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New Jersey Devils: Dawson Mercer Hat Trick Just A Taste Of What He Brings

By Nick Villano

New Jersey Devils center Dawson Mercer (91) reacts after scoring his third goal of the night against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports
New Jersey Devils center Dawson Mercer (91) reacts after scoring his third goal of the night against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New Jersey Devils are trying to find the best lineup for the playoffs. While they try to consider the best line for Timo Meier, play around with the fourth line, and decide who will be the healthy scratch come playoff time, one thing that’s pretty much a lock is the combination of Nico Hischier and Dawson Mercer. Sometimes they are paired with Meier. Other times, it’s Tomas Tatar. However, those two make too much magic together to ever break up.

The Devils saw the best out of Mercer on Tuesday night. He scored his first-ever hat trick against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Devils were coming off their worst game of the season, a 6-1 drubbing at the hands of the Winnipeg Jets. They needed a bounce back. Mercer was sure to give it to them.

Mercer’s first goal came in the first period. With the Devils already up 1-0 thanks to a goal by Dougie Hamilton, Mercer went down for a 2-on-1 with Hischier. Hischier executed a great pass, and Mercer finished the job. This had the feeling of a rout.

Mercer basically helped put the dagger in the Penguins at the end of the second period. With less than a minute left, Mercer cleaned up underneath the net.

This goal really showed the positive contributions for Mercer. There’s a reason he has 27 goals this season. What he lacks in the pure skill of players like Hischier and Jack Hughes, he makes up for with Hockey IQ and tenacity. Mercer seems to always be in the right place at the right time. He knows that most goals are scored in dirty areas. That’s why he always finds himself there.

The third goal was more of the same. Mercer was in front of the net, and Hischier found him for an easy goal. That made the score 5-0, and it secured an easy win.

dark. Next. Can Jack Hughes Still Hit 100 Points?

Mercer is going to be crucial to the Devils come playoff time. Teams are going to focus on Hughes and Hischier, which will open opportunities for the Devils’ wingers. Mercer especially should make the most of those opportunities. He showed on Tuesday night exactly how he can dominate a matchup. He’s three goals away from scoring 30 goals for the first time. That would give the Devils four 30-goal scorers (if you count Meier). Nobody expected this from Mercer, and now he’s ready to contribute come playoff time.

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