Attendance numbers for division-leading Devils are embarrassing

The New Jersey Devils have surpassed all expectations this season, thanks in large part to a massive 13 game winning streak that turned heads all around the National Hockey League. Their streak tied a franchise record set in 2001, and while they've dropped five of their last 10 games, they're still sitting at 44 points and among the top teams in the Eastern Conference while also leading the Metropolitan Division by a comfortable margin. 

So, where are their fans? According to the latest attendance numbers, the Devils are 26th overall in the NHL. An age-old debate that's plagued the Devils dating back to their days at Continental Airlines Arena are the rows of empty seats; scores of tickets would remain unsold, even during their Stanley Cup championship seasons. 

During their most recent home game, a 3-0 triumph over the New Jersey Devils on December 6, barely 13,000 tickets were sold at Prudential Center for what would be their 22nd victory of the season. 

In fact, the Devils have taken to selling their tickets as stocking stuffers at local Costco shopping stores. Fans can snag a pair of lower bowl seats for $90, which is an extremely good deal - especially for a winning team. 

Of course, we all know that things are more expensive these days thanks to skyrocketing inflation and gas prices across the country and the world. Many people have to choose between leisurely luxuries like attending live sporting events that include hefty price tags for parking (remember the obscene $70 price tag to park at Seattle's Climate Pledge Arena for a Kraken home game last week?) and concessions. 

But the fact that the Devils aren't even in the top 2/3 of NHL attendance numbers given their incredible hot streak and leading of their division certainly is an eyebrow raiser.