In their last 25 games, the New Jersey Devils have recorded 42 out of a possible 50 points. This is the same team that only managed 22 points in their first 41 games. If the Ilya Kovalchuk nine-figure contract situation from last summer was the definition of “ridiculous,” this current run by the Devils to make an impact in the Eastern Conference must be the meaning of “absurd.”

Kovalchuk is probably the only real reason for New Jersey’s run. He’s scored 22 points in his last 18 games, which is a dramatic increase from his first half in which, if it weren’t for the boos in both the home and road arenas, you wouldn’t have known Kovalchuk was there. Now, it’s hard to not notice him. If he loses the touch and goes cold during the last month of the season, expect the rest of the team to go down with the Good Ship Kovy.

This resurgence is happening in spite of the injury to Martin Brodeur and the mediocre backing-up of Johan Hedberg, who have both been nothing more than average in net for New Jersey this season. Still, opponents have been hard-pressed to score more than two goals per game against the Devils thanks largely to one of the best blue line squads in the game right now. If the Devils somehow make the postseason, they’ll have to rely on solid goaltending more than ever.

It’s that shortcoming that will prevent the Devils from making any kind of impact. Yes, the current streak is ridiculous, but it’s too little, too late by now. Basically, the Devils can’t afford to lose even two in a row at this point. All they’re doing now is ruining their chances at getting a high pick in this year’s draft. For the most part Kovalchuk has saved face as far as statistics go. He should take his foot off the pedal and let his team stumble through the final 16 games.