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Devils Lose First Game Following Nico Hischier News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jan 28, 2025 7:15 AM ET

The New Jersey Devils struggled in their first game without captain Nico Hischier, falling 4-2 to the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday.

Hischier, who suffered an undisclosed injury during Saturday’s win over the Canadiens, returned to New Jersey for further evaluation and is listed as day-to-day.

“He’s doing okay. Similar to (Saturday) night,” head coach Sheldon Keefe said following Monday’s morning skate. “He’s gone back to Jersey to get evaluated and we’ll have more information once we get that figured out.”

The forward, who exited Saturday’s game after taking a cross-check to the ribs, is in the middle of an outstanding season, averaging 20:21 of ice time per game and leading the team with 24 goals, also ranking third among Devils players with 43 points.

Keefe highlighted the team’s struggles against the Flyers, particularly on special teams.

“The power play killed us,” Keefe said. "The four-minute power play was our worst of the season. And it sucked the life out of our game."

The Devils’ special teams woes were softened by a strong performance from Flyers goalie Jake Allen, who made 22 saves in relief of the injured Jacob Markstrom, who isn't expected back until late February at the earliest.

“We didn’t adjust to put it in behind and go work to get it,” Keefe said. “The Flyers outperformed us in every aspect.”

The Devils dropped to a 28-18-6 record on the season and are still third in the Metropolitan Division with 62 points and only two behind second-place Carolina.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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