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5 reasons New Jersey Devils are Stanley Cup contenders again

We thought the New Jersey Devils were legit Stanley Cup contenders in 2023-24. It turns out, there was too much working against them, and their weaknesses were much worse than we thought. In 2024-25, however, this is a team that could legitimately be the best in the NHL.

By Nick Villano

Members Of NJ Devils Help Close NY Stock Exchange
Members Of NJ Devils Help Close NY Stock Exchange / Stephen Chernin/GettyImages
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5. Meier - Hischier - Bratt

We mentioned it earlier, but this Timo Meier - Nico Hischier - Jesper Bratt line is capable of doing amazing things. Surprisingly, Meier-Hischier-Bratt was only together for 176 minutes at 5v5 according to Natural Stat Trick, but it was so dang effective. 

We mentioned the struggles for Meier early in the season, including time next to the team’s star at the peak of his powers in Jack Hughes, but once he landed with Hischier and Bratt, he turned into a total sniper. Without Hischier and Bratt, Meier had a negative Corsi For Percentage. He was on the ice for 22 Devils goals and 38 goals against. Those are indeed the numbers. With Hischier and Bratt, he was on the ice for 13 goals and 11 goals against. It was just night and day.

Nico Hischier without Bratt and/or Meier was somehow even worse. He got a little better goaltending, but his line was putting his defense and goalie in a pepper mill. He was on the ice for 52 high-danger chances against in such situations, and he only helped his team get 35 the other way. However, this group together 44 HDCF and just 38 against in fewer minutes. 

Bratt always seems to be the straw that stirs the Devils top line. He’s still wildly positive in all situations without Hischier and Meier, but it just makes sense to keep a line together that’s clicking at all cylinders.

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