Pucks and Pitchforks
Fansided

Grading Each New Jersey Devils Players’ Playoff Performances

By Jonathan Bailey

New Jersey Devils celebrate their win over the New York Rangers in game seven of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
New Jersey Devils celebrate their win over the New York Rangers in game seven of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
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New Jersey Devils
Curtis Lazar #42 of the New Jersey Devils. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Curtis Lazar – Grade: C+

Curtis Lazar never quite got both feet on the ground in New Jersey and, given the circumstances, played well for the most part. The nomadic forward played a bit of wing and center and did OK in those roles. He spent most of his time on the fourth line, looking to bring energy to the Devils lineup.

Lazar’s first goal as a Devil – the ice-breaker in the Game 6 loss to New York – ultimately went to waste. Goals are a rarity for Lazar, who has only scored more than six goals once (Eight in 2021-22 with Boston).

https://twitter.com/BR_OpenIce/status/1652471235421556736?s=20

We would have liked to see Lazar play more of a role like he did in Game 5 against Carolina. He is an adept defender for a forward, is deceptively quick in short areas, and is able to take and dish out punishment along the boards. Since we still have him under contract going forward, I would like to see more from him as he gets further acclimated to New Jersey over the summer.

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