Nico Hischier Is Shifting The New Jersey Devils’ Momentum

A couple of games ago, Nico Hischier made his highly anticipated return to the New Jersey Devils’ lineup. Before the Buffalo Sabres game on November 25th, Hischier had been sidelined for 11 games due to an upper-body injury. Ironically, he suffered the injury against the Sabres, and Connor Clifton was at fault for a questionable cross-check to Hischier’s head. Needless to say, Hischier’s presence was dearly missed because the Devils have a record of 6-2-1 when he’s in the lineup.

In the last couple of games, it seems as though the Devils are playing aggressively. Hischier’s linemates Ondrej Palat (four points in his last five games) and Jesper Bratt (two points in his last two games) are showing it on the scoresheet. Hischier is one of the best two-way centers in the entire league.

Nico Hischier’s presence is key to the New Jersey Devils’ lineup.

Aside from his incredible offense, his defense is also essential. The Devils are improving their forecheck every game, and Hischier has been one of the crucial assets pushing that narrative. During a recent postgame press conference, Lindy Ruff explained how valuable it is to have Hischier back in the lineup.

“Nico’s an important player,” Ruff said. “He makes us deeper, makes us better defensively, and offensively. We can keep some of the other top defenders off. [They can] make a choice of who they want to try and check. So, there’s an impact and it pushes guys back in their slots down the lineup.”

Not only was Hischier’s impact felt by his teammates, but the fans have also embraced him. The Devils have won two straight games since his return. On Saturday, they beat the Sabres in dominating fashion by a score of 7-2. Tuesday night, they overcame a multi-goal deficit against the New York Islanders, and Hischier had the game-tying power-play goal in the third period.

If the Devils make it back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the pinnacle of their season would be these last few stretches of games where Hischier helped lead the charge. Fans are starting to realize that and have been showing some appreciation toward the Devils’ captain. Pucks & Pitchforks had the chance to ask Hischier about the reception he’s received from the fans, and the feelings are reciprocal.

“Obviously, you see a lot of energy,” Hischier said. “We got great fans here. I love the support from them, I love being here, and I love to be a Devil. It’s great to be back.”

It’s clear that Hischier is a fan favorite, and he’s feeding off of that positive energy. In the two games played since his return, he has racked up three points (two goals, and one assist). Hopefully, this doesn’t jinx anything, but it looks like the Devils are starting to recapture their groove, especially with their captain healthy.