Steve Santini is averaging 20:58 TOI through six games for the New Jersey Devils. He played a season high of 25:40 in a win against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
He may go unnoticed, but I can’t stress how well he is playing through this tough early stretch for New Jersey. Santini and the Devils have had their best defensive play when he’s been paired with Andy Greene in a shutdown role. Doing so allows John Moore and Damon Severson to face weaker opponents and utilize their puck moving ability.
Santini faces the opposing team’s top scorers. Against top-heavy teams like Tampa Bay and Washington had him spend most of his time against a single line.