New Jersey Devils End Of Season Grades Part Two

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 24: Ty Smith #24 of the New Jersey Devils skates against the New York Islanders at the Prudential Center on January 24, 2021 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 24: Ty Smith #24 of the New Jersey Devils skates against the New York Islanders at the Prudential Center on January 24, 2021 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
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New Jersey Devils
New Jersey Devils goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood (29): (Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports)

Mackenzie Blackwood

GP:35 Wins:14 Losses:17 Overtime losses:4

GAA: 3.04 Sv%: .902

Mackenzie Blackwood is one of the best young goalies in the NHL and his hot start to the season was so good he could have had himself in the conversation as a top 10 goalie in the league but unfortunately after the Devils stoppage that all changed. His play fell off as did all of his stats and normally easy saves were floating on by him. Moving forward fans shouldn’t be too worried as it was an odd season so expect him back to form next season. As for this one, however, it was clearly a disappointing one for him but one that he will get over.

Final season grade: C+

Scott Wedgewood

GP:16 Wins:3 Losses:8 Overtime losses:3

GAA: 3.11 Sv%: .900

While not expected to play much at the start with Cory Crawford in the fold Wedgewood was thrust into a rather prominent role starting 15 times and playing in 16 games. Much like Blackwood he started hot and cooled off later and there was actually a time he was the best Devils goaltender by all numbers which was something no one would have predicted. The Devils will be needing more from all goalies next year, including the backup, and it is hard to tell if Wedgewood could provide what they need in a .910 save percentage over 25+ games for the team. Overall expectations were not overall high but they still needed more.

Final season grade: C

Aaron Dell

GP:7 Wins:1 Losses:5 Overtime losses:0

GAA: 4.14 Sv%: .857

Dell managed to get in 7 games and was given 5 starts this season to help with the goaltending hole left and unfortunately it never really worked out. Getting points in one game is just simply not good and averaging above 4 against a game is going to net those results almost every time. Other than that there is not much to say on Dell other than his equipment and pad design is a hall of fame worthy and hopefully someone else goes with such an incredible design one day.

Final season grade: F