New Jersey Devils Release Several Injury Updates, Including Timelines for Palat, Blackwood
The New Jersey Devils currently sit atop the Metropolitan Division with a record of 9-3-0 and a division-best +13 goal-differential. Much to the surprise of many, the Devils have looked like one of the best teams in the NHL to start their '22-23 campaign, as they have dominated their competition so far.
While the Devils' situation is looking up, they've still had a handful of injuries to start the season, which only makes their start more impressive. Goaltender Jonathan Bernier's injury last season lingered into this year and is still keeping his participation limited. Ondrej Palat suffered a serious groin injury for which he recently underwent surgery. Then, Mackenzie Blackwood, who was having a decent rebound campaign, fell to a knee injury, later diagnosed as an MCL sprain.
So far, there has been no real timeline on their injuries; the Devils have been frustratingly protective over injury details the past couple of years. Today, however, head coach Lindy Ruff gave timelines for Palat and Blackwood, as well as an update on Jonathan Bernier and the backup's role while Blackwood is out.
Team reporter Amanda Stein writes:
"Ondrej Palat, who had groin surgery a week ago, to be out 8-10 weeks per Ruff. Adds he just saw him in the gym and Palat jokingly said he would argue with that timeline.
Lindy Ruff provides update on Mackenzie Blackwood, to miss 3-6 weeks with MCL sprain to his knee.
"(Jonathan) Bernier continues to progress, but he is not ready to play right now. So, right now our second guy would be Akira (Schmid)." If you watch Bernier, this is quite clear. He's sticking to the butterfly position at practice, & you dont see too much lateral movement at the moment."
"Ondrej Palat, who had groin surgery a week ago, to be out 8-10 weeks per Ruff. Adds he just saw him in the gym and Palat jokingly said he would argue with that timeline.
Lindy Ruff provides update on Mackenzie Blackwood, to miss 3-6 weeks with MCL sprain to his knee.
"(Jonathan) Bernier continues to progress, but he is not ready to play right now. So, right now our second guy would be Akira (Schmid)." If you watch Bernier, this is quite clear. He's sticking to the butterfly position at practice, & you dont see too much lateral movement at the moment."
New Jersey is in the fortunate position of coming out of a rebuild with lots of quality prospects on cheap contracts in their system, so replacing injuries is easier for them than most. At goaltending - you might not believe it, given last year's results - the organization has admirable depth.
Behind Blackwood and Vitek Vanecek, the Devils have recently recalled Akira Schmid, who currently sports a 1.97 GAA and .918 SV% for the Utica Comets of the NHL.
The Swiss goaltender shares the crease with 21-year old Nico Daws, who suited up for the Devils on an emergency basis for 25 games last season, posting decent results given the circumstances. Beyond those two, the Devils drafted Tyler Brennan of the Prince George Cougars in the fourth-round of this year's draft. The 6'4" Manitoba product could prove promising.
Otherwise, the Devils are in a great position to start the season, and barring further injuries, this young team could be a dark horse for not just the playoffs, but the Stanley Cup. As of November 6, the Devils are first in the following advanced statistics:
- 5v5 Expected Goals-For Percentage
- 5v5 Expected Goals-For per 60 minutes
- 5v5 Expected Goals-Against per 60 minutes
- 5v5 Expected Goals-For per 60 minutes
- 5v5 Expected Goals-Against per 60 minutes
The narrative on the Devils so far this season has been 'they finally got goaltending, so now they are good.' While that is not inaccurate, it is hardly a sufficient encapsulation of this team. They are absolutely dominating opposing teams at even-strength, and they are THE best at surrendering scoring chances and THE best at creating them.
They sit 20th in team goaltending, according to the same model referenced above, so their goalies have been better. But that is not the only reason for the team's torrid start.
With their current injuries, they have still maintained a dominant start, and barring any further deductions to their lineup, there is no reason to suggest that their dominance will fizzle out.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 8 | 140 ANSWERS New Jersey Devils Release Several Injury Updates, Including Timelines for Palat, Blackwood How surprised are you by the Devils' start? | ||
| Extremely surprised | 56 | 40 % |
| Fairly surprised | 39 | 27.9 % |
| Not surprised at all | 25 | 17.9 % |
| See Results | 20 | 14.3 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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