The New Jersey Devils looked like the team they were supposed to be on Saturday night against the Buffalo Sabres. Granted, it is the Sabres, but contending teams need to beat weaker opponents. That is exactly what the Devils did on Saturday. The Devils beat the Sabres by a score of 7-2. In that game, the Devils saw the return of captain Nico Hischier.
Call it coincidence, call it circumstance, but the Devils players were sparked by the return of their captain. Hischier had not played since October 27th against this same Buffalo Sabres team. Hischier took multiple hits that night including one from Connor Clifton that forced him to miss 11 games.
“It was really important, I think I have a really good understanding of my body and if I’m not ready, I’m not ready. It’s good to be back,” Hischier said post-game Saturday night.
It took longer than expected for Hischier to come back than planned, but you could see his teammates were energized by his return once warmups began. And the crowd on hand Saturday night inside Prudential Center got even louder when Hischier was announced as part of the starting lineup.
The Devils struggled without their captain in the lineup. New Jersey struggled as well when Jack Hughes was out of the lineup as well. But it seems like the Devils were missing that edge they needed. Not saying Hischier is the biggest guy out there. But a team responds to adversity or comes out with a fire when they have their captain in the lineup.
Hischier did not waste any time getting on the scoresheet either. During the 7-2 victory, Hischier had his own “Revenge Tour” recording two points, including a goal and assist. There was some uncertainty when it came to his goal. It appeared the puck had been kicked in by Hischer. However, upon further review, the puck went off his shin pad as he was charging towards the net for the rebound.
“It took a little longer than I wanted to, but it feels good to be around the boys again, go out and battle and come out with the win,” Hischier said post-game.
Nico Hischier was not the only player to have a multi-point game, either. Hischier was one of eight Devils to have a multiple-point game, which included Dougie Hamilton (two assists), Hischier (one goal and one assist), Alexander Holtz (one goal and one assist), Jesper Bratt (two assists), Tyler Toffoli (two goals), Dawson Mercer (one goal and one assist) and Luke Hughes (one goal and one assist).
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It was the type of game the Devils needed to play. As a matter of fact, it was the second time all season the Devils had played a 60-minute game. Their last was against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The players are hoping this is the type of game that gets them going in the right direction.
“It almost kind of felt that we’ve been searching for (a game like tonight) all season long,” Toffoli said post-game, “We’ve got to use this as a stepping stone moving forward, and that’s the standard that needs to be played at every single night. Definitely one of the more fun games this season.”
And what a difference Hischier not only makes offensively but defensively as well! The Devils had one of their best defensive efforts of the season, limiting the Sabres to 12 shots the entire game. Not to mention, the Devils held the Sabres to six shots in the first two periods. It was a reminder of the old days of shutdown defense by New Jersey. And yes, Buffalo scored on two power-play goals, but the Devils shut them down five on five. A big reason why was the play of Nico Hischier.
There is a reason why Hischier has been nominated for the Selke Trophy. His two-way game is one of the best in the league. You could see it on Saturday night. Hischier was in the right place at the right time to break up multiple plays. Exactly what you want from your center.
Having a healthy Nico Hischier in the lineup is exactly what the doctor ordered. The Devils hope to build on this victory when they play the New York Islanders on Tuesday night. It is a page out of the Edmonton Oilers playbook right now. The win over the Washington Capitals seems to have sparked them offensively. Edmonton just beat up the Anaheim Ducks and Connor McDavid has nine points in his last two games. Again, they are weaker opponents but that is what good teams are supposed to do.
Scoring first would be ideal, as that is an area the Devils struggled with all season. The Devils are a better team when they have the lead than when they have to chase the game. With the lead, like most teams, New Jersey can dictate play and establish that aggressive forecheck. Having the lead gives the goalies and the defense confidence they need to stop the opponent.
Forwards are coming back to help the defense as the transition game kicks into high gear. It is what makes the Devils one of the more dangerous teams in the league. When the Devils play like they did on Saturday night, it is hard for any team to stop them.
Having Nico Hischier back in the New Jersey Devils lineup is exactly what was needed for the Devils as they look to start a winning streak of their own and get back into the playoff picture.
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