New Jersey Devils: Nico Hischier Loves Playing New York Islanders

The New Jersey Devils played another solid game against the New York Islanders but they weren’t able to grab that extra point in overtime.

The New Jersey Devils are getting to the point where they look good in most games they play. They are not going to win every one but as long as they have a chance then it is good news. They also want to see the right players develop which is exactly what is happening. Nico Hischier‘s dominance almost single-handedly gave the Devils a chance to win this game against the New York Islanders. New York won in overtime by a score of 4-3 but that wasn’t for a lack of effort.

Hischier scored a beautiful goal in the second period to tie the game for the Devils. He had multiple points in the game where he used his strength and skating ability to carry the puck around the offensive zone to create a high danger chance for himself or a teammate. This time it was for himself on a beautiful backhand through a screen. He also set up a Kyle Palmieri one-timer goal on the power play. It was another great game for Hischier against the Islanders. Yes, he has been really good in the two matchups against them but it is clear that he is just elite against everyone.

Another thing that has been apparent lately is the play of P.K. Subban. He has been a shooting gallery over the last few games. He scored a goal on a beautiful slap shot to get the Devils on the board. P.K. has scored a lot of goals in the NHL using his talents so there is no reason to believe he can’t keep this going. All he needs to do is keep shooting and he will continue to break through for the Devils. He was acquired to be the Devils best defenseman so in games that he is are a good sign for the future.

One thing that was a major negative in this one was the play of the defensive pair of Sami Vatanen and Damon Severson. In a stretch where Subban has been playing well is not a good time for this pair to struggle. Them all playing well would really help the Devils win but that wasn’t the case in this game. They weren’t generating like they normally are and they turned the puck over at crucial moments in the game. They also allowed some odd-man rushes for the Islanders throughout. Expect them to bounce back in the Devils’ next game.

This game had it all. The second period was rather boring as neither team was doing much but it certainly picked up from there. The Islanders don’t play in many games that are exciting because they are so structured and good defensively, but that wasn’t the case as much in this game as others. In fact, all you have to do is rewatch their Monday 1-0 victory over the Colorado Avalanche who have some of the most exciting players in the world. That alone makes this a good effort for the Devils. 1-0-1 isn’t too bad for a last-place Devils team going up against an elite Islanders team.