Jesper Bratt had two assists on Saturday night in the New Jersey Devils' return to the lineup against the Dallas Stars. He had the secondary assist on Jack Hughes' first goal in the third period, and he had the primary assist on his second goal. Those two assists gave Bratt 12 in his last nine games. He also has not been held scoreless in any of those games.
That nine-game assist streak is tied for the most in franchise history according to New Jersey Devils PR. He ties Petr Sykora, who did it back in the 2000-01 season. If Bratt gets an assist on Sunday against the Predators, he will hold the franchise record.
Bratt's prowess for helping his teammates score is becoming legendary. Bratt just recorded his 96th multi-point game in his career. That ties him for 11th all-time in franchise history with a man whose name is in the rafters: Scott Niedermayer. Bratt has already entered the top 10 in Devils points all time, passing Zach Parise earlier this season. Before the end of February, he could pass Scott Stevens for ninth on the franchise list.
Jesper Bratt can break a New Jersey Devils franchise record for assists that's been in place for more than two decades.
As far as assists, Bratt would need 438 to pass Patrik Elias for the franchise record, but the 26-year-old has a long career ahead of him and could actually do it. He gets assists with such consistency, and this is why he has a chance to break this franchise record for consecutive games with an assist. Even when the Devils struggle to score, like they’ve been since the New Year, Bratt still shows up.
The Devils need other players to step up, and they desperately need someone to deliver next to Bratt and Hughes. If Tom Fitzgerald can upgrade the winger next to them, replacing Ondrej Palat, Bratt could get even more assists.
The struggles of this Devils' team are downplaying the greatness of Bratt and Hughes this season. They are doing their best to carry this team, and that was evident on Saturday night. The Devils need help, but until that comes, we expect the offense to run through Bratt's passes and Hughes's shots.