Haula's face-off win percentage of 55.7% this season is the highest of his 11-season career.
The New Jersey Devils defeated the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday night at Prudential Center by a final score of 4-1.
It was a big night for multiple players.
Luke Hughes collected three power-play assists and became the first rookie defenseman to achieve the feat since his brother Quinn Hughes on Nov. 21, 2019.
Timo Meier surpassed the 40-point mark, continuing his impressive March run with seven points in his last five games.
While it may not be as flashy as a three-point night or two-goal game, veteran forward Erik Haula reached a new season-high face-off percentage of 81.3%.
He finished the game winning 13 of 16 face-offs, which led all skaters. His season-high is 14 face-off wins, which he earned on Feb. 6, 2024, against the Colorado Avalanche.
Without Michael McLeod, the Devils' remaining centers needed to fill a void in the face-off circle. Nico Hischier has taken a team-leading 1,124 face-offs, 16th most in the league. Behind him is Haula, with 713 face-offs this season.
On Thursday night, the veteran and former Boston Bruins forward collected an assist on Timo Meier's empty-net goal. He has 32 points (14 goals, 18 assists) in 64 games. He tied his goal total from the 2022-23 season.
Haula's face-off win percentage of 55.7% this season is the highest of his 11-season career.
Every player in the lineup has a role. Whether scoring goals, killing penalties, or winning face-offs, a team needs everyone to contribute to win. Against the Jets, Haula got the job in the face-off circle and helped lift his team to a much-needed victory.