In what was considered by many to be the best off-season by any team in the NHL, The New Jersey Devils and their respective fan base came into the 2019–2020 NHL season with higher than usual expectations.

And why not?..
With off-season additions including PK Subban, Wayne Simmonds, KHL star Nikita Gusev, and first overall pick Jack Hughes, its easy to see why the Devils were forecast to impress. On paper, this team should compete this year….
Should……
After 10 games into the season, the Devils are tied for dead last in the NHL with the lowly Ottawa Senators, a team that was expected to be where they currently sit, because on paper, Ottawa is an awful hockey team. Furthermore Ottawa was EXPECTED to be an awful hockey team.
With a record of 2–5–3 the Devils are currently on pace to finish the season with a whopping 74 points. So what better time for former Hart trophy winner, and current leading scorer of Devils, Taylor Hall to make his poor feelings be heard.
“We’re kind of battling our own fans right now. We were 1-for-3 on the power play and we are getting booed. It’s a tie game, we are getting booed. That’s a tough environment to play in sometimes, especially when you are at home”

Well Taylor, they’re booing you because they’re the ones who pay to watch you play, and when you’re team is vastly underachieving in the spectacular fashion which they are, they have every right to let you know how they feel.
Accountability, or perhaps lack thereof, has always been a trademark of Mr. Hall’s, it’s what got him shipped to New Jersey in the first place. So with his lack of urgency both on the ice with the puck, and off ice with his contract, its no surprise the Devils faithful are laying it on thick.
And don’t expect them to let up anytime soon, in fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if it gets worse before it gets better.
If there is one golden rule Taylor Hall should have, but clearly hasn’t learned by now, its don’t challenge your fans. Dont challenge the ones that fill the seats, the ones wearing the Taylor Hall jerseys, and you know, the ones that pay your bills.
You want them to cheer you on?
Accept responsibility, act like a leader, and give them a reason to cheer.
Until then, do yourself and everyone else a favor and shut your mouth.
