New Jersey Devils Preview 2021
Since going to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2012, our New Jersey Devils preview 2021 - 22 finds they’ve returned to the playoffs just once. That was in 2019 when New Jersey made a first-round exit, as Tampa Bay took them down four games to one. Last season, the Devils finished seventh in the East with a 19-30-7 record (45 points). This season, head coach Lindy Ruff, who became the 19th New Jersey helmsman in June 2020, will to get this team to play back to the postseason. That won’t be easy.
Devils - Key Skaters
Veteran defenseman Dougie Hamilton, who’s a 30-plus assist man, comes to the Devils from Carolina. Our New Jersey Devils preview 2021 - 22 notes that the addition of Hamilton should benefit goal scorers like centers Dawson Mercer and Nico Hischier and wings Jesper Bratt and Andreas Johnsson. Also, center Paval Zacha, who returns for his seventh NHL season, all with the Devils, can score, dish off assists, and pop the puck in the net on the power play. Defenseman Ryan Graves, an addition who comes to NJ from Colorado, is a premium defender.
New Jersey Devils Preview 2021 – Goaltending
Fourth year goalie Mackenzie Blackwood will once again be in net for the Devils. His backup will be former Red Wings veteran goalie Jonathan Bernier. Blackwood, who at this point has not been vaccinated against COVID, has a career record of 46-40-12. His three-year GAA is 2.80 and save percentage comes in at .911. Bernier, who’s playing for his sixth team in 14 years, brings a 161-159-39 record, 2.76 GAA, and .913 SV%. This is a tandem that could go either way.
New Jersey Devils Preview 2021 – Final Word
The reality is Hamilton is one player, and a very good one at that, but there’s just so much he can do. Our New Jersey Devils preview 2021 - 22 finds that the young frontmen offer talent and promise. However, the Devils will have a tough time getting to the next level this season unless some of those frontmen can enjoy breakthrough seasons and the netminders can offer consistent play.
NHL Metropolitan Division - New Jersey Devils Projection 2021
Finish: 6th
No Playoff Appearance