Devils 6, Capitals 3: Back in business

Led by three multi-goal efforts, the Devils doubled up the Capitals and reclaimed a Wild Card spot.

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A few observations from New Jersey’s important division win over Washington:

Nico led the way

It was truly a captain’s performance from No. 13, who was exceptional from start to finish – and at both ends of the ice. Offensively, he scored a pair of goals in the first period to get the Devils out to a rare strong start.

He buried the first at the end of a give-and-go with Colin Miller. Hischier worked the puck the heavy shotted blueliner, who blasted one on goal. A driving Hischier was there to pounce on the rebound.

Shortly after Hischier picked up another goal causing havoc around the net on the power play. Just like that the Devils – who have scored the opening goal fewer times than any other team – found themselves up a pair in a huge game. Hischier wasn’t done there.

He later added an assist on Dawson Mercer’s first goal to put the Devils up a pair after the Capitals trimmed the lead to one.

While he didn’t record another point afterwords, it wasn’t for a lack of opportunities. Hischier had a couple good chances in the slot area to net a hatty. He also made some good passes, including a beautiful touch-pass in the neutral zone to spring a 2-on-1 for his linemates. And this is just offensively!

Hischier worked his tail off at the other end of the ice. He was engaged in battles and did everything he could to support his defense and make their lives easier.

Hischier backtracked hard down towards the net to ensure someone didn’t spry open in front. He also was somewhat of a sweeper in the slot area, swatting out any pucks or pass attempts that came his way to erase scoring opportunities.

He did all the little things at both ends of the ice. It was a detailed and masterful effort you’d expect out of a captain – attached with the skill plays that made him a 1st overall pick.

The secret recipe