Also very happy: Devils captain Nico Hischier, also using the word “excitement” to describe New Jersey’s moves. Last season was not fun for him or his team. “It’s always easier to be the underdog. It was definitely a bit overwhelming sometimes last year, but I think a great learning lesson. Every year is new…it’s another roller-coaster and you’ve got to grow as a group the longer the season gets. You’ve got to stick together because anything is possible.”
Two years ago, when the Devils beat the Rangers in the playoffs, they had a long winning streak in November, so the cushion was created. Nothing like that in 2023-24. “We never got going.” Anyone who knows Hischier knows he wears it hard when things go badly. “I always want to win,” he said. “That’s not a secret. I hate losing. As a captain I want to do more, I need to do more…Was I frustrated? Yes it just sucks. You obviously want the team to do better…Sometimes I have to go home and say to myself, I gave everything I can. That’s it.”
In the middle of a tough year, a few Devils gave Hischier major credit for never saying no to charitable or important requests. “We are in a spot where you do little things that have an impact. Even if it’s just a little smile or make a family happy — a small thing we can do (becomes a big thing for them). It’s hard to say no to that.” That’s terrific stuff, and very true. I liked what New Jersey did. They had a good off-season.
I love hearing candid responses from Nico. Like at the end of the season when talked about a big takeaway from the year being that they need to understand that playing for OT in a close game is okay because all those chances at getting at least one point can add up in the end.
Glad he can remember to take a step back and not be too hard on himself when the team isn’t doing well because he’s pretty much always reliable for giving his all each night. Love my captain 🫡.
It’s reported that immediately following this interview, Nico ran through a fucking wall for this team.
This is the kind of response I would want from a C. Last year was the first season of real expectations on this team and Nico as a young captain did the best job possible trying to keep it all together. Really hoping the team bounces back for all the reasons but especially so Nico doesn’t feel like he has the weight of the team on his shoulders.
In a recent Puck Soup bonus episode, one “captain for life” was nominated for each team (ours was unanimously Scott Stevens)
It did get me thinking, because each nominee could be distilled to “Lead by example” (where they were the team’s killer edge manifested) or “Lead by energy” (where they were throwing chairs in the locker room to get guys fired up).
I don’t know if Nico is either of these schools. He seems to be a “Lead by vibes” guy. I think that can get results, and it’s good to see him own his leadership style.
5 comments
Here’s the quote:
Also very happy: Devils captain Nico Hischier, also using the word “excitement” to describe New Jersey’s moves. Last season was not fun for him or his team. “It’s always easier to be the underdog. It was definitely a bit overwhelming sometimes last year, but I think a great learning lesson. Every year is new…it’s another roller-coaster and you’ve got to grow as a group the longer the season gets. You’ve got to stick together because anything is possible.”
Two years ago, when the Devils beat the Rangers in the playoffs, they had a long winning streak in November, so the cushion was created. Nothing like that in 2023-24. “We never got going.” Anyone who knows Hischier knows he wears it hard when things go badly. “I always want to win,” he said. “That’s not a secret. I hate losing. As a captain I want to do more, I need to do more…Was I frustrated? Yes it just sucks. You obviously want the team to do better…Sometimes I have to go home and say to myself, I gave everything I can. That’s it.”
In the middle of a tough year, a few Devils gave Hischier major credit for never saying no to charitable or important requests. “We are in a spot where you do little things that have an impact. Even if it’s just a little smile or make a family happy — a small thing we can do (becomes a big thing for them). It’s hard to say no to that.” That’s terrific stuff, and very true. I liked what New Jersey did. They had a good off-season.
I love hearing candid responses from Nico. Like at the end of the season when talked about a big takeaway from the year being that they need to understand that playing for OT in a close game is okay because all those chances at getting at least one point can add up in the end.
Glad he can remember to take a step back and not be too hard on himself when the team isn’t doing well because he’s pretty much always reliable for giving his all each night. Love my captain 🫡.
It’s reported that immediately following this interview, Nico ran through a fucking wall for this team.
This is the kind of response I would want from a C. Last year was the first season of real expectations on this team and Nico as a young captain did the best job possible trying to keep it all together. Really hoping the team bounces back for all the reasons but especially so Nico doesn’t feel like he has the weight of the team on his shoulders.
In a recent Puck Soup bonus episode, one “captain for life” was nominated for each team (ours was unanimously Scott Stevens)
It did get me thinking, because each nominee could be distilled to “Lead by example” (where they were the team’s killer edge manifested) or “Lead by energy” (where they were throwing chairs in the locker room to get guys fired up).
I don’t know if Nico is either of these schools. He seems to be a “Lead by vibes” guy. I think that can get results, and it’s good to see him own his leadership style.