The 2002–03 New Jersey Devils season was the 29th season for the

National Hockey League The National Hockey League (NHL; , ''LNH'') is a professional ice hockey league in North America composed of 32 teams25 in the United States and 7 in Canada. The NHL is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Cana ...

franchise that was established on June 11, 1974, and 21st season since the franchise relocated from

Colorado Colorado is a U.S. state, state in the Western United States. It is one of the Mountain states, sharing the Four Corners region with Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. It is also bordered by Wyoming to the north, Nebraska to the northeast, Kansas ...

prior to the

1982–83 NHL season The 1982–83 NHL season was the 66th season of the National Hockey League. The Colorado Rockies relocated to East Rutherford, New Jersey, becoming the New Jersey Devils. The New York Islanders won their fourth Stanley Cup in a row with their s ...

. After claiming the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference titles, the Devils won their third Stanley Cup championship in a seven-game series against the

Mighty Ducks of Anaheim Mighty may refer to: Businesses *Mighty Audio, an American company known for its product ''Mighty'', a portable audio player *Mighty Animation, an animation studio based in Guadalajara, Mexico Films *''The Mighty'', a 1998 comedy–drama * ''The ...

. In addition to the Devils reaching the Stanley Cup Finals, the other

New Jersey New Jersey is a U.S. state, state located in both the Mid-Atlantic States, Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States, Northeastern regions of the United States. Located at the geographic hub of the urban area, heavily urbanized Northeas ...

team from one of the major professional sports leagues, the

New Jersey Nets New or NEW may refer to: Music * New, singer of K-pop group The Boyz * ''New'' (album), by Paul McCartney, 2013 ** "New" (Paul McCartney song), 2013 * ''New'' (EP), by Regurgitator, 1995 * "New" (Daya song), 2017 * "New" (No Doubt song), 1 ...

of the

National Basketball Association The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a professional basketball league in North America composed of 30 teams (29 in the United States and 1 in Canada). The NBA is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Ca ...

(NBA), have reached the

NBA Finals The NBA Finals is the annual championship series of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Eastern Conference (NBA), Eastern and Western Conference (NBA), Western Conference champions play a best-of-seven series to determine the league ...

where they lost in six games to the

San Antonio Spurs The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio. The Spurs compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Southwest Division (NBA), Southwest Division of the Western Conference (NBA ...

Regular season

The Devils tied the

Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia. The Flyers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team play ...

for fewest goals allowed (166) and had the fewest power-play opportunities against (264), the fewest power-play goals against (32) and the best penalty-kill percentage (87.88%). The Devils also tied the

Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...

Los Angeles Kings The Los Angeles Kings are a professional ice hockey team based in Los Angeles. The Kings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. ...

and

Washington Capitals The Washington Capitals (colloquially known as the Caps) are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. The Capitals compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NH ...

for fewest short-handed goals allowed, with four. Furthermore, the Devils also had the fewest power-play opportunities for (303), the fewest power-play goals for (36) and the lowest power-play percentage, at 11.88%. * January 17, 2003: Joe Nieuwendyk scored his 500th career goal against the

Carolina Hurricanes The Carolina Hurricanes (colloquially known as the Canes) are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Con ...

in a 2–1 Devils victory. He then recorded his 1,000th career point on February 23 in a win over the

Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins (colloquially known as the Pens) are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh. The Penguins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), E ...

Season standings

Playoffs

Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

The series opened at

Continental Airlines Arena Meadowlands Arena (formerly Brendan Byrne Arena, Continental Airlines Arena and Izod Center) is a closed indoor sports and concert venue located in the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States. Since closing, ...

in New Jersey, and game one was a defensive battle in an ultimate 2–1 Devils victory behind two goals from Jamie Langenbrunner. New Jersey then took control of the series with a 4–2 victory in Game 2. Down 2–0 in the series but heading home to FleetCenter, Boston shook things up, replacing Steve Shields, who allowed six goals in the first two games, in favor of Jeff Hackett. The shakeup did not do much, as the Devils shut out in the Bruins in Game 3, 3–0, with goalie

Martin Brodeur Martin Pierre Brodeur (; born May 6, 1972) is a Canadian–American former professional ice hockey goaltender and current team executive. He played 22 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL), 21 of them for the New Jersey Devils, with whom ...

stopping all 29 shots he faced. In game 4,

Ken Daneyko Kenneth Stephen Daneyko (born April 17, 1964) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman who played his entire twenty-season career with the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL), winning three Stanley Cup championshi ...

was a healthy scratch and did not play that game. It was the first time in his career that he was a healthy scratch in the playoffs. Not wanting to end their season with a winless postseason and a loss in front of their fans, Boston came out firing by winning the game, 5–1 and knocking out Brodeur after the fifth goal in favor of Corey Schwab, who went six-for-six in net. Unfortunately for the Bruins and their fans, they had only "stayed their execution" until game five in New Jersey, where Brodeur bounced back from his horrid Game 4 with a 28-save shutout in a 3–0 win as Langenbrunner added two more goals.

