Pucks and Pitchforks
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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) /
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New Jersey Devils left wing Ondrej Palat (18): Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Ondrej Palat

Ondrej Palat came to the Devils to bring playoff experience to a young roster. He’s been to three straight Stanley Cup Finals, winning two with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Palat’s regular season contributions didn’t really matter as long as the Devils were playing well.

That’s good since he only scored 22 points this season. He’s behind Ryan Graves, Miles Wood and Michael McLeod (who hasn’t had a goal since January 4th) in points. Yes, Palat injured his groin and was out for months, but the Devils still expected more than 22 points in 46 games.

So, Palat has to play his best game of the season when it matters the most. He’s done that over and over again. Just last season, Palat scored 11 goals in the playoffs. He scored every single one at even strength. Despite playing with Steven Stamkos, Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov, he was the one scoring clutch goals.

Next. Breaking Down Devils-Rangers Matchup Position By Position. dark

Palat isn’t as important as Hischier, Hughes, and some would say Timo Meier or Jesper Bratt, but he’s the one who would tell this team how to win when things get hard. The Devils need that. Palat plays an incredible role that goes beyond star power.

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