Three things the New Jersey Devils should do down the stretch
From Simon Nemec's usage to Dawson Mercer's deployment, these changes could be beneficial.
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The New Jersey Devils are all but officially eliminated from playoff contention.
They’ll no doubt keep pushing to win games until they’re out but it’s clear the organization should be operating with an eye towards the future.
With that in mind, here are a few things I’d like to see from the team down the stretch:
Play Nemec into the ground
Simon Nemec’s defensive warts are well documented but he brings a lot to the table offensively.
Despite playing in only 43 games, the Devils have scored more 5v5 goals with him on the ice than any other player.
He ranks 34th among blueliners in 5v5 goals per 60, ahead of names like Rasmus Dahlin, Evan Bouchard, and Mikhail Sergachev.
Nemec also slots 71st in points per 60, directly behind Thomas Chabot and Luke Hughes. He is a weapon.
While no defender on the Devils has done a worse job of keeping the puck out, he still slots 2nd among the team’s blueliners in goal share.
Nemec only trails Dougie Hamilton, who may be shipped out in the coming weeks (or months).
Nemec ranks 5th among Devils blueliners in average time on ice. Considering the season is lost – and the Devils invested a 2nd overall pick into Nemec – they might as well turn him completely loose and really see what they have.
He tends to play better when he has more on his plate, and his play at the Olympics is another example of that.
