When a team plays so badly to start the game that it’s down 3-0, the team should have no chance to win at any point in the game. Well, the New Jersey Devils did show signs of life as the game versus the Washington Capitals went along on Saturday afternoon. They pulled it to within one and it was in large part to Nico Hischier and Pavel Zacha. Those two have been on fire over the last couple of games, and it is bringing a lot of people hope for their future.
Of course, for Nico Hischier, we expected it. He returned after being out of game action for almost a year. The COVID-19 pandemic shut the team down last season and then when they returned, Hischier was dealing with a broken leg that he suffered during offseason training. Then, right as he was ready to come back, he contracted the virus and had to take a few extra days.
It is likely that a player dealing with those things is going to be a bit off to start. You could tell that his timing and legs were just a bit off, but it was clear he would be fine once he got a few games under his belt. After playing his best game since returning just a few days ago in Thursday’s win, he was even better on Saturday. He scored a goal and had a very nice assist, so it appears he is back. Make no mistake about it, this is one of the two best players on the team.
One person that we might have not expected to be this hot is Pavel Zacha. Hischeir’s assist came on a perfect snipe from Zacha to get the Devils within one. It became the ninth straight game in which he has recorded a point. That is really something for him as he looks like he might be turning the corner. When it comes to a player like Zacha, you have to be cautious but there is certainly optimism surrounding him.
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If these two stay hot offensively, they could really be brewing something special with Jack Hughes and Ty Smith among others in the mix. They aren’t winning every game because there is still a long way to go, but development is certainly taking place. We knew this was coming from Hischier, we just have to hope it continues for Zacha.
They are back in action against the Capitals tomorrow afternoon. It will be another home game that they try to come out better in. There won’t be a ceremony for Travis Zajac in this one so hopefully, the main focus is the game.