Dougie Hamilton – Grade: D-
Dougie Hamilton enjoyed some unprecedented success in his second season in New Jersey, which saw the veteran blueliner post career-highs in goals, assists, points, power-play goals, power-play points, shots, and game-winning goals. Despite this, Hamilton’s magic touch seemed to vanish in the playoffs.
The ex-Carolina Hurricane stalwart’s searing run came to a screeching halt come playoff time, contributing just one goal in 12 games after bagging 22 during the regular season. Hamilton had only two points at even-strength in the playoffs, including his goal.
OT HERO DOUGIE HAMILTON ‼️ pic.twitter.com/ekJJSQb91g
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 23, 2023
Like Tatar, Hamilton’s goal was pivotal – he scored the overtime game-winning goal in Game 3 against New York to effectively keep the Devils alive in any capacity. Also, like Tatar, the rest of Hamilton’s game left a lot to be desired, especially away from the puck, and especially for the reputation he established during the regular season. Finishing with a whopping -11 rating in 12 games won’t be good enough to preserve the luster of Hamilton’s season-saver in Game 3.