Devils 3, Predators 2: Hischier does it all in overtime win
With Jack Hughes and Cody Glass out, Nico Hischier had a lot on his plate — and delivered in a big way.
The New Jersey Devils got back on track Thursday night, snapping a mini two-game skid with an overtime win over the Nashville Predators.
Let’s get into some takeaways!
The Captain led the way 🫡
Cody Glass was not able to play last night and Jack Hughes logged just 2:27 before leaving with an injury of his own. The Devils were paper thin at center as a result, which led to insane usage for Nico Hischier.
Hischier logged a whopping 26:09 of ice time, which led the team by a mile and was his highest mark of the season. No other game was he tasked with playing even 25 minutes. Sheldon Keefe asked the world of Hischier and he delivered.
Hischier decided the game with an overtime blast, which was the highlight of the night, but his impact was felt everywhere from start to finish.
He helped the Devils drive play, posting a 60.29 xGF% at 5v5. He created a lot of opportunities, leading the team with seven shots on goal, 10 attempts, and 12 primary shot contributions at 5v5.
Nico took 30 faceoffs – 12 more than anybody for either team – and won 17 of them.
He also made a ton of effort plays. JP Gambatese tracked zone entries and forecheck involvement, and Hischier graded out as well as anybody in either category. Nobody on the Devils had more zone entries, entry contributions, or successful forechecks.
Hischier had the world on his shoulders and still managed to not only contribute, but excel, in every aspect of the game. He was incredible.
