Last week, I took a quick, high-level look at the off-season moves made by each of the three New York Metropolitan area and division teams. This week, we focus on one or two weaknesses or areas of need for each squad. The columns will again be alphabetically ordered, so this first article in the series covers the Devils.
Now, let’s see, what could possibly be New Jersey’s Achilles’ heel? I will cover that aspect, which is fairly well-known. But to make the column a smidge more exciting and a little off the beaten path, I will focus on another possible area that might be of concern down the road.
-
Ep 69: NHL Preseason, Rumors, Mike Babcock Saga
by Full Press Coverage on September 24, 2023 at 4:07 am
Jim and Chris are back to discuss the beginning of the NHL preseason, the […]
The Capitals completely remade their goaltending room last offseason, dealing Vitek Vanecek to the Devils and not qualifying Ilya Samsonov. Washington’s loss was New Jersey’s gain as Vanecek finished the regular season with a 33-11-4 record, 2.45 goals-against average (GAA), and .911 save percentage through 52 outings. The goals-against and save percentage were not elite but Vanecek stabilized the net for the Devils with MacKenzie Blackwood, now in San Jose, still struggling.
When the lights got brighter for the postseason, Vanecek saw his performance crater. He was bombed the first two games versus the Rangers and landed on the bench, replaced by Akita Schmid, who propelled New Jersey to a series win. Given a second chance against Carolina during that series, Vanecek won Game 3 despite allowing four goals but was chased in Game 4 and sat for Game 5. He posted a 4.64 GAA and an .825 save percentage in seven playoff contests with his GAA 25th among 28 goalies in the postseason.
Schmid showed little in his six appearances in 2021-22 to perpetuate the view he might be the team’s goalie of the future. All that changed last season, as he went 9-5-2 with a 2.13 GAA and .919 save percentage. Schmid followed that up by saving the team’s bacon versus the Rangers before turning back into a pumpkin to a certain extent in the series loss to the Hurricanes. He struggled in Games 1-2 but was solid in relief in Game 4 and in the Game 5 loss.
New Jersey may very well see whether Vanecek or Schmid could be the man between the pipes. But where there is smoke, there’s fire. The rumors and whispers of the Devils potentially exploring the goalie market centered on Connor Hellebuyck can’t all be just pure speculation. In addition, many feel the team is that one piece away from truly contending for a Stanley Cup. Helly will be a free agent after the season and is playing for a Jets team that in all likelihood, will be on the outside looking in on the playoffs. Plus, as seen by the Pierrre-Luc Dubois deal, Winnipeg is a team in transition building for the future. The Devils have lots of young assets they could deal to acquire that puzzle piece to push them to the next level.
Around Full Press Hockey
NHL Rumors: NHL Rumors: Carolina Hurricanes, Anaheim Ducks, Arizona Coyotes
NHL: Alexander Mogilny Deserves To Be In The Hockey Hall of Fame
NHL Draft: 2023 NHL Draft: Every First-Round Selection
Full Press Hockey Weekly: Ep 67: Karlsson Trade, Matt Dumba Signs, NHL News and Notes
PODCAST: Ep 64: Hockey Hall Of Fame, Free Agency, and More
WANT MORE PODCASTS? Check Out Some Of The Latest From Around The FPC Network
Goaltending is the obvious possible weakness, depending on your view on the incumbents between the pipes. Less obvious is the need for additional grit and physical play. New Jersey is a skilled team that got more skilled with the acquisition of Tyler Toffoli and the expected full-time role for Luke Hughes, Michael McLeod and Nathan Bastian certainly bring a physical play to the equation, but the top nine is better known for skill, and not snarl, though Timo Meier certainly is willing to dish out hit and bring some snarl.
