Pucks and Pitchforks
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5 Injuries That Could Derail New Jersey Devils Season

By Charlie Borges Jr.

NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 01: Taylor Hall #9 of the New Jersey Devils is congratulated after scoring a goal against the Winnipeg Jets during the game at Prudential Center on December 1, 2018 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Andy Marlin/NHLI via Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 01: Taylor Hall #9 of the New Jersey Devils is congratulated after scoring a goal against the Winnipeg Jets during the game at Prudential Center on December 1, 2018 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Andy Marlin/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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4. Cory Schneider/Mackenzie Blackwood

The biggest question mark for the Devils this season is goaltending. They answered the scoring depth by adding Wayne Simmonds, Nikita Gusev, and Jack Hughes. The prime top pairing defenseman they desperately needed was addressed with the P.K. Subban trade.

The tandem of Cory Schneider and Mackenzie Blackwood is seen by many as the possible new Achilles heel of the team. Schneider seemingly returned to his old self as the season continued. Blackwood showed some promise, but only for a short stint. If Schneider and Blackwood can continue what they showed at the end of last season, the Devils should have a fighting chance every night.

The part where injuries come in is depth. Eddie Lack, who stepped up when Schneider or Keith Kinkaid got hurt the past two seasons. An injury to Lack himself forced him to step away from the game possibly for good.

The depth behind him was Blackwood. Now that Blackwood is eyeing the number one job, the number three is between Evan Cormier and Gilles Senn. The Binghamton Devils brought in former Penn State goaltender Eamon McAdam for their own depth. None of the three have played in the NHL before and only Cormier has professional experience. Having Blackwood or Schneider go down would force someone up that may not be ready or have one of the two over work themselves.

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