Pucks and Pitchforks
Fansided

5 New Jersey Devils Who Will Decide Their Playoff Fate

By Nick Villano

Jack Hughes #86 of the New Jersey Devils is congratulated by teammates Timo Meier #96 and Dougie Hamilton #7 after scoring during the 2nd period of the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Prudential Center on April 06, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Jack Hughes #86 of the New Jersey Devils is congratulated by teammates Timo Meier #96 and Dougie Hamilton #7 after scoring during the 2nd period of the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Prudential Center on April 06, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
New Jersey Devils
New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton (7): John Jones-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Dougie Hamilton

Dougie Hamilton has had a weird season. He’s one of the top scoring defensemen in the league, but he also frustrates Devils fans with his play in the defensive zone. He can drive the offense. His power play prowess helps the team move the puck to the right spot. Hamilton has 21 goals this season, eight of which came with the man advantage. He’s tied for the team lead in goals on the power play.

However, there’s a reason Devils fans are frustrated with Hamilton. There is more than one occasion that he was caught watching a goal get scored. He was also the trailer on a 2-on-1 against way too many times. The Devils need Hamilton to limit the mistakes. He can’t be allowing more goal than he’s contributing.

Hamilton is going to be a huge piece to the Devils come playoff time. There is no defenseman more important on this team. We could get cute and mention the contributions of Jonas Siegenthaler and Damon Severson, but it’s not realistic.

The Devils need the defense to play like it did in the first half of the year. They’ve shown it at times. If the Devils defense can suppress shots like it does at its best, then this team can beat anyone in the East.

Home/Editorials