5 changes that would ensure a successful November for New Jersey Devils

The New Jersey Devils had a fine first month of the season, playing around .500 hockey but still holding a playoff spot thanks to two overtime losses. However, with a few small changes, the Devils can become a true contender in the Metropolitan Division against a tough November schedule.

New Jersey Devils v Vancouver Canucks
New Jersey Devils v Vancouver Canucks | Derek Cain/GettyImages
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3. Even split between Allen and Markstrom

We understand why the Devils have leaned on Jacob Markstrom this season. For one, he’ll need to play a ton if the Devils make the playoffs and make a run. You’d want him to be used to playing a lot of games. However, an underrated reason is the clause that sits on the Jake Allen trade. If the Devils play Allen 40 or more games this season, the third-round pick they sent to the Montreal Canadiens last season upgrades to a third-round pick. They don’t want to end up paying two second-round picks for their backup.

However, the Devils should really split the starts this month specifically. The Devils only have two back to backs this month, both coming on weekends that are two weeks apart, but they have two four-game weeks. There’s enough downtime to argue the Devils have nothing to complain about, but after a grind of October, it makes sense to be smart with Markstrom.

Allen also needs to stay sharp, as the Devils don’t want a drop off in play when he’s in net. Allen showed on Monday he could handle a long layoff, playing insanely well against the Oilers despite having 10 days off, but that’s not how goalies want to work. Give Allen half of the starts for the rest of the month, and he’d still be way far away from the 40-games number.

Schedule