New Jersey Devils Mid-Term Report Card

Offense

Dec 4, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New Jersey Devils center Adam Henrique (14) celebrates his goal in the third period as left wing Mike Cammalleri (23) and right wing Michael Ryder (17) follow against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. The Devils beat the Maple Leafs 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

The New Jersey Devils’ offense began the 2014-15 season on a tear, scoring 13 goals in their first three games en route to a 3-0-0 start. But ever since, the Devils’ offense has been one of the worst in the National Hockey League.

New Jersey is 27th in the NHL in goals per game at 2.23, finding the back of the net a mere 105 times in 47 games.

The Devils only have two players with double-digit goal totals, Mike Cammalleri (15) and Adam Henrique (10). Steve Bernier, who is supposed to be no more than a fourth line forward, has six goals, equaling the total of both Patrik Elias and Michael Ryder, despite playing in fewer games than the duo.

Three Devils’ defensemen – Marek Zidlicky (4), Eric Gelinas (4), and Damon Severson (4 – who hasn’t played in a month due to injury, mind you) – have more goals than Dainius Zubrus (2).

Injuries – and illness – of key players have no doubt hurt the team as a whole, as Cammalleri, Henrique, Elias, Travis Zajac, and Martin Havlat all have missed at least seven games due to some sort of ailment. Ryane Clowe hasn’t played since mid-November due to a head injury after appearing in just 13 games.

New Jersey may have scored five goals in a game twice over their last three contests, but that is not good enough to erase the offensive woes that have plagued this team for nearly the entire season.

Mid-Term Grade: D

Next: New Jersey Devils' Defense