New Jersey moved on from Miles Wood up front and both Damon Severson and Ryan Graves on the blue line. Wood brought a physical presence, though was out of position at times due to his desire to be physical. Severson and Graves were replaced by Colin Miller, who dishes out hits and blocked shots, and Luke Hughes, the latter bringing an upgrade in skill. In addition, Kevin Bahl should be a full-time starter, and he will help somewhat in the physical regard. Overall, the team is much more talented overall, which is great in the regular season and could play in the postseason, but the lack of grit/bite could hamper the team if they progress in the playoffs.
If the Devils do look to remediate this area during the season, third-line right wing might be the target. Alexander Holtz will get every chance to show he belongs. If he doesn’t grab the spot, then the Devils will need to find a replacement, which could be Tyce Thompson or Graeme Clarke. In addition, the team could look to find a physical winger in the trade market who can chip in offensively and dish out punishment when needed to help balance the lineup. This will be especially important for the postseason.
-
Ep 69: NHL Preseason, Rumors, Mike Babcock Saga
by Full Press Coverage on September 24, 2023 at 4:07 am
Jim and Chris are back to discuss the beginning of the NHL preseason, the […]
-
Ep 68: Auston Matthews Extension, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Much More
by Full Press Coverage on September 1, 2023 at 2:23 am
Jim and Chris are back to chat about the Auston Matthews extension, the […]
-
Ep 67: Karlsson Trade, Matt Dumba Signs, NHL News and Notes
by Full Press Coverage on August 11, 2023 at 2:21 am
Jim and Chris discuss the big Erik Karlsson trade to Pittsburgh, the Matt […]
-
Around the NHL: What is Going in Tampa and Toronto As Training Camps Begin
by Full Press Coverage on September 24, 2023 at 12:00 pm
Jim Biringer is back once again joined by Vox Media NHL Analyst Bruce […]
-
Around the NHL: Mike Babcock Resigns as Head Coach In Columbus
by Full Press Coverage on September 19, 2023 at 1:48 pm
Jim Biringer is back once again joined by Vox Media NHL Analyst Bruce […]
-
Around the NHL: From Columbus to Montreal To Calgary To Atlanta
by Full Press Coverage on September 16, 2023 at 12:00 pm
Jim Biringer is back once again joined by Vox Media NHL Analyst Bruce […]
-
Ep 86: David Krejci Announces Retirement
by Full Press Coverage on August 14, 2023 at 10:28 pm
Ian and Chris react to David Krejci's retirement. Learn more about your ad […]
-
Ep 85: Offseason Reset: Lucic, Bergeron, Krejci, and More
by Full Press Coverage on July 23, 2023 at 2:10 pm
Ian and Chris discuss the changes the Bruins have seen over the last few […]
-
S5Ep3 - Mike Babcock Out in Columbus and Steven Stamkos Drops The Hammer in Tampa
by Jim Biringer on September 22, 2023 at 2:00 pm
Jim Biringer is back for the fifth season of the Final Word on Hockey […]
-
S5Ep2 - What Carey Price Meant to the Montreal Canadiens
by Jim Biringer on September 19, 2023 at 1:00 pm
Jim Biringer is back for the fifth season of the Final Word on Hockey […]
-
St. Louis Blues Preview
by Broken Controller Media on September 26, 2023 at 3:00 pm
Hunter Logan Previews The St. Louis Blues Stack the Pucks gives a […]
-
Nashville Predators Preview
by Broken Controller Media on September 25, 2023 at 3:30 pm
Hunter Logan Previews the Nashville Predators Stack the Pucks gives a […]
-
Minnesota Wild Preview
by Broken Controller Media on September 22, 2023 at 4:10 pm
Hunter Logan Previews The Minnesota Wild Stack the Pucks gives a […]
-
Episode #144: 22-23 AHL Awards Show
by Full Press Coverage on July 14, 2023 at 10:00 pm
The 2022-23 AHL season has come to a close, and what better way to […]
-
Episode #143: Dessert > Desert
by Full Press Coverage on June 24, 2023 at 5:54 pm
On this episode of The Calder Farmstead, Sean and Sarah wrap up the […]
-
Full Press Wild - 9-27 - Recapping the Wild’s preseason loss to Dallas.