Eastern Conference semifinals

The series opened at Continental Airlines Arena in New Jersey, where the Devils scored three third-period goals to break a scoreless tie en route to a 3–0 game one victory with goalie Martin Brodeur posting a 15-save shutout in the process. Game two was a little tenser, with New Jersey rallying from a third-period deficit and winning the game 2:09 into overtime, 3–2, on a goal by Jamie Langenbrunner. In game three at St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, the Lightning jumped out to a 3–0 first-period lead. Then, Scott Stevens was injured by a puck that hit him in the face from a slapshot by Pavel Kubina. Following that, New Jersey tied the score before scoring in the third period on a goal by

Dave Andreychuk David John Andreychuk (born September 29, 1963) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey forward who played in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres, Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, and Tampa Bay Lightni ...

to win the game, 4–3 for Tampa. Stevens recovered and returned for game four, and the Devils responded by winning, 3–1, to push the Lightning to the brink. The Devils ended the series with a 2–1 triple-overtime victory in game five, with Grant Marshall scoring the game-winning goal 11:12 into the sixth period.

Eastern Conference finals

The series opened at Corel Centre in Ottawa, where the Senators took game one in overtime, 3–2, when Shaun Van Allen tipped in a pass from Martin Havlát 3:08 into overtime. New Jersey tied the series, 1–1, with a crucial victory in game two, 4–1. It marked the first time Ottawa goalie

Patrick Lalime Patrick Lalime (born July 7, 1974) is a Canadian ice hockey commentator and former professional ice hockey player who played twelve seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Ottawa Senators, St. Louis Blues, Chica ...

allowed more than two goals in twelve postseason games. Game three at the

in New Jersey saw an amazing defensive battle, but New Jersey won the game, 1–0, on a first-period goal by Sergei Brylin.

posted a 24-save shutout for the Devils in the process. New Jersey appeared to have the series in control when they broke a 2–2 tie in game four with three third-period goals en route to a 5–2 win, and they led in the series, 3–1. But, it wasn't over yet, as Minnesota (twice) and Vancouver rebounded from 3–1 series deficits earlier in the playoffs. Ottawa returned home for game five, not wanting to lose in front of their fans. They staved off elimination with a 3–1 victory. The tense action resumed back in New Jersey for game six, as the teams entered overtime tied, 1–1, and all the Devils needed was a goal to knock out the Senators. The death blow did not come in game six, as Chris Phillips scored the game-winning goal 15:52 into overtime in the 2–1 Senators victory. This would be the Devils only home loss of the playoffs. Determined not to suffer the same misfortunes as Colorado, St. Louis, and Vancouver, the Devils broke through in game seven, winning the game, 3–2, as Jeff Friesen knocked in the series-winning goal with just over two minutes to play to send New Jersey to the Stanley Cup Finals. In the decisive game, the Devils benefited from a two-goal performance by Jamie Langenbrunner, his first goals of the series.

Stanley Cup Finals

For the Devils, this was their fourth Stanley Cup Finals appearance, after making the Finals previously in 1995, 2000, and 2001. As for the Mighty Ducks, it was their first ever Stanley Cup Finals appearance in franchise history after defeating the

Dallas Stars The Dallas Stars are a professional ice hockey team based in Dallas. The Stars compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. The Stars ...

, and

Minnesota Wild The Minnesota Wild are a professional ice hockey team based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The Wild compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Confer ...

