Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt are already in mid-season form

The New Jersey Devils went undefeated last preseason. They were a perfect 7-0-0. Some folks warned that teams who do that usually don't have great regular season success. Of course, a very frustrating underachieving season followed.

That won't be the case this year as New Jersey lost their first matchup to the New York Islanders 4-2. It was a game in which the Devils led twice but allowed the Islanders to pull it out in the end.

When it's the preseason, you know that both teams have a lineup half full of NHL players and half full of guys who will either be sent back to the AHL or major junior hockey.

For New Jersey, there were a handful of their best players in there but plenty of missing guys as well. Two who did play were Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt. You know that the Devils rely heavily on them to be a big part of their success.

Both Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt are looking great for the New Jersey Devils

After looking like they were already in mid-season form during the early stages of training camp, they brought the goods to this first preseason game.

Each of them had one goal and one assist. Their chemistry with one another was on full display. Bratt made a nice play to set up a brilliant Hischier shot on the power play for the first goal. For the second, Hischier was part of getting Bratt on a breakaway and he didn't miss.

Bratt is an explosive player and he clearly works well with Hischier. He also works well with their other franchise center Jack Hughes. No matter what line he's on, he will get power play time with both and be productive no matter what.

Both of these two, especially Hischier, are great in their own end as well. They looked good against this Islanders team despite getting the tougher matchups. Once the regular season begins, they are both sure to see a ton of the best defenders and scorers the league has to offer.

Health is a big thing for New Jersey this season. Hischier and Bratt are two guys that are keys to the franchise taking another big step so them staying healthy and being productive is incredibly important.

There is no doubt that they are off to an encouraging start. Now it is on them to get back to practice and feel good about their game after the big performance against the Islanders.