New Jersey Devils Week Two Grades After Adding Four More Points

First Line

Subban-Murray

P.K. Subban for the first two games felt like he had no hockey IQ, taking bad penalties pinching when it was the wrong choice and managed to be on for almost every goal. In game three he settled down but overall his play needs to be taken up t a way higher level. He does however continue to play the most minutes on this team. For Murray, he has been quiet but this is pretty much what we need from him and with a risk taker like Subban. He just needs to be strong defensively. So far this has been a great pick up.

Week Two grade: Subban D : Murray B

Second Line

Kulikov-Severson

This pair once again was quietly good and Dmitry Kulikov has brought more of a physical presence than expected. Their chemistry still is fantastic and while it would be nice to see a few points from Damon Severson, having him shut down the other team is more important. For the expectations these two have been fantastic and this will carry the Devils out of the basement having such a solid, reliable, consistent pairing.

Week Two grade: Kulikov A : Severson B

Defense Three

Smith-Tennyson

Matt Tennyson has been a big bonus for us this year much like Ty Smith. He looks beyond confident out on the ice and is laying out the body like way more players in red this season. He is showing each game why and how he beat out Butcher for the spot and should remain in this spot.

Ty Smith has been an absolute star in the making and there is no other way to put it. Six points in five games while not being a defensive liability speaks wonders and he doesn’t even back down from other players who try to muck it up in the crease. Right now he has to be the leader for the Calder and if he keeps this up it will go a long way to the Devils building a defense that is not just good but great.

Week Two grade: Smith A : Tennyson B

Goaltending

Mackenzie Blackwood was solid again, especially 5v5 where he held the Rangers to one goal. This is a super positive look for the Devils who if they can stay out of the box should win a lot more games than predicted. Unfortunately, the Devils star is out due to COVID-19 protocols, so we wish him the best in staying or getting healthy and getting back into the lineup soon.

Scott Wedgewood stepped in for Blackwood in the second and third games, playing good in game two despite the sub .900 save percentage and in game three pulled off a big shut out to keep the team on pace and in a winning mind set. Having a backup that can win games and that the team has faith in is huge and even the way they played in front of him showed that they know he can do just that. With this one two punch in net the Devils could surprise some teams this season and even get themselves out of the basement of the leagues standings.

Week Two grade: Blackwood A : Wedgewood A-