. The Devils had a strong start in game one at the Meadowlands as they shut out the Ducks 3–0. Game two was pretty much Deja Vu for the Devils as they once again blanked the Ducks 3–0. Down 2–0 in the series, the Ducks responded at home in Anaheim with a 3–2 overtime victory. Then, in game four, Anaheim tied the series at two in a 1–0 overtime win. Back at the Meadowlands, game five was much more competitive and high tempo. While both teams went back and forth with three goals each, the Devils would add three more goals to win 6–3. Facing elimination in game six, the Ducks did not disappoint their fans as they won game six 5–2. However, during that game, Scott Stevens laid a vicious check on

Paul Kariya Paul Tetsuhiko Kariya (born October 16, 1974) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey winger who played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). Known as a skilled and fast-skating offensive player, he played in the NHL for the Mig ...

, knocking him to the ground. Kariya quickly recovered and scored the game-winning goal, tying the series at three games apiece. The Devils ended the series with an exclamation mark as they shut out the Ducks 3–0 once more to capture their third Stanley Cup championship in nine seasons. While the Devils did win the cup,

Jean-Sébastien Giguère Jean-Sébastien Giguère (; born May 16, 1977) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. He played with the Halifax Mooseheads in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), and was drafted 13th overall by the Hartford Whalers ...

of Anaheim won the

Conn Smythe Trophy The Conn Smythe Trophy () is awarded annually to the most valuable player (MVP) of his team during the National Hockey League's (NHL) Stanley Cup playoffs. It is named after Conn Smythe, the longtime owner, general manager, and head coach of the ...

, making it the first time in sixteen years that a player from the losing team won the Conn Smythe Trophy.

Schedule and results

Preseason

, - , 1, , September 20, 2002, , 4–4, , align="left",

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New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in New York City. The Rangers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team plays ...

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New York Islanders The New York Islanders (colloquially known as the Isles) are a professional ice hockey team based in Elmont, New York. The Islanders compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (N ...

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, , 3–3–2, , L , - , - , ''Legend'':

Regular season

, - , 1, , October 10, 2002, , 2–1 , , align="left", @

Ottawa Senators The Ottawa Senators (), officially the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club and colloquially known as the Sens, are a professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa. The Senators compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Di ...

( 2002–03) , , 1–0–0–0, , 2 , , , - , 2, , October 12, 2002, , 3–2 , , align="left",

Columbus Blue Jackets The Columbus Blue Jackets (often simply referred to as the Jackets) are a professional ice hockey team based in Columbus, Ohio. The Blue Jackets compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern C ...

( 2002–03) , , 2–0–0–0, , 4 , , , - , 3, , October 18, 2002, , 3–2 OT, , align="left",

Nashville Predators The Nashville Predators (colloquially referred to as the Preds) are a professional ice hockey team based in Nashville, Tennessee. The Predators compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Divisio ...

( 2002–03) , , 3–0–0–0, , 6 , , , - , 4, , October 19, 2002, , 1–3 , , align="left", @

( 2002–03) , , 3–1–0–0, , 6 , , , - , 5, , October 23, 2002, , 2–1 , , align="left", @

Atlanta Thrashers The Atlanta Thrashers were a professional ice hockey team based in Atlanta. Atlanta was granted a franchise in the National Hockey League (NHL) on June 25, 1997, and became the League's 28th franchise when it began play in the 1999–2000 NHL sea ...

( 2002–03) , , 4–1–0–0, , 8 , , , - , 6, , October 25, 2002, , 2–1 , , align="left", @

Buffalo Sabres The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. The Sabres compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Con ...

( 2002–03) , , 5–1–0–0, , 10 , , , - , 7, , October 26, 2002, , 5–1 , , align="left",

Tampa Bay Lightning The Tampa Bay Lightning (colloquially known as the Bolts) are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. The Lightning compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the ...

( 2002–03) , , 6–1–0–0, , 12 , , , - , 8, , October 29, 2002, , 1–2 , , align="left",

( 2002–03) , , 6–2–0–0, , 12 , , , - , - , 9, , November 2, 2002, , 5–1 , , align="left",

Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks (spelled Black Hawks until 1986, and known colloquially as the Hawks) are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago. The Blackhawks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (N ...

( 2002–03) , , 7–2–0–0, , 14 , , , - , 10, , November 5, 2002, , 2–3 , , align="left",

Calgary Flames The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary. The Flames compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. The ...

( 2002–03) , , 7–3–0–0, , 14 , , , - , 11, , November 7, 2002, , 1–0 , , align="left", @

( 2002–03) , , 8–3–0–0, , 16 , , , - , 12, , November 9, 2002, , 3–6 , , align="left",

Edmonton Oilers The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton. The Oilers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. Th ...

