Forward Line Predictions When New Jersey Devils Return To Play

Line 4: Wood-McLeod-Bastian

In terms of time on ice, the Miles Wood, Michael McLeod, Nathan Bastian line could be closer to a second line when the Devils return. They were literally unstoppable. McLeod is playing the kind of hockey that made the Devils happy to make him their 1st-round pick. He has four points in the past four games including two goals in the last game before the pause. After going two seasons without scoring an NHL goal, he already has three this season.

Wood has been the biggest surprise on the Devils this season. He leads the Devils in goals (5) and points (8). He’s the change of pace forward the Devils hoped he’d be when they signed him to a four-year contract. Wood is the perfect fit in the Lindy Ruff system. He’s playing with irrational confidence while also avoiding unnecessary penalties. He’s taken one minor penalty since the first game of the season.

Bastian has been good as well and brings a size element to the lineup the Devils have been missing since Pat Maroon and Brian Boyle left. He can score and put someone on their butt. Usually, when someone says the team needs to add someone for “size”, it usually comes with a perceived lack of skill. That’s not the case with Bastian.

This line has been great. There’s no need to do anything with them. Just ride the lightning and hope they provide necessary secondary scoring to Hughes’ and Hischier’s lines.