The Devils’ defense has allowed them to take a big step forward

The New Jersey Devils currently own the best record in the NHL with a mark of 8-1-0. After dropping their season opener in Carolina, Sheldon Keefe’s group has been flawless.

Star center Jack Hughes has jumped out to the NHL lead in goals scored in his return from last year’s injury, but arguably the biggest factor in the team’s success has been the play of its defense, especially with starting goaltender Jacob Markstrom sidelined.

The development of Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec has allowed them to complement the likes of Dougie Hamilton, Brett Pesce and Jonas Siegenthaler to form one of the deepest units the league has to offer.

On Monday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, host Irfaan Gaffar was joined by co-host and former NHL goaltender Carter Hutton to discuss how the Devils’ prolific group on the blue line has powered a phenomenal start.

Irfaan Gaffar: Let’s start with the New Jersey Devils … I want you to convince me why they’re going to either continue this or be able to remain consistent through their play.

Carter Hutton: It’s the way they defend. I think Sheldon Keefe has these guys playing a better brand of hockey … they were losing too many times 5-4, 6-5 … Watching them play these last few weeks here, the game never really becomes unpredictable in the defensive zone. What I mean by that is, the structure and defensive status across the board through all of their pairs and the forward group has made this group really hard to score on in the offensive zone. They may give up chances, but it’s what they’re giving up … In years past they were almost giving up too much because of their youth, because of their prowess to just create offense.

You can watch the full segment and the rest of the episode here: