The Nicos Shine in Nashville as Devils Rout the Predators

By John Welch:

Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

After what many fans would have called Saturday night’s offensive performance disappointing, the Devils could put their Saturday struggles to sleep and put five shots in the back of Justus Annunen’s net on Sunday night in a 5-0 win over the Nashville Predators.

The Devils dominated every aspect of the entire duration of the game. Perfect on the power play, penalty kill, outshooting the Predators 36-29, and 25 blocked shots; the Devils put on a defensive clinic.

While all of these achievements reflect the team as a whole, tonight only proved that Nico Hischier is one of the team’s most impactful players. Hischier, who assisted three of the Devils’ five goals, also made impacts in other aspects of the game. While he struggled in the face off circle, his impact on the power play and penalty kill units cannot be undermined.  

The other Nico, Nico Daws, posted his first career shutout last night. Daws made some incredible saves as he stopped all 29 Nashville shots. The Devils shutout total this season is eight, which is tied for first in the NHL. Last season the Devils only posted one shutout. Adjustments in the goaltending and defensive parts of the team have played a major role in the Devils’ successes. This season, the Devils' goals allowed per game is 2.47 whereas last season through 59 games they allowed 3.47 goals per game. Even without one of their best defensive defenseman Jonas Sigenthaler, the Devils' defense looked very solid. However, one player proved once again that he should always be inserted into the starting lineup.

Seamus Casey is the real deal. There is no reason for Sheldon Keefe and Tom Fitzgerald to send him back down to Utica. He is NHL-ready and last night only further proves that statement. The goal he scored last night is something you would expect out of Dougie Hamilton or Erik Karlsson. Jack Hughes was ready to rip a one-timer from the faceoff circle and Casey decided to shoot the puck almost from the blue line. In nine games played this season, Casey has four goals. In addition, he paired well with Luke Hughes both offensively and defensively. Imagine an NHL team having to worry about a line with Jack Hughes, Luke Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Seamus Casey. I would not want to be a coach trying to figure out how to stop a line with that much offensive potential.

Overall, it was a great night for the New Jersey Devils. Unfortunately, they have not been able to play games like this consistently. However, winning like this in the 2nd half of a back-to-back is huge, something the Devils have struggled doing the past few seasons. 

The Devils will continue their five-game road trip in Colorado on Wednesday hoping to gain revenge on the Avalanche after losing 4-0 earlier in December at Prudential Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 9:30 Eastern Time.