New Jersey Devils: Mackenzie Blackwood’s Season Is Better Than Numbers Suggest

On Thursday night, the New Jersey Devils lost an exciting—but demoralizing—bout against the New York Rangers. Although New Jersey outshot the Rangers 49-37, their lackluster penalty kill (went three-for-five), ongoing trend of opponents scoring early in the period or answering right back after a Devils goal and crippling defensive breakdowns ultimately did the Devils in and extended their winless streak to three games.

One of the game’s main stories were the purported struggles of goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood, who was pulled at the end of the second period after surrendering five goals on 25 shots. The 23 year old received a lot of scrutiny from New Jersey Devils fans, with many on social…