Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes, and Curtis Lazar of the New Jersey Devils talk to Kristy Flannery of The Hockey News about the pros and cons of having iPads on the bench.

iPads have become an excellent resource for NHL players and coaches since they debuted behind NHL benches during the 2016-17 season.

Whenever cameras pan to players on the bench during a game broadcast, viewers can count on at least one player sitting and staring at the small device.

It leads to the following questions: What are they looking at? Does it affect communication between the players? Are some too reliant on the device?

After Wednesday's practice, Kristy Flannery of The Hockey News spoke with New Jersey Devils forwards Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes, and Curtis Lazar to find answers to those questions.

Before going any further, it is important to note all three Devils' forwards made it clear that how an iPad is utilized varies depending on the player.

"It's such a personal thing," Lazar explained.

Q: Can You Share What You're Looking At on the iPads During a Game?

Hughes: "You can watch whatever you want, honestly. Probably missed shots or plays you missed."

When asked if he is watching his own play or how the opposing defensemen and goaltender are reacting to his play, Hughes said, "A little bit of both, I'd say."

Lazar: "I will only watch the iPad if there is a defensive zone breakdown that I want to see. Mainly what I could have done better in that situation, that's the only thing I look at. Before the games, we have one on the goalie's pre-scouts and face-offs. Every game I watch face-offs, all the centerman do, but the shift-by-shift stuff (only defensive zone breakdowns)."

Hischier: "I look at different things, I would say. Sometimes, power play. I try to look at what plays are open, what (the opposition) is doing, (and) some entries. If I see a play that I could have made happen or sometimes I watch myself when I thought I did not have a play, what would be open for next time, and what they are doing."

Lazar and Hischier made it a point to mention the power play with Lazar, adding, "The power play guys are the ones that want to break down and see more systematically what is going on."

Q: Is Looking at the iPad During the Game a Distraction and Affect Communication Between Players?

Lazar: "Yes and no. You can kind of go over the situational stuff. Coaches, too, if there is a play they want to look over, you'll get that tap on the shoulder, and the iPad is there. Does it take you away from that moment? Yes, and that is kind of the part that I don't like, but there is a time and place."

Hischier: "Sometimes you (and your linemates) are on the iPad together. When you want to discuss, 'If I go there, you can go there,' and you can show it on the iPad. I try not to get on it too much. You have to use it the right way."

Q: In General, Are Players Too Reliant on iPads?

Hughes: "I don't think so. Depends on the guy, some look at it more than others. (For me, looking at it) it depends on the game. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't."

Lazar: "I mean, some guys, I feel like, get a little too reliant on it. Every chance they get, they look at what they could have done here and there. It is easy to always look back and think well, I didn't score here; I should have done this or that. I'm (of the belief) that you suck it up and go out for your next shift."

Hischier: "It is a great asset, but you have to use it the right way. There's obviously a way you should not be using it. If there was a chance and you did not score, you should not go on (the iPad) and look at it again. That's in the past; you look forward from that."

All three agree that having the iPad on the bench is a great tool for players and coaches, but as Lazar said, there is a time and place.

It was interesting to hear how much the young captain emphasized the benefit of a player utilizing it with his linemates, saying, "If you use it the right way with your teammates together and showing them what plays we can do, it is a great asset."

Devils fans can tune into Thursday night's ESPN broadcast of the Devils—St. Louis Blues game to see if they can spot Hischier reviewing plays with his linemates as the Devils look to earn their first win under interim head coach Travis Green.

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