster of heroes, each with unique abilities and roles. Understanding the strengths, weaknesses, and optimal use of each hero is crucial. Spend time practicing with different heroes to get a feel for their playstyles. Pay attention to their roles – be it damage, tank, or support – and understand how they fit into the team's strategy. Knowing when to switch heroes to counter the enemy's composition or to better support your team can make a significant difference in a match.

Dive deep into each hero's backstory and skills to comprehend their place in Overwatch 2's lore and battleground. Participate in community discussions and watch professional matches to observe how top players leverage each hero's unique capabilities. This comprehensive approach will not only increase your proficiency with individual heroes but also enhance your overall strategic gameplay.

2. Develop Game Sense and Map Knowledge

Game sense is an intuitive understanding of how Overwatch 2 is played. It involves predicting enemy movements, knowing when to push or retreat, and being aware of the objectives. Pair this with detailed map knowledge – understanding the layout, flank routes, and strategic positions. Each map in Overwatch 2 has unique features that can be exploited for tactical advantage. By developing game sense and map knowledge, you can outmaneuver your opponents and secure objectives more effectively.

Delve into the intricacies of each map, studying not just the main pathways but also the lesser-known shortcuts and hiding spots. Regularly play different game modes to understand how objectives can shift gameplay dynamics. Engaging with the Overwatch 2 community through forums and social media can also provide insights into map strategies and tricks.

3. Focus on Team Composition and Synergy

Overwatch 2 is a team-based game, and success often hinges on how well your team works together. Focus on building a balanced team composition that supports a variety of playstyles and strategies. Communicate with your teammates to ensure there’s a good mix of damage, tank, and support heroes. Learn how different heroes synergize with each other. Combining abilities and ultimates effectively can lead to devastatingly powerful plays that can turn the tide of a battle.

Regularly review your team's performance to identify synergies and areas for improvement. Encourage open communication and constructive feedback within your team. Participating in team scrimmages and watching professional team plays can offer insights into effective team compositions and strategies.

4. Improve Your Mechanical Skills

Mechanical skills in Overwatch 2 include aiming, movement, and ability usage. These skills are fundamental and require regular practice to improve. For aiming, consider adjusting your mouse sensitivity to find what works best for you. Practice your aim in training modes or custom games. Work on your movement to make yourself a harder target to hit. Finally, learn the optimal use of each hero’s abilities.

Knowing when and where to use abilities can greatly enhance your effectiveness in combat. Utilize custom game settings to practice specific scenarios and challenges. Regularly set personal goals and track your progress to see improvements over time. Remember, even small improvements in your mechanical skills can have a significant impact on your overall performance in Overwatch 2.

5. Utilize Resources and Tools for Improvement

There are numerous resources available online to help improve your Overwatch 2 gameplay. From guides and tutorials to forums and videos, these can provide valuable insights and tips. Additionally, for those interested in exploring different aspects of the game, looking into overwatch 2 hacks can offer a different perspective on strategies and techniques. However, it’s important to use such information ethically and within the game's community guidelines.

Engage in community-led workshops and training sessions. Experiment with different setups and configurations to find what enhances your gameplay. Keep in mind that consistent effort and a willingness to learn from various sources are key to improving and staying ahead in the dynamic world of Overwatch 2.

Conclusion

Improving in Overwatch 2 is a multifaceted process that involves mastering heroes, developing game sense, focusing on teamwork, refining mechanical skills, using available resources, analyzing your gameplay, and staying updated with the game's changes. By incorporating these tips into your practice, you'll be well-equipped to take your Overwatch 2 gameplay to the next level. Remember, improvement is a continuous journey, and each match is an opportunity to learn and grow as a player.

Jack Hughes was meant to be a star.

Taken first overall by New Jersey in 2019, Hughes had already broken Clayton Keller’s all-time Points record in the United States Developmental Program, and nearly broke Auston Matthews’s record for Points in a single campaign.  Hughes was no just the best junior in the U.S.; he was the best in the world.

Hughes made the Devils immediately, scoring 21 and 31 Points in his first two years.  He was not an immediate star, but New Jersey were not concerned as the talent was there.  After that, Hughes battled injury, but scored 56 Points in 49 Games, made the All-Star Game and showed the Devils fans what was to come, which was a 99 Point year, where he was second in Lady Byng voting and was eighth for the Hart.  He also added a second All-Star Game to his ledger.  Last season, the superstar dropped to 74 Points, but he enters this year not only as New Jersey’s top player, but a potential All-NHL player.

If you are a regular visitor at Notinhalloffame.com, you know that we created the Notinhalloffame NBA Cup, where in every regular season game, we award points (5-4-3-2-1) to the top five performers.  This is the fourth year that we have done this, and Denver’s Nikola Jokic winning the first two, and Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers winning last year.

To keep everyone regularly in the loop this time, we have decided to give regular updates, starting at Thanksgiving.  We will update this every Monday.

