A complete team effort, a stifling defensive performance, and strong goaltending formed the recipe for the Devils’ success in their 6-0 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday night.
The NHL’s goal leader ignited the scoring when Nico Hischier ripped a shot past Arturs Silovs, giving the Devils a 1-0 lead.
Nico Hischier is the first player in the NHL with 10 goals this season!#NJDevils pic.twitter.com/o28H9JoOxg
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) October 31, 2024
New Jersey never looked back after that goal, adding three more goals in the second period. Dawson Mercer capitalized on a rebound shorthanded, extending the Devils lead to 2-0.
The dynamic duo of Nico Hischier and Dawson Mercer.#NJDevils Mercer is going strong now! pic.twitter.com/wygx6WBaTk
— Vinnie Parise (@VinnieParise) October 31, 2024
Just under two minutes later, Timo Meier sniped a shot past Silovs to make it 3-0. Later in the period, Ondrej Palat drove to the net and buried his own rebound to score his first goal of the season.
Timo Meier is healthy and thriving with the #NJDevils now. This is the player that New Jersey traded for.
3 points tonight so far for Captain Hischier.
— Vinnie Parise (@VinnieParise) October 31, 2024
The Devils added two more goals from Jack Hughes and Tomas Tatar in the third period, sealing a dominant victory.
If it’s the Hughes Bowl, you already know Jack’s scoring. pic.twitter.com/RGb3aBu1PO
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) October 31, 2024
Nico Hischier continued his stellar season with a three-point performance. He not only leads the league in goals, but he also tops the Devils with 15 points through 13 games.
Jacob Markstrom recorded his first shutout with the Devils, stopping all 20 shots he faced. He made several crucial saves throughout the game, finishing with a +2.06 goals saved above expected, according to MoneyPuck.
New Jersey’s defense excelled, holding the Canucks to only 20 shots on goal. The Devils defense cleared the puck out of the zone when they needed to, finished their checks, won board battles, got their sticks in lanes, and smothered Vancouver’s forwards in all three zones.
Every Devils player contributed to the shutout victory, showcasing the team’s best game in quite some time.
The Devils will look to build on this dominant display as they continue their Western Canada road trip, facing the Calgary Flames on Friday night at 9 p.m. ET.
