5 New Jersey Devils Who Will Decide Their Playoff Fate

Jack Hughes #86 of the New Jersey Devils is congratulated by teammates Timo Meier #96 and Dougie Hamilton #7 after scoring during the 2nd period of the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Prudential Center on April 06, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

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New Jersey Devils center Nico Hischier (13): Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Nico Hischier

Speaking of Nico Hischier, he’s absolutely one of the most important players come playoff time. He’s jumped into the upper echelon of player this season. As of this writing, he has 77 points in 78 games. Add that to his defensive play, and the captain is providing major contributions to the team at all levels.

Hischier took an incredible step this season. He finally found a way to see his offensive contributions match his defensive ones. He competes with Hughes every night as they trade moments as the top line. The Devils are going as far as the team’s top two centers take them.

That’s the Devils key to victory. With two incredible centers, they have an advantage over most teams. They are playing the New York Rangers in the first round of the playoffs (more than likely). So, compare the contributions of Mika Zibanejad and Vincent Trochek to Hughes and Hischier, and it’s not close.

And that’s why Hischier is the second most important player come playoff time. It sounds insane that two players in the same position are the most important players for the Devils, but it’s true.

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