Here is the current top ten:

1. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets, 119 Cup Points, 30 Games, 3.97 Cup Points per Game, 26.4, PPG, 12.3 RPG, 9.2 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 31.6 PER, 6.3 WS.  Last Week, #1.

Remaining at the top is Nikola Jokic, who is now an NBA Champion and Finals MVP.  At present, the Joker is leading the NBA in Total Rebounds (368), Defensive Rebounds (236), True Shooting Percentage (.701), Win Shares (6.3), Offensive Win Shares (4.5) Box Plus/Minus (13.9) and VORP (4.1).  He is also second in Rebounds per Game (12.3), PER (31.6) and third in Assists per Game (9.5).  Jokic also was named the November Player of the Month, which is his seventh overall.

2. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, 112 Cup Points, 25 Games, 4.15 Cup Points per Game, 35.0, PPG, 11.7 RPG, 6.0 APG, 1.2 SPG, 2.0 BPG, 34.8 PER, 5.7 WS.  Last Week #2

Embiid is the reigning MVP, NIHOF Cup Winner, and two-time scoring champion, and he is currently leading the NBA in scoring again (35.1).  The 76er is also first in Usage Percentage (36.0), and PER (34.8), and is in the top ten in Rebounds and Blocks per Game.  Embiid has missed a few games, costing him Cup Points, and would be ahead of Jokic had he not.

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, 109 Cup Points:  29 Games, 3.76 Cup Points per Game, 30.8 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 29.9 PER, 4.6 WS.  Last Week, #2.

The two-time MVP has never had a better supporting cast than he does now, and he is responding by doing what he always does: dominate.  Antetokounmpo, however has slightly less metrics than previous years, but the arrival of Damian Lillard means he does not have to always carry the load.  He is fifth in Points per Game (29.9), sixth in Rebounds per Game (10.9), and is the league-leader in Field Goals (319).

4. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks, 108 Cup Points:  27 Games, 4.00 Cup Points per Game, 32.9 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 9.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 27.1 PER, 4.1 WS.  Last Week #4.

Doncic is on a four-year streak of First Team All-NBA stars, and he is on pace to add a fifth.  Hs is second on Points per Game (32.9), fourth in Assists (9.1), and is in the top ten in PER (27.1), Box Plus/Minus (6.7), VORP (2.7) and Win Shares (4.1).

5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, 106 Cup Points:  26 Games, 4.08 Cup Points Per Game, 30.8 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 6.3 APG, 2.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 30.8 PER, 5.5 WS.  Last Week #6.

Gilgeous-Alexander broke through to the upper-tier last season, and he is proving that this was no fluke.  He is leading the NBA in Steals per Game (2.8) and is third in PER (30.7), Win Shares (5.5) and VORP (2.8) and is fourth in Points per Game (30.8).  The Canadian is now an MVP contender, and could join Steve Nash in that exclusive club.

6. Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors, 101 Cup Points:  27 Games, 3.74 Cup Points per Game, 28.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 4.4 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 21.9 PER, 3.2 WS. Last Week #8

The Warriors are an aging team, but Father Time has not yet found Curry, who is the best beyond-the-arc shooter of all-time.  He is eighth in PPG (28.3) and is leading the league in 3-Point Field Goals (131) and Free Throw Percentage (.933), but the pieces around him are falling apart.

7 (TIE). Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, 97 Cup Points:  27 Games, 3.59 Cup Points per Game, 26.9 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 20.8 PER, 3.3 WS.  Last Week #8.

Tatum begins the year the way he ended the last one: an MVP contender on a power team.  He has already a nabbed a Player of the Week Award, is tenth in PPG (26.9) and is poised to take the Celtics on his back to a title.

7 (TIE). Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns, 97 Cup Points:  24 Games, 4.04 Cup Points Per Game, 30.9 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 5.4 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 24.2 PER, 3.1 WS.  Last Week #8.

Durant remains a superstar and when he is healthy, he is among the best in the world.  KD is chasing another title and MVP with the Suns, and he is having one of his best starts in recent years.  At present, Durant is third in scoring (30.9) has not averaged over 30 Points per Game since the 2013/14 Season, but is over that right now.  Durant is also ninth in PER (24.2).  Sadly, the Suns are underperforming as a group, and arguably the Durant experiment is not generating the expected team success.

9. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, 95 Cup Points:  27 Games, 3.52 Cup Points per Game, 25.7 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 7.3 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 25.3 PER, 3.5 WS.  #9 Last Week.

James set the all-time scoring record last year, and he continues to defy time by playing at an elite level. 

10. Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers, 87 Cup Points:  28 Games, 3.11 Cup Points per Game, 24.4 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 3.1 APG, 0.9 SPG, 2.5 BPG, 25.4 PER, 4.4 WS.  (Not in the Top Ten Last Week)

Davis is the current rebounding leader per game (12.4), and is the healthiest he has been in years.   He is also fifth in Blocks per Game (2.5) and seventh in PER (25.4). 

Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns fell off the top ten.

Our next update will be up on next Monday.