5 Players Who Brought New Jersey Devils To First Place

4. Miles Wood

The BMW line has been a bullet every single game. One of Nathan Bastian, Michael McLeod, and Miles Wood has scored in each of the past four games. They have done exactly what a good fourth line is supposed to do. The trio takes most of their faceoffs in the defensive zone, but they still have more high-danger chances than they’ve given up in 55 minutes together at 5v5.

Then, you look at the numbers when Wood is without Bastian and McLeod. His numbers are even better. Wood without Bastian and McLeod has been on the ice for 23 high-danger chances and only nine against.

Wood is tied for the team lead with five goals. He also leads the team in penalty minutes (by a lot) with 27. Sure, that’s not ideal, but the Devils needed an edge coming into the season. They made moves for other players to help their mentality and reputation, but the biggest addition was the return of Miles Wood. He returned from his hip injury with the same speed and a much better touch. He can actually finish on his breakaway chances, and he’s also scoring with sustained offensive zone time.

Wood is on a contract year, and if the Devils can’t afford him, someone will pay him a massive price this offseason. For now, enjoy the ride that is Miles Wood.