In a crucial matchup for the last wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, the Devils were outplayed by the Sabres, falling 5-2, largely due to a standout four-goal effort from Sabres' Tage Thompson. This defeat not only highlighted the Devils' struggles but also prompted a candid response from captain Nico Hischier.
Hischier criticized his team's lack of maturity and consistency, especially after squandering a 2-0 lead early in the game. With just eight games left in the season, the Devils find themselves five points adrift of the coveted playoff berth, trailing behind the Washington Capitals, New York Islanders, and Detroit Red Wings. Each of these teams holds a game or two in hand over the Devils, further complicating New Jersey's path to the playoffs. Despite the mathematical possibility of securing a spot, the reality is bleak.
The team's inconsistent performance throughout the season places them on the verge of either narrowly making the playoffs or being among the last to be eliminated. Hischier's frustration underscores a season of unmet potential and the pressing need for the team to demonstrate growth and resilience in its remaining games.
Source - House of Hockey:
Nico Hischier calls out his New Jersey Devils teammates after a loss
POLL | ||
MARS 30 | 87 ANSWERS Nico Hischier throws his teammates under the bus after loss Will Nico Hischier lead the New Jersey Devils to success? | ||
yes | 50 | 57.5 % |
no | 37 | 42.5 % |
LIST OF POLLS |
G | A | PTS | ||
Mikko Rantanen | 1 | 3 | 4 | |
Jake Debrusk | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
Dylan Guenther | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
Connor McDavid | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
Ivan Barbashev | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
Jack Eichel | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
Brock Nelson | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
Valeri Nichushkin | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
Clayton Keller | - | 3 | 3 | |
Anthony Cirelli | 2 | - | 2 | |
Jonathan Drouin | 2 | - | 2 | |
Roman Josi | 2 | - | 2 | |
Kirill Marchenko | 2 | - | 2 | |
Kyle Palmieri | 2 | - | 2 | |
Artemi Panarin | 2 | - | 2 | |
Sebastian Aho | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Evan Bouchard | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Rasmus Dahlin | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Leon Draisaitl | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Matt Duchene | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Complete stats |
STANDINGS 2024-2025 | ||||||
TOP 10 | GP | W | L | OL | PTS | |
Jets | 21 | 17 | 4 | - | 34 | |
Wild | 20 | 13 | 3 | 4 | 30 | |
Devils | 23 | 14 | 7 | 2 | 30 | |
Hurricanes | 20 | 14 | 5 | 1 | 29 | |
Golden Knights | 21 | 13 | 6 | 2 | 28 | |
Capitals | 20 | 13 | 6 | 1 | 27 | |
Flames | 21 | 12 | 6 | 3 | 27 | |
Stars | 19 | 13 | 6 | - | 26 | |
Maple Leafs | 20 | 12 | 6 | 2 | 26 | |
Rangers | 19 | 12 | 6 | 1 | 25 | |
Conference | Cumulative |