Grading Each New Jersey Devils Players’ Playoff Performances

Nathan Bastian – Grade: C-

Michael McLeod was one Devil who shocked many by taking his game to a new level, but in doing so left his buddy and frequent linemate Nate Bastian in the dust. The former Super Buddies did not have the chemistry we saw during the regular season.

Bastian was by no means ‘bad’ in the postseason, but overall, the hulking 6’4″ winger did not contribute an awful lot either. Bastian is a reliable penalty killer, which did come to play as the Devils finally shut down the Rangers lethal power play toward the end of the series.

He scored a random but ultimately meaningless highlight-reel goal against Carolina in Game 1. His skating ability really holds him back from being more effective. Bastian lumbering around the ice is not really conducive to having success against a faster and harder-working Hurricanes team, and their moving the puck at speed gave him fits on the penalty kill.

Bastian can play roles and is versatile, but his fit in New Jersey going forward is still a question mark. In the past, he was once considered an integral part of the core moving forward. Now, it’s not that sure. Bastian is a restricted free agent, so we’ll see what happens with him this offseason.