Haula's experience was one of the biggest reasons the Devils acquired him last summer from Boston in exchange for Pavel Zacha. And while the talk of fighting for a playoff berth was on the lips of those in the Devils organization last summer, Haula had bigger thoughts.
"When I came here there was talk about getting to the playoffs. That's my expectation wherever I go, whatever team it is," Haula said. "I believe in this team. I think we have a really good group. I'm trying to be the best version of myself for our team."
In his first season with the Devils, Haula finished the year with 14 goals, 27 assists, 41 points and a plus-13. But Haula played better than his numbers suggest. He was in on a lot of plays but couldn't find much puck luck.
However, the tides began turning late in the season. The 5-foot-11, 191-pound forward was arguably the hottest Devils player on the team entering the playoffs. He scored six goals and posted eight points in the final seven games of the regular season, helping New Jersey lock up home-ice advantage to open the playoffs.
He's carried that offensive production into the postseason with five points in five games.
"There was a period of time where a lot of great opportunities didn't go in. Now it seems like they're going in," Ruff said, before adding: "I'd rather see them go in now than the regular season."
While scoring is important, Haula has also been effective in many other aspects of the game. He's won 54.3 percent of his faceoffs and has been reliable defensively. He scored an empty-net goal in Game 5 while being on the ice for an empty-net goal in Game 4 - meaning that late in games and protecting critical leads the Devils have relied on Haula. He's also been a huge part of the team's resurgent penalty kill, setting up Dawson Mercer's shorthanded tally in Game 5.
And when the team has needed him, Haula has been there to deliver.