Devils' Problems Extend Well Beyond Goaltending

Goaltending has plagued the New Jersey Devils this season, but their issues aren't limited to what's happening between the pipes.

---

Follow us on Twitter: @AlexC_NJD, @NJD_OnTheRush

---

We know goaltending has been a problem for the New Jersey Devils all season. It's something that general manager Tom Fitzgerald needs to rectify before the trade deadline, even if it may be unlikely to save the 2023-24 season. 

But even though goaltending is an issue, make no mistake, the team's problems extend far beyond what's happening between the pipes. The players deserve some blame, but coach Lindy Ruff and his staff have not done enough to correct issues that have plagued the Devils all season. 

Microstats Portray Ugly Picture of Devils Defense

Yes, goaltending has been problematic. Vitek Vaněček has been one of the worst goalies in the league when looking at goals saved above expected. But it's not like anyone else the Devils have tried has had success. Akira Schmid got sent down to the AHL, and while Nico Daws has looked great in spurts, he still has an .895 save percentage. 

One reason the Devils' goaltending has struggled is they have taken a significant back defensively from a season ago. Look at the team's microstat chart that JFresh shared on Twitter a couple of weeks ago. There's a lot of red in the Devils' defensive microstats.

The Devils are giving up a ton of shots off the rush, plenty of in-zone shots and scoring chances, and they're allowing plenty of passes into high-danger areas. The goaltending hasn't been good, but the defense isn't helping them.