He's going to struggle a bit against size and along the boards while he's young, but he's still going to be a difference maker. He's way too smart not to be.
Can't way to see what he does when he matures.
Want to see him in the regular season first. Kids light up the pre-season all the time, they get benefit of more space from vets not playing as hard and usually get to face backup goalies or depth goalies. I haven't been able to catch a game of his yet, just highlights. I will however be watching ones the regular season starts.
Of course, pre-season is pre-season and it should be taken with a grain of salt.
He's been very impressive though and against some pretty stiff competition in some cases. He's scored on Holtby twice, Price, and Condon. He's done everything one could have asked him this pre-season and probably more.
Based on highlights and fan reception, I'll agree with you there. The hype train has for sure left the station.
Also interesting to see the preseason head to head comparison with Patrick... Hischier 4 games, 4g/3a... Patrick 4 games, 0g/2a.
In fairness to Patrick, at least from the Flyers games I've watched, he's being utilized in a very different way than Hischier.
Hischier has been pretty much playing 1/2C, powerplay, penalty kill, all situation minutes. I think the Flyers have way more center depth than the Devils do - it seems like they're using him in more of a 3C role in the preseason. Bringing him along slowly, to his benefit.
I fully expect both players to put up similar numbers this year, maybe Patrick a little better because the Flyers will probably be a better team.
In fairness to Patrick, at least from the Flyers games I've watched, he's being utilized in a very different way than Hischier.
Hischier has been pretty much playing 1/2C, powerplay, penalty kill, all situation minutes. I think the Flyers have way more center depth than the Devils do - it seems like they're using him in more of a 3C role in the preseason. Bringing him along slowly, to his benefit.
I fully expect both players to put up similar numbers this year, maybe Patrick a little better because the Flyers will probably be a better team.
Exactly. It's not like the plan was to just slot Hischier in where he has been playing, he earned that spot and will need to continue to play well to keep it.Nico started in the 3C role and Hynes even said that the competition for the top center spots was between Henrique, Zacha & Johannson. Nico worked his way into definitely being a top 2 center and possibly starting out between Hall and Palmieri on the top line. Really just between him and Zacha now.
Well...we did try and put Nico on the 3rd line...he just refused to stay there