( 2002–03) , , 8–4–0–0, , 16 , , , - , 13, , November 12, 2002, , 3–2 OT, , align="left",

( 2002–03) , , 9–4–0–0, , 18 , , , - , 14, , November 15, 2002, , 5–1 , , align="left",

Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens (), officially ' ( Canadian Hockey Club) and colloquially known as the Habs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal. The Canadiens compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic D ...

( 2002–03) , , 10–4–0–0, , 20 , , , - , 15, , November 16, 2002, , 1–3 , , align="left", @

( 2002–03) , , 10–5–0–0, , 20 , , , - , 16, , November 19, 2002, , 4–3 OT, , align="left",

( 2002–03) , , 11–5–0–0, , 22 , , , - , 17, , November 21, 2002, , 4–4 OT, , align="left",

( 2002–03) , , 11–5–1–0, , 23 , , , - , 18, , November 23, 2002, , 1–3 , , align="left",

( 2002–03) , , 11–6–1–0, , 23 , , , - , 19, , November 27, 2002, , 2–3 OT, , align="left", @

( 2002–03) , , 11–6–1–1, , 24 , , , - , 20, , November 29, 2002, , 2–1 , , align="left", @

( 2002–03) , , 12–6–1–1, , 26 , , , - , 21, , November 30, 2002, , 5–4 OT, , align="left", @

St. Louis Blues The St. Louis Blues are a professional ice hockey team based in St. Louis. The Blues compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. Th ...

( 2002–03) , , 13–6–1–1, , 28 , , , - , - , 22, , December 2, 2002, , 1–0 OT, , align="left", @

( 2002–03) , , 14–6–1–1, , 30 , , , - , 23, , December 4, 2002, , 2–3 OT, , align="left",

Vancouver Canucks The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver. The Canucks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conferenc ...

( 2002–03) , , 14–6–1–2, , 31 , , , - , 24, , December 6, 2002, , 3–1 , , align="left",

( 2002–03) , , 15–6–1–2, , 33 , , , - , 25, , December 7, 2002, , 0–1 , , align="left", @

Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs (officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often referred to as the Leafs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto. The Maple Leafs compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the A ...

( 2002–03) , , 15–7–1–2, , 33 , , , - , 26, , December 10, 2002, , 2–0 , , align="left",

( 2002–03) , , 16–7–1–2, , 35 , , , - , 27, , December 12, 2002, , 2–4 , , align="left", @

( 2002–03) , , 16–8–1–2, , 35 , , , - , 28, , December 14, 2002, , 3–4 OT, , align="left", @

( 2002–03) , , 16–8–1–3, , 36 , , , - , 29, , December 18, 2002, , 0–3 , , align="left",

( 2002–03) , , 16–9–1–3, , 36 , , , - , 30, , December 19, 2002, , 3–1 , , align="left", @

( 2002–03) , , 17–9–1–3, , 38 , , , - , 31, , December 21, 2002, , 5–3 , , align="left",

( 2002–03) , , 18–9–1–3, , 40 , , , - , 32, , December 23, 2002, , 2–2 OT, , align="left", @

( 2002–03) , , 18–9–2–3, , 41 , , , - , 33, , December 27, 2002, , 2–3 , , align="left", @

( 2002–03) , , 18–10–2–3, , 41 , , , - , 34, , December 28, 2002, , 2–1 OT, , align="left",

( 2002–03) , , 19–10–2–3, , 43 , , , - , 35, , December 30, 2002, , 1–0 , , align="left", @

Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The t ...

( 2002–03) , , 20–10–2–3, , 45 , , , - , - , 36, , January 1, 2003, , 1–2 , , align="left",

Florida Panthers The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in the Miami metropolitan area. The Panthers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. The team initially played it ...

