The Devils facing consequences in the absence of Dougie Hamilton.
The current season for the New Jersey Devils has been tumultuous, marked by the dismissal of head coach Lindy Ruff on March 4th. Despite the necessity of this action, the team has faced numerous challenges resulting in only 30 wins out of 61 games. Issues such as goaltending, execution, and injuries have plagued the team, and the absence of Dougie Hamilton due to a torn pectoral muscle in November exacerbated the situation.
The Devils’ power play, in particular, has struggled without Hamilton. Initially, with Hamilton on the second unit and Luke Hughes on the top unit, the power play was effective, benefiting from Hughes’ speed and playmaking abilities. However, after Hamilton’s injury, opposing teams targeted Hughes’ vulnerability under pressure, leading to turnovers and shorthanded opportunities against the Devils. Consequently, the power play success rate dropped significantly to 13.4%.
Hamilton’s absence has also been felt in terms of offensive production and defensive stability. While Hamilton boasted impressive stats last season, including 22 goals and 74 points in 82 games, Hughes has struggled to fill his shoes, recording only eight goals and 31 points in 61 games. Additionally, Hamilton’s defensive contributions, particularly in minimizing high-danger chances against, have been sorely missed.
One of Hamilton’s notable strengths, his ability to generate shots from anywhere on the ice, has also been lacking in his absence. His proficiency in getting shots through to the net significantly contributed to offensive opportunities for the Devils, a facet that Hughes has been unable to replicate.
Moreover, Hamilton’s clutch performances, evident in his seven game-winning goals last season, have been absent this year. While Hughes has shown potential with one game-winning goal, he hasn’t matched Hamilton’s level of impact in crucial moments.
In essence, the Devils have struggled to compensate for Hamilton’s absence across various facets of the game, highlighting his indispensable role within the team.
