New Jersey Devils: Nico Hischier’s First Goal Takes The Pressure Off
By Ken Bagley
Way to go Nico! The New Jersey Devils first-overall pick finally scored his first goal in the team’s win against the Ottawa Senators.
Nico Hischier can take a deep breath. After having the best game of his early career accounting for two assists on Tuesday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Nico rebounded with two goals (the first two of his career) and an assist in an overtime thriller win for the New Jersey Devils.
If you have been watching the first couple weeks of Devils hockey, you knew the goals were bound to start piling up. Hischier was generated shot after shot. Although Nico always speaks in a “team first” fashion, it has to be a giant relief to get the first goal of his career.
What will the first overall pick of the 2017 NHL draft do with the puck? “It’s going to be in my room, 100%” Nico told Deb Placey in the post game interview.
So far, this 18 year old has done everything right both on and off the ice, representing New Jersey in the best way possible. I’m excited for what he will contribute now that he can relax and just play his game.
As for the game last night, wow. The New Jersey Devils traveled to Ottawa to take on Erik Karlsson and the Senators. The scoring opened up early in the first period when Nico Hischier put in his first goal on a beautiful feed from Drew Stafford from behind the net. Almost thirty seconds later, Kyle Turris tied it on a power play off an assist from Karlsson.
Nico Hischier then came back with the second goal of his career just a minute and a half later poking in a feed from Taylor Hall as he muscled his way into the blue paint. The following period had me worried the Devils would spoil Nico’s goal party.
Cory Schneider
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The Senators scored three unanswered goals and opened up the third period with a 4-2 lead. Keith Kinkaid was sent in relief for Cory Schneider who did not look good at all in the second period.
Although his benching was apparently due to a “lower body injury”, I believe his poor play had a lot to do with it.
I won’t put all the blame on Cory, as defenseman Dalton Prout did not give his goalie much help. With that being said, Schneider let a lot of goals in that had no business crossing the line.
Keith Kinkaid
I felt a lot more comfortable in the third period with Kinkaid in net. In relief, Kinkaid stopped all 9 shots he faced, including a great glove save that robbed Bobby Ryan of what would have been the game winning goal for the Senators.
The Devils did not give up. They showed a controlled attack all night, flashing speed and precision in the Senators zone racking up 46 shots. Down two goals Kyle Palmieri and Marcus Johansson both contributed to the goal column, tying the game with four minutes and 55 seconds left in regulation.
Overtime
They held off the Senators and John Moore did what he does best, scoring the game winning goal in overtime.
Although Hall did not contribute any goals, this was his best game of the season by far. He generated four assists including one on the game winner, and three shots on goal. He flying seamlessly all over the ice.
Among the other players with strong performances Thursday night were Drew Stafford (one assist), Adam Henrique (seven shots on goal), Kyle Palmieri (one goal, one assist), and of course where the spotlight belongs, Nico Hischier (two goals, one assist).
The line pairing of Hall-Hischier-Stafford looks like it could be one of the best lines in the league right now. Combine that with the depth of the Devils second, third, and fourth line makes this team fun to watch. Also, they’ll be a tough competitor in the Metropolitan division as they cruise to 6-1 (12 points) on the season.
Next, the Devils will host the San Jose Sharks at Prudential Center Friday Night before the Devils get a well-deserved week off. Congratulations Nico Hischier!