Nico Hischier's debut features slick goal for Devils

Jim Cerny

Nico Hischier's debut features slick goal for Devils image

NEWARK -- Nico Hischier officially had 13 minutes 37 seconds worth of ice time in his first National Hockey League game of any kind, a preseason tilt against the Capitals Monday night at the Prudential Center. However, it took only one five-second sequence late in the third period to see the wealth of skill and potential this 18-year-old has, and why the Devils selected him first overall in this past June's draft.

With less than five minutes to play in the game, Hischier hunted down Kevin Elegstal, pickpocketed the puck from the Caps rookie forward, pulled away from Elegstal and defenseman Lucas Johansen and then showed both patience and a pair of silky mitts before tucking the disc past minor league goaltender Vitek Vanecek.

 

 

"You see on his goal, he was really tenacious on the puck, great second effort, great stick to create a turnover, and his work ethic allowed him to put himself in a situation he could have a breakaway and that's when his skill can take over," explained Devils head coach John Hynes.

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In the postgame locker room, the Swiss-born Hischier was in aw-shucks mode about his goal.

"I just tried a move, tried to freeze the goalie, and I got lucky a little bit because I hit his pad, but it still went in, so I was happy about that," offered Hischier.

The youngster's veteran teammate, right-wing Kyle Palmieri -- himself a 30-goal scorer two years ago, who added another 26 last season -- was much more hyped about Hischier's goal than the kid himself was.

"I tried that same move and failed, so he's obviously a lot more skilled around the net than I am," a smiling Palmieri told Sporting News Canada. "He's a talented player. When he has the puck on his stick, it's something special. It's fun to watch players like that. There are big expectations for him, and I thought he played as advertised (Monday)."

 

 

Hischier had a relatively quiet start to his first game, but his confidence and comfort level grew as the game moved along. For the most part, he centered a line with fellow rookie John Quenneville and veteran Jimmy Hayes -- in camp on a PTO -- on his wings, though he did skate with top-liners Palmieri and Taylor Hall a bit in the third period, as well. He also played on New Jersey's power play and penalty kill units.

"At first I think I showed too much respect, but then I got more comfortable and made some plays, and it got better and better," explained Hischier.

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One area where Hischier, like many young centermen entering the league, needs improvement is at the faceoff dot. He took ten draws and won only three.

"100 percent I have to work on that and get some tips," said Hischier, who is wearing No. 13 for the Devils. "I'm probably not the strongest guy at faceoffs, so I have to work on that, too."

 

Speaking of strength, Hischier still needs to add muscle to his boyish frame. Several times he was bodied off pucks Monday, though his speed and elusiveness does help him compensate.

"You look at him and sometimes he looks a little small, but he's elusive, he's quick, he competes and he can make plays when he's under pressure," Hynes said of his top prospect, who is listed at 6-foot-1, 175 pounds.

Certainly, those traits were on display on his goal.

A sign of things to come in Newark and at an NHL arena near you soon.

 

Jim Cerny