The last few weeks have been an unmitigated disaster for New Jersey, as they fell to 1-7 in their last eight games and looked bad doing it. These two latest contests had recurring themes that have been present throughout the season, with nonexistent special teams play and a devastating lack of finishing ability on offense. No matter how good their numbers may look in 5v5 play, it is all invalidated by these two main factors game after game, as MacKenzie Blackwood has returned to Earth and can no longer carry this team like he had been before the COVID outbreak. We break down what went wrong and what has to change before this season becomes even more of an embarrassment after a promising beginning.
Could this be one of the only teams in NHL history to finish 31st in both special teams categories? Maybe not, but it certainly feels like they’re trying. We’ll see what adjustments the staff makes for the weekend back-to-back.
Good thing we told everyone to temper their expectations!