( 2002–03) , , 20–11–2–3, , 45 , , , - , 37, , January 3, 2003, , 2–0 , , align="left",

( 2002–03) , , 21–11–2–3, , 47 , , , - , 38, , January 4, 2003, , 1–2 , , align="left", @

( 2002–03) , , 21–12–2–3, , 47 , , , - , 39, , January 7, 2003, , 3–2 , , align="left",

( 2002–03) , , 22–12–2–3, , 49 , , , - , 40, , January 10, 2003, , 2–1 , , align="left", @

( 2002–03) , , 23–12–2–3, , 51 , , , - , 41, , January 11, 2003, , 3–3 OT, , align="left", @

( 2002–03) , , 23–12–3–3, , 52 , , , - , 42, , January 13, 2003, , 6–2 , , align="left",

( 2002–03) , , 24–12–3–3, , 54 , , , - , 43, , January 15, 2003, , 5–0 , , align="left",

( 2002–03) , , 25–12–3–3, , 56 , , , - , 44, , January 17, 2003, , 2–1 , , align="left", @

( 2002–03) , , 26–12–3–3, , 58 , , , - , 45, , January 18, 2003, , 5–2 , , align="left",

( 2002–03) , , 27–12–3–3, , 60 , , , - , 46, , January 22, 2003, , 5–4 OT, , align="left", @

San Jose Sharks The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California. The Sharks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Con ...

( 2002–03) , , 28–12–3–3, , 62 , , , - , 47, , January 24, 2003, , 3–1 , , align="left", @

( 2002–03) , , 29–12–3–3, , 64 , , , - , 48, , January 25, 2003, , 1–2 OT, , align="left", @

( 2002–03) , , 29–12–3–4, , 65 , , , - , 49, , January 28, 2003, , 1–0 , , align="left",

( 2002–03) , , 30–12–3–4, , 67 , , , - , 50, , January 30, 2003, , 5–1 , , align="left",

( 2002–03) , , 31–12–3–4, , 69 , , , - , - , 51, , February 4, 2003, , 4–1 , , align="left",

( 2002–03) , , 32–12–3–4, , 71 , , , - , 52, , February 5, 2003, , 4–1 , , align="left", @

( 2002–03) , , 33–12–3–4, , 73 , , , - , 53, , February 7, 2003, , 2–4 , , align="left",

( 2002–03) , , 33–13–3–4, , 73 , , , - , 54, , February 9, 2003, , 3–2 , , align="left",

( 2002–03) , , 34–13–3–4, , 75 , , , - , 55, , February 11, 2003, , 1–3 , , align="left", @

Colorado Avalanche The Colorado Avalanche (colloquially known as the Avs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver. The Avalanche compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division in the Western Con ...

( 2002–03) , , 34–14–3–4, , 75 , , , - , 56, , February 12, 2003, , 3–0 , , align="left", @

Phoenix Coyotes The Arizona Coyotes are an inactive professional ice hockey team based in the Phoenix metropolitan area. They competed in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division (1996–1998, 2021–2024) and ...

( 2002–03) , , 35–14–3–4, , 77 , , , - , 57, , February 15, 2003, , 1–4 , , align="left",

( 2002–03) , , 35–15–3–4, , 77 , , , - , 58, , February 18, 2003, , 2–2 OT, , align="left", @

( 2002–03) , , 35–15–4–4, , 78 , , , - , 59, , February 19, 2003, , 3–5 , , align="left",

( 2002–03) , , 35–16–4–4, , 78 , , , - , 60, , February 21, 2003, , 3–2 , , align="left",

( 2002–03) , , 36–16–4–4, , 80 , , , - , 61, , February 23, 2003, , 4–3 , , align="left", @

( 2002–03) , , 37–16–4–4, , 82 , , , - , 62, , February 25, 2003, , 3–3 OT, , align="left",

( 2002–03) , , 37–16–5–4, , 83 , , , - , 63, , February 27, 2003, , 3–3 OT, , align="left", @

( 2002–03) , , 37–16–6–4, , 84 , , , - , - , 64, , March 1, 2003, , 2–1 OT, , align="left",

( 2002–03) , , 38–16–6–4, , 86 , , , - , 65, , March 4, 2003, , 2–3 , , align="left", @

( 2002–03) , , 38–17–6–4, , 86 , , , - , 66, , March 5, 2003, , 4–5 OT, , align="left", @

( 2002–03) , , 38–17–6–5, , 87 , , , - , 67, , March 8, 2003, , 4–2 , , align="left", @

( 2002–03) , , 39–17–6–5, , 89 , , , - , 68, , March 11, 2003, , 2–3 , , align="left",

( 2002–03) , , 39–18–6–5, , 89 , , , - , 69, , March 13, 2003, , 3–4 , , align="left", @

( 2002–03) , , 39–19–6–5, , 89 , , , - , 70, , March 15, 2003, , 3–1 , , align="left",

( 2002–03) , , 40–19–6–5, , 91 , , , - , 71, , March 17, 2003, , 2–4 , , align="left",

