On the need at 3C, surviving Markstrom's injury, and more

The Devils need to find a solution at center if they want three scoring lines. Plus, notes on the elite goaltending the Devils have had without Jacob Markstrom.

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A few New Jersey Devils thoughts on another off-day:

The 3C hole is glaring 🕳️

I have no problem with Sheldon Keefe moving Timo Meier down the lineup in order to balance things out and have a ‘star’ on each of the top three units. You could argue it’s the best course of action given how lifeless the bottom-6 has been this season.

Timo Meier isn’t as reliant on the team’s top centers – particularly Nico Hischier – as some would have you believe.

Meier owns a +5 goal differential and has held his head above water in shot share and chance share while playing with neither Jack Hughes or Nico Hischier. Impressive stuff.

That being said, he still needs some help. $8.8 million player or not, you’re asking a ton for Meier to get good results and produce at 5v5 while being centered by any of the team’s depth pivots.

Erik Haula hasn’t hit the scoresheet since The Stone Age, Justin Dowling – with due respect – hasn’t hit the scoresheet in his life, and Curtis Lazar has one goal this year.

There has to be some happy medium between asking Meier to drive his own line and asking him to do so without a functioning center.

I don’t know if buying high on a Jake Evans is the answer. I do, however, know Justin Dowling is not.

If the Devils wish to have three legitimate scoring lines, it’s clear they need to find a solution down the middle.

Next goalie up 🥅