Pucks and Pitchforks
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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) /
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New Jersey Devils
New Jersey Devils defenseman Ryan Murray (22) : (Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports) /

Ryan Murray

GP:11 G:0 A:2 Pts:2

He has been quiet this year, but if this isn’t exactly what the Devils needed who knows what is. The flashy offensive defensemen get a lot of the glory on the scoresheet, but having shut down guys wins games and wins in the playoffs. He is what was advertised and what was needed, so if he stays healthy this is still an amazing pick up and even if he needs to rest in a back to back it is not the end of the world

Quarter season grade: B

Dmitry Kulikov

GP:13 G:0 A:1 Pts:1

Much like Murray, Dmitry Kulikov is what the Devils needed in the middle of their defense core. Strong and defensive by nature, his punishing hits have really stood out so far. Having an entire defense core that doesn’t get run over makes a world of difference. Before playing in the black and red, this wasn’t something that came with his reputation, so it was a pleasant surprise. He is someone the Devils should definitely consider extending after this season if he continues to play as he has. Kulikov was really good to start and has seen very few struggles as of late, but he’s been well worth the price the Devils are paying for him.

Quarter season grade: A

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