( 2002–03) , , 40–20–6–5, , 91 , , , - , 72, , March 18, 2003, , 1–0 , , align="left", @

( 2002–03) , , 41–20–6–5, , 93 , , , - , 73, , March 21, 2003, , 3–1 , , align="left",

( 2002–03) , , 42–20–6–5, , 95 , , , - , 74, , March 22, 2003, , 4–2 , , align="left", @

( 2002–03) , , 43–20–6–5, , 97 , , , - , 75, , March 24, 2003, , 4–1 , , align="left", @

( 2002–03) , , 44–20–6–5, , 99 , , , - , 76, , March 27, 2003, , 2–2 OT, , align="left", @

( 2002–03) , , 44–20–7–5, , 100 , , , - , 77, , March 28, 2003, , 1–1 OT, , align="left", @

( 2002–03) , , 44–20–8–5, , 101 , , , - , 78, , March 30, 2003, , 6–0 , , align="left",

( 2002–03) , , 45–20–8–5, , 103 , , , - , - , 79, , April 1, 2003, , 2–3 OT, , align="left",

( 2002–03) , , 45–20–8–6, , 104 , , , - , 80, , April 3, 2003, , 1–1 OT, , align="left",

( 2002–03) , , 45–20–9–6, , 105 , , , - , 81, , April 4, 2003, , 2–1 , , align="left", @

( 2002–03) , , 46–20–9–6, , 107 , , , - , 82, , April 6, 2003, , 2–2 OT, , align="left", @

( 2002–03) , , 46–20–10–6, , 108 , , , - , - , ''Legend'':

Playoffs

, - , 1 , , April 9, 2003 , , 2–1 , , align="left",

, , Devils lead 1–0 , , , - , 2 , , April 11, 2003 , , 4–2 , , align="left", Boston Bruins , , Devils lead 2–0 , , , - , 3 , , April 13, 2003 , , 3–0 , , align="left", @ Boston Bruins , , Devils lead 3–0 , , , - , 4 , , April 15, 2003 , , 1–5 , , align="left", @ Boston Bruins , , Devils lead 3–1 , , , - , 5 , , April 17, 2003 , , 3–0 , , align="left", Boston Bruins , , Devils win 4–1 , , , - , - , 1 , , April 24, 2003 , , 3–0 , , align="left",

, , Devils lead 1–0 , , , - , 2 , , April 26, 2003 , , 3–2 OT , , align="left", Tampa Bay Lightning , , Devils lead 2–0 , , , - , 3 , , April 28, 2003 , , 3–4 , , align="left", @ Tampa Bay Lightning , , Devils lead 2–1 , , , - , 4 , , April 30, 2003 , , 3–1 , , align="left", @ Tampa Bay Lightning , , Devils lead 3–1 , , , - , 5 , , May 2, 2003 , , 2–1 3OT , , align="left", Tampa Bay Lightning , , Devils win 4–1 , , , - , - , 1 , , May 10, 2003 , , 2–3 OT , , align="left", @

, , Senators lead 1–0 , , , - , 2 , , May 13, 2003 , , 4–1 , , align="left", @ Ottawa Senators , , Series tied 1–1 , , , - , 3 , , May 15, 2003 , , 1–0 , , align="left", Ottawa Senators , , Devils lead 2–1 , , , - , 4 , , May 17, 2003 , , 5–2 , , align="left", Ottawa Senators , , Devils lead 3–1 , , , - , 5 , , May 19, 2003 , , 1–3 , , align="left", @ Ottawa Senators , , Devils lead 3–2 , , , - , 6 , , May 21, 2003 , , 1–2 OT , , align="left", Ottawa Senators , , Series tied 3–3 , , , - , 7 , , May 23, 2003 , , 3–2 , , align="left", @ Ottawa Senators , , Devils win 4–3 , , , - , - , 1 , , May 27, 2003 , , 3–0 , , align="left", Anaheim Mighty Ducks , , Devils lead 1–0 , , , - , 2 , , May 29, 2003 , , 3–0 , , align="left", Anaheim Mighty Ducks , , Devils lead 2–0 , , , - , 3 , , May 31, 2003 , , 2–3 OT , , align="left", @ Anaheim Mighty Ducks , , Devils lead 2–1 , , , - , 4 , , June 2, 2003 , , 0–1 OT , , align="left", @ Anaheim Mighty Ducks , , Series tied 2–2 , , , - , 5 , , June 5, 2003 , , 6–3 , , align="left", Anaheim Mighty Ducks , , Devils lead 3–2 , , , - , 6 , , June 7, 2003 , , 2–5 , , align="left", @ Anaheim Mighty Ducks , , Series tied 3–3 , , , - , 7 , , June 9, 2003 , , 3–0 , , align="left", Anaheim Mighty Ducks , , Devils win 4–3 , , , - , - , ''Legend'':

