Devils 5, Avalanche 3: Answering the bell

Led by a captain's performance from Nico Hischier, the Devils picked up a much-needed victory in their return to action.

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A few notes following New Jersey’s important 5-3 win over Colorado:

The Captain stepped up

Nico Hischier had some rather blunt words following the Devils’ last game before the All-Star break.

He said the effort they put forth vs. Tampa Bay was embarrassing and that he hopes the team thinks about what they want to be a part of down the stretch, suggesting what they were doing wouldn’t get them anywhere.

He certainly put his money were his mouth was in his return to action. Hischier was one of the best players on the ice, leading by example and coming up with big play after big play against one of the NHL’s best teams.

Hischier saw a ton of the MacKinnon line. While they did get their share of chances – it is borderline impossible to prevent that from being the case – he did a great job of making their lives as difficult as possible.

He was hard on pucks, threw himself into every possible battle along the wall, and put his body on the line to block shots any chance he could. He was credited with four blocks against the Avalanche, one of which likely saved a goal.

He also made his mark on the offensive end of the ice. He distributed the puck very well, making accurate passes all game long to help facilitate chances for teammates.

The give-and-go we saw with Jesper Bratt was completed with excellent precision. Hischier also picked up an assist on the eventual game-winning goal, making a nice touch pass to John Marino in the slot.

No Devils player recorded more 5v5 shot assists than Hischier, nor did any Devils player sacrifice his body more – be it blocking shots, taking hits, or battling along the wall – in order to make plays.

Hischier really stepped up in a game the undermanned Devils needed him.

Luke Hughes continues to grow