Ondrej Palat – Grade: B-
Consistency was a theme for New Jersey, and in Ondrej Palat’s first year in New Jersey, he was consistently thrown all over the lineup. As a result, Palat never really developed chemistry at any point with any players on the team.
"This is why you go out and get Ondrej Palat... He's a monster in the playoffs, he's a monster in Game 7s..."@BriBrows22 | @JamieHersch | @shelleyhawk45 | @NJDevils | #NHLTonight pic.twitter.com/yoI59Lettx
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) May 2, 2023
Palat’s big contract, coupled with his age, made him an easy target for the rage of Devils fans. Palat never scored the big goals as many expected, but at least he contributed out there. His three goals came on: an empty net, a deflection, and a power-play in a rout. While at least he showed some scoring effort, and his insane play in Game 7 of the Rangers series put the Devils in front for good, one would expect more.
But Palat’s hard work on the penalty kill – which he rarely plays – sparked the Devils Game 7 win over New York. Say what you will, but you cannot teach effort or heart.