Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt and Timo Meier have led the way for the Devils since super star Jack Hughes had a season-ending injury on March 2.
Captain Hischier, one of the most underrated players in the NHL, has been the backbone of the team the entire season. With Hughes out of the lineup, the spotlight has moved onto him and he has excelled. In 13 games with Hughes out of the lineup, Hischier has had 15 points, including one hat trick against the Minnesota Wild. With the end of the season coming up, Hischier should definitely be in the Hart Trophy conversation.
Bratt, a sixth-round pick, is currently leading the Devils with 86 points. Before Hughes’ injury, you could typically find Bratt on his wing and collecting points left and right. Even with the absence of Hughes, Bratt has not slowed down. In 13 games he has 18 points, including three three-point nights back-to-back-to-back. With seven games left in the season, Bratt needs 14 points to break the 100-point mark.
Meier, who struggled in the beginning of the season, has picked up his pace in the most crucial time of the season. With the end of the season looming and injuries plaguing the Devils, they needed someone to step up and put the puck in the net. In the month of March, Meier scored seven goals in 15 games and since Hughes’ injury, he has had eight points in 13 games.
With the playoffs in the near future, the Devils needed their top players to step up and that’s exactly what they did. They scored a combined 41 points throughout the 13 games without their 1A center.
Some other noticeable players who have shown up are Luke Hughes and Jake Allen. Luke has found his offensive touch and collected 13 points in 13 games since his brother was sidelined. Luke recently joined the injury list but is considered day-to-day with a groin injury. Considering how well he has been playing recently, the Devils need Luke back in the line up as soon as possible.
Although Allen can’t be producing points, he has stood on his head when the Devils needed it the most. In the month of March, Allen went 3-2 and won three very important games including a 45-save outing against the Columbus Blue Jackets and grabbed a much needed two points to allow the Devils to gain some ground in the playoff race.
The end of the season is right around the corner, the Devils can practically taste the playoffs. These players will need to continue to play their best if the Devils look to make a deep playoff run.
Catch the Devils tonight against the Minnesota Wild at 7 p.m. ET as they continue their push towards the playoffs.
