While there is no doubt that the New Jersey Devils need help at forward, it would be untrue to say that is New Jersey's only weak spot.
The Devils are obviously set in goal with Cory Schneider, as well as with their top defense pairing of Andy Greene and Adam Larsson, who combined for 33 points and a plus-eight rating after the firing of former coach Peter DeBoer.
But how the rest of the defense pairings will pan out is unclear. This is, of course, not to say that the Devils do not have talent and potential on the blue line.
Damon Severson, 20, started the season as Greene's partner on the Devils' top pairing and ended the season with 17 points in 51 games. After returning from an ankle injury that sidelined him for two and a half months, Severson struggled to get back into the flow of the game. In his 19 games after returning to the starting lineup, he had a minus-nine rating.
After Severson returned from his injury, his partner was usually Jon Merrill, 23. Merrill is a decent puck-moving defenseman and impressed during his rookie season, but subpar defensive play doomed him to a sophom ...
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Article written by Adam Braun
New Jersey Devils’ Biggest Need May Be Forwards, but There Is Defensive Need Too
May 14th, 2015 by Adam Braun Leave a reply »
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