Pucks and Pitchforks
Fansided

New Jersey Devils: Quarter Season Defensive Grades

By David Holliday

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - FEBRUARY 20: Mackenzie Blackwood #29 of the New Jersey Devils skates against the San Jose Sharks at the Prudential Center on February 20, 2020 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Sharks 2-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - FEBRUARY 20: Mackenzie Blackwood #29 of the New Jersey Devils skates against the San Jose Sharks at the Prudential Center on February 20, 2020 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Sharks 2-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 5
Next
New Jersey Devils
P.K. Subban #76 of the New Jersey Devils. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

The New Jersey Devils officially hit the quarter mark of the shortened season and are sitting with a mediocre record, but considering the last few seasons going 6-6-2 (prior to Thursday’s game), it’s really not too bad. This is an improvement over the last few years and missing key players for a good chunk of it including new captain Nico Hischier and starting star goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood makes it look even better.

For this look at the Devils, players will be graded on performance versus expectation so to clarify beforehand a 4th liner having a higher grade does not mean that they are in any way a better player than a first liner with a lower mark.

P.K. Subban

GP:14 G:1 A:5 Pts:6

P.K. Subban started off slow, shaky, and playing like last season which was not good. He has turned it around in a big way and been the solid top-four guy that the Devils needed. He is no longer a star, but not trying to do too much is massive for him and a good sign for the Devils. If he can refrain from the bad pinches and penalties, he might be able to salvage a solid back half of his career and get a few more years of hockey in when his contract is up.

Quarter season grade: C+

Home/Editorials