The New Jersey Devils 2011–12 season was the 38th season for the National Hockey League franchise that was established on June 11, 1974, and 30th season since the franchise relocated to New Jersey to start the 1982–83 NHL season. The Devils hoped to return to the playoffs after having their long playoff streak snapped the previous year. While finishing fourth in the strong Atlantic division, they did rank sixth in the Eastern Conference, thus securing a playoff berth, and first round match-up against the Southeast division-winning Florida Panthers.