New Jersey Devils notes: On Daws' success, the Devils' struggles, and Holtz being given an unfair shake

Daws is giving the Devils great goaltending. Unfortunately, they need it far too often. Plus, thoughts on why Holtz is undeservedly drawing the short straw.

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A few New Jersey Devils notes following a shutout loss in Boston:

Nico Daws is answering the bell

The 23-year-old has been nothing short of spectacular this season, albeit over a small sample size.

He posted a .929 save percentage with Utica while facing just under 33 shots per game after returning from injury. Given the Devils’ goaltending woes, that successful three-game stint was enough for the team to give him a shot at the highest level.

He has answered the bell, recording a .922 save percentage through five games. Save for a tough night against the Canucks – in a game the Devils gave him absolutely zero support defensively – he has held opponents to three goals or fewer in each game.

Daws has gotten the job done against quality competition as well. Daws just stopped 36 of 37 shots against the Panthers and followed it up by closing the door on 33 of 35 vs. the Bruins.

He legitimately neutered the offenses of the top two seeds in the Eastern Conference in back-to-back starts. That’s no small feat.

Just ask Vitek Vanecek, who has only posted a save percentage above .900 in one of nine appearances against teams holding down playoff spots.

Daws is stopping pucks at a very high rate against stiff competition. Although his numbers are bound to regress at some point – something tells me Daws won’t lead the NHL in high-danger save percentage over a larger body of work – he very clearly looks like the best option the Devils have in goal right now.

If I’m Lindy Ruff, I am starting Daws again on Wednesday against Montreal, giving him the night off Friday in Columbus, and going right back to Daws against the Stars on Saturday.

A double-edged sword