The New Jersey Devils have serious problems

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The New Jersey Devils have problems. Serious problems.

They have won just twice over the last 10 games and have posted no shortage of alarming statistics in that time.

Only the Buffalo Sabres (31) have conceded more 5v5 goals than the Devils (30) during this disastrous spell. The former is expected to contend for the 1st overall pick and have used Dustin Tokarski, Aaron Dell, and Malcolm Subban in goal. Suffice to say, keeping company with them is concerning.

We’re just scratching the surface of the problems, though. The Devils have defended very poorly. They sit 25th in xGA over the last 10, allowing 2.57 per 60. Last year’s team allowed 2.58 per 60.

So, essentially, this version of the Devils – with a healthier forward crop and newcomers Dougie Hamilton and Ryan Graves on defense – is defending no better right now than last year’s Devils. Again, very concerning.

You know what would help the Devils mask some the team’s issues defensively – and in goal – of late? Power play success. Unfortunately, hell has a better chance of freezing over.

New Jersey has scored two power play goals over the last 10 games. No team has scored fewer in that time, which is problematic in its own right. When you consider the Devils have allowed two shorties in that time…woof.

Could the tone be a little different today had the Devils *not* hit the post a couple of times and squeezed out a win last night? Possibly, but that’s a Seth Rogen in This Is The End type of patchwork fix.