Devils' Goaltending Taking Shape & Playoff Push A Priority
Plus, a look at the Devils' all-time best defensemen and why their defense corps has been lackluster this season.
Welcome to the THW New Jersey Devils Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our Devils writers.
In today’s edition, we feature a piece on the Devils’ best defensemen of all-time, a recap of their embarrassing loss against the Coyotes, an article about their defensive woes in 2023-24, a piece on why they should continue their playoff push, and two takes on their current goaltending situation.
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Now on to the good stuff….
Devils’ 5 Best Defensemen of All-Time
March 19, 2024 by Pasi Tuominen
Defensemen played a huge role in the New Jersey Devils’ first three Stanley Cup wins. The most legendary Devils blueliners are from that era (1995–2003) but many others have played their way into fans’ hearts.
Devils Continue Disappointing Efforts in Loss to Coyotes
March 18, 2024 by Erica Rosenbaum
The New Jersey Devils continued their Western Conference road trip with a stop at Mullet Arena to take on the Arizona Coyotes on Saturday. The teams met for the second and final time this season. Arizona walked away with the two points by winning 4-3 in the shootout. The battle against Arizona would kick off a back-to-back that would be crucial in New Jersey’s minimal playoff push.
Devils’ Defense Has Been a Horror Story This Season
March 16, 2024 by Jordan Slompo
In a decisive month like March, the New Jersey Devils need more than ever to secure victories and points if they still want to advance to the postseason. However, in seven games this month, the team has only won two of them. It is still early to say whether changes in the team, such as Vitek Vanecek’s departure, the arrival of other goalkeepers, and Travis Green’s strategy as interim head coach, will have the desired effect on the standings and style of play, or if all of this was in vain for 2023-24.
Devils Should Push for the Playoffs, Not Worry About the Draft
March 16, 2024 by Josh Reinitz
This season’s New Jersey Devils have found a way to disappoint every time a glimmer of hope emerges. The latest glimmer was a stunning 6-2 takedown of the Dallas Stars, in which the Devils played their most complete game of the season. In addition, goaltender Jake Allen overcame two early goals to shut out the powerful Stars, making several highlight-reel saves in his first start in New Jersey. Allen’s performance permeated the locker room and seemed to imbue confidence in his teammates as they roared back twice from early deficits, tallying five unanswered goals.
Tom Fitzgerald’s Plan for Fixing Devils’ Goaltending Taking Shape
March 15, 2024 by Josh Reinitz
Another promising New Jersey Devils season was derailed by indecision, injuries, and an inability to stop pucks. Almost everything that could go wrong over the first 53 games did, yet they emerged from the Stadium Series win over the Philadelphia Flyers within striking distance. Despite a favorable schedule and a nearly fully healthy lineup, the Devils responded by going 3-7 in the subsequent ten games, ending head coach Lindy Ruff’s tenure and extinguishing any hopes at a late run to the playoffs.
Devils Should Shift Thinking on Newly Acquired Goaltenders
March 15, 2024 by Daniel Amoia
The New Jersey Devils’ goaltending situation has been a catastrophe, with their .892 save percentage (SV%) ranking second-worst in the league. In the final hours leading up to the trade deadline, they dealt a struggling Vitek Vanecek to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for pending unrestricted free agent (UFA), Kaapo Kahkonen. They also acquired 33-year-old Jake Allen from the Montreal Canadiens, who has one additional year left on his deal.
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