Dougie Hamilton saves the day as he has been all season for the New Jersey Devils

Dougie Hamilton produced a critical defensive play in overtime to lift the New Jersey Devils past their Western Conference opponents on Thursday night. After the Devils blew a 4-1 lead in the third period, Hamilton broke up an opponent's 2-on-1 rush during the extra period. His defensive stop created a breakout pass that allowed Jesper Bratt to score the game-winning goal on a breakaway against Jordan Binnington.

Pucks and Pitchforks writer Nick Villano argues that Hamilton has played like a true top defenseman all season despite Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce taking top-pairing duties. Villano contends that Hamilton is fully earning his $9 million contract and dismisses trade rumors regarding the veteran defenseman.