Devils select Mackenzie Blackwood with 42nd overall pick
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The New Jersey Devils have selected goalie Mackenzie Blackwood with the 42nd pick in the 2015 NHL Draft.
2014-15 Stats
| Team | GP | Record | Sv% | GAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barrie (OHL) | 51 | 33-14-1 | .906 | 3.09 |
Overview
Blackwood finished the season with the OHL's fourth-highest win total, but his save percentage and goals-against average were dragged down by relatively poor overall team defense on the part of his Barrie Colts, as evidenced by their 227 goals allowed.
His numbers greatly improved within the pressure cooker of the postseason, posting a save percentage of .922 and helping the Colts reach the second round.
Blackwood entered the draft as the top-ranked North American goalie.
What the scouts are saying
Al Jensen, NHL Central Scouting:
He takes a calm and relaxed approach and has excellent positional play. He has a butterfly style with great low net coverage and controlled lateral movements.
TSN's Craig Button:
Blackwood possesses a very good base of goaltending skill. His mobility and lateral agility is good and he moves well around his net in reading the play and utilizing his size to his advantage. At times he gets caught deep in the net, creating unnecessary vulnerability but is certainly an aspect that can be developed and allow him to be a very good goalie.
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