Lesson #2: Lean on Nico Hischier
The captain has been acting exactly how he should to start the season. While star players like Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton are coming back from major injuries, the team needed a star to step up as they got moving. Nico Hischier was that star.
As of this writing, Hischier is in a four-way tie for the league lead in goals with 10. Last season, Hischier didn’t put up his 15th point until December 19th and didn’t score his 10th goal until after the New Year. It’s the start of November, and Hischier has already hit both of these numbers.
He’s playing incredibly well offensively, but he’s also still holding his great position as a defensive center. He’s averaging more than 20 minutes per game, which would be the first time in his career if it held until the end of the season. Hischier has been on the ice for under two goals per 60 minutes, according to Natural Stat Trick. He’s also on the ice for around 9.6 high-danger chances per 60 minutes.
However, Hischier leads all forwards in high-danger chances for per 60 minutes (outside of one game from Justin Dowling) with 13.5. He’s been able to play against top lines while also creating a ton of offense.