New Jersey Devils Nico Hischier scored his league-leading ninth goal on Sunday night against the Anaheim Ducks.
New Jersey Devils Nico Hischier scored his league-leading ninth goal on Sunday night against the Anaheim Ducks.
"Here comes Nico Hischier attacking Lueneau. He gets inside. He scores! Nico Hischier is on an ultimate heater right now! His ninth goal to lead the NHL!"
MSG Networks play-by-play announcer Bill Spaulding could not contain his excitement as the New Jersey Devils captain scored his team's fifth goal on Sunday night against the Anaheim Ducks.
That goal was Hischier's ninth of the season and gave him the league lead, surpassing Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay Lightning) and Cole Caufield (Montreal Canadiens).
"You love the fact that he's scoring the way that he is and getting rewarded," head coach Sheldon Keefe said of Hischier. "For a guy like him that gives so much to the team - hard matchups, faceoffs, penalty killing, leadership aspects of being the captain and the leader - he takes on a lot - you want him to get rewarded. He's feeling it. I've been so impressed with him."
In addition to scoring his ninth goal in 12 games, he extended his goal streak to three games dating back to Oct. 24 against the Detroit Red Wings. Hischier has seven points over his last five appearances.
Earlier this month, Keefe spoke about the defensive elements of Hischier's game to start the 2024-25 season.
"He's been so strong in the face-off circle, taking those responsibilities seriously and recognizing that is part of his job," Keefe said of Hischier. "In some cases, he is going to give up some offense in order to be in the right spots and to do a good job there. I think that it is important for him to pick his spots."
For at least the moment, Hischier has been able to strike the perfect balance between handling his defensive responsibilities, leading his team on the scoresheet, and providing timely offense.
Hischier and the Devils will face the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at Rogers Arena.
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