Player statistics

Scoring

* ''Position abbreviations: C = Center; D =

Defense Defense or defence may refer to: Tactical, martial, and political acts or groups * Defense (military), forces primarily intended for warfare * Civil defense, the organizing of civilians to deal with emergencies or enemy attacks * Defense industr ...

; G =

Goaltender In ice hockey, the goaltender (commonly referred to as goalie or netminder) is the player responsible for preventing the hockey puck from entering their own team's net, thus preventing the opposing team from scoring. The goaltender mostly plays ...

; LW = Left wing; RW =

Right wing Right-wing politics is the range of Ideology#Political ideologies, political ideologies that view certain social orders and Social stratification, hierarchies as inevitable, natural, normal, or desirable, typically supporting this position b ...

'' * '' = 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

Awards and records

Awards

was also a finalist for the

Hart Memorial Trophy The Hart Memorial Trophy, originally known as the Hart Trophy, is an annual award for the most valuable player to his team in the National Hockey League (NHL), voted by the members of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association. The original tr ...

and

John Madden John Earl Madden (April 10, 1936 – December 28, 2021) was an American professional football coach and sports commentator in the National Football League (NFL). He served as the head coach of the Oakland Raiders from 1969 to 1978, leading them ...

was runner-up for the Frank J. Selke Trophy.

Milestones

Transactions

The Devils were involved in the following transactions from June 14, 2002, the day after the deciding game of the

2002 Stanley Cup Finals The 2002 Stanley Cup Finals was the championship series of the National Hockey League's (NHL) 2001–02 season, and the culmination of the 2002 Stanley Cup playoffs. It was contested by the Western Conference champion Detroit Red Wings and t ...

, through June 9, 2003, the day of the deciding game of the

2003 Stanley Cup Finals The 2003 Stanley Cup Finals was the championship series of the National Hockey League's (NHL) 2002–03 season, and the culmination of the 2003 Stanley Cup playoffs. The second-seeded Eastern Conference champion New Jersey Devils defeated th ...

Trades

Players acquired

Players lost

Signings

Draft picks

The Devils' draft picks at the 2002 NHL entry draft at the

Air Canada Centre Scotiabank Arena (SBA), formerly known as Air Canada Centre (ACC), is a multi-purposed arena located on Bay Street in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is the home of the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and t ...

Toronto Toronto ( , locally pronounced or ) is the List of the largest municipalities in Canada by population, most populous city in Canada. It is the capital city of the Provinces and territories of Canada, Canadian province of Ontario. With a p ...

Ontario Ontario is the southernmost Provinces and territories of Canada, province of Canada. Located in Central Canada, Ontario is the Population of Canada by province and territory, country's most populous province. As of the 2021 Canadian census, it ...

Media

Television coverage was carried on Fox Sports Net New York with

Mike Emrick Michael "Doc" Emrick (born August 1, 1946) is an American former network television play-by-play sportscaster and commentator noted mostly for his work in ice hockey. He was the lead announcer for National Hockey League national telecasts on both ...

and Chico Resch with the play-by-play calling while Matt Loughlin served as the color commentator. The radio broadcasts were on WABC–AM 770, with John Hennessy handling the play-by-play duties with Randy Velischek color commentating.

Notes

References

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:New Jersey Devils, 2002-03 2002-03 2002–03 NHL season by team 2002 in sports in New Jersey 2003 in sports in New Jersey 2002-03 New Jersey Devils season 2002-03 New Jersey Devils season 2002-03 New Jersey Devils season 2002-03 New Jersey Devils season

Regular season

Season standings

Playoffs

Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

Eastern Conference semifinals

Eastern Conference finals

Stanley Cup Finals

Schedule and results

Preseason

Regular season

Playoffs

Player statistics

Scoring

Goaltending

Awards and records

Awards

Milestones

Transactions

Trades

Players acquired

Players lost

Signings

Draft picks

Media

See also

Notes

References