Hall relishing 1st playoff race, hasn't had this much fun since junior
In the midst of a career season, Taylor Hall finds himself in an unfamiliar spot: competing for the playoffs.
To the surprise of many, Hall's New Jersey Devils started the season red-hot, and have carried the momentum into the stretch run. They currently sit in the East's first wild-card spot with 70 points - six clear of their nearest chaser.
The pursuit of a postseason berth is a new feeling for Hall. He spent his first six seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, who couldn't eclipse the 74-point mark during that span. Suffice to say, Hall is enjoying the new experience.
#NJDevils: Taylor Hall said the last time he had this much fun playing hockey in February was in Junior.
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) February 20, 2018
Hall, of course, authored quite a prolific junior career, winning back-to-back Memorial Cups with the Windsor Spitfires before being selected No. 1 overall in the 2010 draft.
The team success never carried over into the professional ranks. Until now, that is.
"I think I've played on some bad hockey teams, if you want me to put it bluntly," Hall said when asked about finally finding himself in a playoff race.
In 54 games this season, the 26-year-old leads the Devils with 62 points.