Hischier Leads Devils and Swiss Teammates Toward Olympic Success
Nico Hischier, the captain of the New Jersey Devils, is focused on leading his team and his Swiss teammates toward Olympic success. As a leading two-way center, Hischier showcases a strong dedication to defense while also striving for offensive opportunities.
Nico Hischier’s Leadership Qualities
The 26-year-old has highlighted the importance of a team-first mentality. He states, “I’m always trying to be patient against these guys,” referring to the formidable opponents he faces in the NHL. Hischier takes pride in his defensive responsibilities and understands the significance of his role as captain.
Teammates Making an Impact
- Timo Meier:
- Averages 18:56 minutes of ice time.
- Leads the team with 11 goals.
- Ranks third with 23 points and has 61 hits in 30 games.
- Jonas Siegenthaler:
- Leading the Devils in blocked shots with 61.
- Averages 19:34 minutes of ice time.
Siegenthaler expressed excitement about competing in the Olympics with Hischier and Meier. He mentioned, “It’s going to be a cool experience” as it’s close to his hometown of Zurich, Switzerland, where he will have friends and family cheering for him.
Team Challenges and Consistency
The Devils currently hold a record of 18-14-1 but are struggling without Jack Hughes, who has been sidelined for 16 games due to a non-hockey-related injury. The team’s average goals scored has dropped significantly from 3.35 goals per game to 2.38 without Hughes.
Hischier noted the importance of remaining solution-oriented during this challenging period. “We got to focus on the process to give ourselves more chances to score goals,” he remarked. He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to make individual plays and emphasized the need to work through their difficulties to achieve their goals.
Outlook for the Future
As the team prepares for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Hischier believes in maintaining morale despite the setbacks. He states, “The challenge is to still lift the team up” and ensure everyone remains focused. Overall, Hischier is committed to driving his team forward, aiming for both playoff success and international achievements in the upcoming Olympics.
