Pucks and Pitchforks
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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
Dougie Hamilton #7 of the New Jersey Devils. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images) /

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.

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.

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