Devils' Final 10 Games Have Plenty of Meaning

The New Jersey Devils still have plenty to aim/strive for in their final 10 games of 2023-24, even if their playoff hopes are slim.

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The New Jersey Devils have just ten games remaining in the 2023-24 regular season, starting tonight with the Toronto Maple Leafs. While their playoff hopes are slim, they still have a chance to get in. But even though the postseason is unlikely, there are still some things the team should strive/aim to achieve to end the regular season. 

Give Kähkönen His Chance

The Devils acquired Jake Allen from the Montreal Canadiens to be their backup for this and next season. At least, that seems to be the case since he's under contract through the end of 2024-25 at a retained cap hit of $1.925 million. But even though that's the case, the Devils shouldn't rule out giving Kaapo Kähkönen a chance. 

He made a good impression in his first start with the team after the trade deadline against the New York Rangers, though it was a 3-1 loss. His second outing, against the Arizona Coyotes, did not go well. But that was because his team let him down. 

Kähkönen more than made up for it in Sunday's 4-0 shutout win against the New York Islanders, making 37/37 saves while saving 4.09 goals above expected. It was the first shutout by a Devils netminder this season and easily the best performance by a Devils goalie in 2023-24. 

I know the Devils and general manager Tom Fitzgerald will likely run a tandem of Allen and Jacob Markström, Linus Ullmark or whichever other goalie they can acquire this summer. But Kähkönen should get his fair shake. That's why I'd like to see him and Allen get a 50/50 split to close the season.

Kähkönen looked great against the Islanders. His positioning was excellent, he was tracking pucks well, and he's not swimming in the crease like his predecessor. He's only 27 years old and should not cost much to re-sign as a UFA. 

It's not fair to expect Kähkönen to play as he did against the Islanders every time out, but if he plays as he did against the Rangers, he'll give the Devils a chance. He's playing for a job, so I'm sure there's some extra motivation on his part. Let's see what he can do, starting tonight against the Maple Leafs. 

Keep Holtz in the Top-6