by Full Press Coverage on September 27, 2023 at 2:00 pm
Preseason, Stars, Wild Learn more about your ad choices. Visit […]
-
Renegades Of Puck Ep 797
by Charlie Saunier on September 27, 2023 at 5:01 am
Renegades Of Puck Ep 797 The Renegades Of Puck Recap Last Season, […]
-
Full Press Kraken - 9-26 - Preseason games, numbers, notes.
by Full Press Coverage on September 26, 2023 at 10:15 pm
Reviewing the split squad games and numbers Learn more about your ad […]
-
Full Press Blackhawks - 9-26 - Connor Bedard & Lucas Reichel stealing the show in training camp
by Full Press Coverage on September 26, 2023 at 3:30 pm
Blackhawks’ front office changing up and takeaways from Blackhawks’ […]
-
Full Press Hurricanes - 9-26 - Hockey is Finally Back!!!!
by Full Press Coverage on September 26, 2023 at 2:00 pm
The preseason for the Carolina Hurricanes begins today which means hockey […]
-
ROP Special Commentary: Independence Day
by Charlie Saunier on September 26, 2023 at 5:01 am
ROP Special Commentary: Independence Day Learn more about your ad choices. […]
-
9/26 - Eagles/Bengals Win On MNF, Mac Jones, and Much More
by Full Press Coverage on September 26, 2023 at 2:04 pm
Ian and John discuss the Eagles and Bengals wins on Monday Night Football, […]
-
9/25 - Week 3 Reactions, Dolphins Hang 70, Biggest Disappointments
by Full Press Coverage on September 25, 2023 at 1:46 pm
Ian and John react to a fascinating Week 3 in the NFL and talk about some […]
-
9/22 - 49ers Move To 3-0, Week 2 Picks and Predictions
by Full Press Coverage on September 22, 2023 at 1:58 pm
Ian and John discuss the 49ers win over the Giants on Thursday Night […]
-
9/21 - Thursday Night Football Preview; NFL MVP Talk
by Full Press Coverage on September 21, 2023 at 2:15 pm
Ian and John preview Thursday Night Football between the Giants and 49ers […]
-
Ep 307: FAAB Talk and Taylor Swift
by Full Press Coverage on September 27, 2023 at 1:55 am
In this episode, Kyle Senra and Brad Harvin have a FAAB talk. They discuss […]
-
EP 136: Week 3 Studs and Duds
by Full Press Coverage on September 26, 2023 at 7:01 pm
Ian and Braden give their studs and duds for Week 3 in the NFL. Learn more […]
-
9/26 - Eagles/Bengals Win On MNF, Mac Jones, and Much More
by Full Press Coverage on September 26, 2023 at 2:04 pm
Ian and John discuss the Eagles and Bengals wins on Monday Night Football, […]
-
Ep 185: Week 4 Preview vs Lions
by Full Press Coverage on September 26, 2023 at 12:36 am
A solo Senra show. For this episode, Kyle Senra previews the upcoming […]
-
9/25 - Week 3 Reactions, Dolphins Hang 70, Biggest Disappointments
by Full Press Coverage on September 25, 2023 at 1:46 pm
Ian and John react to a fascinating Week 3 in the NFL and talk about some […]
-
Ep 184: Week 3 Instant Reaction
by Full Press Coverage on September 25, 2023 at 12:47 am
The Green Bay Packers were in another 1-point game, this time a 18-17 win […]
-
Ep 135: 49ers Move To 3-0, NFC South Buy or Sell, Week 3 Picks/Predictions
by Full Press Coverage on September 24, 2023 at 3:13 pm
Ian and Braden discuss the 49ers win on Thursday Night Football, the […]
-
Ep 171: Discussing The Career Of George Kunz With Son Matt
by Full Press Coverage on September 23, 2023 at 2:30 pm
Clark and Ira are joined by Matt Kunz, son of former Colts lineman George […]
Comments 2