Devils 4, Senators 3: Eight straight!

Nico Hischier put forth another captain's performance while leading the way to yet another victory.

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A few observations following New Jersey’s eighth(!) consecutive win:

Nico SZN continues

It’s Nico Hischier’s world and we’re just living in it. The captain put forth another fantastic showing at both ends of the ice and was instrumental in getting a win in a game that could’ve gone either way (although the Devils were certainly more deserving).

In terms of raw outputs Hischier flexed his silky smooth release, besting Anton Forsberg from range to draw the Devils level as they exited the opening frame. He also scored the overtime winner on a deflection to give himself a two-goal night.

Nico’s impact was much greater than just what he put on the scoresheet. He was hard matched against Ottawa’s dangerous top line of Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, and Claude Giroux; and he absolutely cooked them.

In ~9 minutes of head-to-head time at 5v5, Nico helped the Devils generate ~0.90 expected goals while allowing 0.20, good for an expected goals for percentage well clear of 80%. That’s impressive against any line; let alone one with that much talent.

Nico also played just under three minutes on the PK and was on the ice for only one shot against. It went in – as fate would have it – but you take that kind of volume against every day of the week and twice on Sundays.

All told, Nico’s strong contributions across the board resulted in a final Game Score of 2.96. That was 2nd in the game – behind only Dougie Hamilton – and rose his average above 2.0 for the season.

I posted this on Twitter but for those who missed it – or simply don’t have Twitter – I’ll repeat myself.

For years plenty of Devils fans – and even outside observers – suggested Nico Hischier was a 3C; and it turns out they were right. Through a month he’s deemed as the 3rd most valuable center…in the entire NHL.

The curse is real