Can Meier March Madness Propel Devils to Playoffs?

As it stands, the New Jersey Devils are holding strong in a playoff spot. Despite going 5-4-1 in their last 10 games, the team still has a nine-point cushion above the New York Islanders and the New York Rangers. The road will be difficult without key players like Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton, but the Devils’ playoff hopes are still alive.

One Devil in particular has been making an elevated effort on the road to the postseason. All month long, Timo Meier has been having his own “March Madness,” with seven goals in his last 13 games. Let’s look at his impact throughout the month, and how his elevated play can take the Devils far in the playoffs.

Meier a Key Playoff Push Component

Currently, Meier ranks third in goals and fourth in total points, making him an important part of the Devils’ roster. His consistency could not have come at a better time. Meier had a rough February, notching just one assist across seven games, but his game has reached another level in March similar to how it did during the 2023-24 season.

This month, Meier has averaged 3.31 shots on goal and 19:11 ice time per game. Among his seven goals, two were game-winners, and three were on the power play. At the moment, he is on pace to hit 54 points, which would mark his fourth-consecutive season crossing the 50-point threshold.

His speed, tenacity, and skill make him a phenomenal player. Based on data from NHL Edge, he ranks near the top of the league in a multitude of statistics. For example, he is in the 96th percentile in shots on goal and the 99th percentile in offensive zone penalty kill time. He also perfectly embodies the Devils’ identity as a fast and furious team. Meier has recorded 40 shots on goal between 80-90 miles per hour, as compared to the league average of 8.44.

Meier’s Consistency All Month Long

The Devils fell to the Vancouver Canucks 4-3 on Monday night, but Meier put up a valiant effort. He scored on the power play, firing the puck in on a rebound opportunity created by Dawson Mercer. Then, he scored again during the third period to give the Devils a 2-1 lead.

Following their crushing shootout loss, Meier stressed the importance of staying consistent across all three periods and earning points moving forward. “Little things that cost you a game at this time of the year, we need to clean them up,” said Meier. Nonetheless, head coach Sheldon Keefe praised Meier’s ability to step up and be the team’s finisher.