If the Devils didn't know how desperate their fanbase was for a moment like this, they found out on Wednesday when they saw more than a thousand fans crowded into their rink for a weekday practice.
If they didn't understand the depth of the hunger for something to celebrate, they certainly did when the practice ended and the familiar chants -- M.I.A. here for so long -- filled the building.
"WE WANT THE CUP!"
"WE WANT THE CUP!"
"WE WANT THE CUP!"
The players heard it, loud and clear.