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I'd be delighted if I was a Devils fan.
so mature for his age and seems to have a great attitude. I've hugely enjoyed what I've seen of him this preseason.
so mature for his age and seems to have a great attitude. I've hugely enjoyed what I've seen of him this preseason.
Cheddabombs
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- Mar 13, 2012
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Blender
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- Dec 2, 2009
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He's definitely exceeded my expectations in preseason. I hope that trend continues.
lawrence
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- May 19, 2012
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Emperoreddy
Show Me What You Got!
I did not expect him to look as ready as he does.
Not only ready but ready to produce at a high level.
Not only ready but ready to produce at a high level.
Hostile Offer
Artist formerly known as Eagle Peninsula
This kid looks like a real deal. He's got all the tools of a top line centre and on top of that looks very mature for his age.
Hokinaittii
Registered User
- Aug 15, 2015
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I'd be lying if I say I expected him to be this good already.
Devils definately got a good one.
Devils definately got a good one.
Zippy316
aka Zippo
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.
Can't way to see what he does when he matures.
Cheddabombs
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Yeah, he's been shoved around a decent bit especially against an almost A-team Capitals squad. It's even more obvious when he gets into battles in front of the net, he gets boxed out very easily. Thankfully he hasn't been in that position that much and I don't expect he'll be asked to be too much over the course of the year.
Along the boards his shiftiness is so prevalent. Quick stops and starts and good stick work make him a pain to deal with.
And again, his defensive game is so good already. When the Caps started to push back last night Nico made a couple of great defensive zone plays.
Kamiccolo
Truly wonderful, the mind of a child is.
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.
Cheddabombs
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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.
Kamiccolo
Truly wonderful, the mind of a child is.
Based on highlights and fan reception, I'll agree with you there. The hype train has for sure left the station.
Cheddabombs
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He is just very smart. And he doesn't have any lack of skating or puck handling skills or lack of other tools to hold him back. His one weakness is his size (girth wise), but that should become less of an issue over time.
Oh, and love his defensive play.
Oh, and love his defensive play.
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BruinLVGA
Just got me a Beretta 92XI Squalo!
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.
KovalSNIPE
Registered User
- Feb 9, 2011
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Size will come in time, but he's just so good on his skates and his stick checking is off the charts that he can handle board play effectively still.
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.
He passes the eye test and the numbers back it up. He will have nights where the physical play slows him down and his lack of experience will show. Late in the season he probably tires somewhat. Team may even give him planned nights off since they finally have some extra pieces that can play a top six role when needed. When Zajac comes back I wouldn't be shocked to see him play some right wing with MarJo and Henrique. I imagine he learns a ton this season and spends the offseason working out under supervision and is a legit first line center next season.
Blender
Registered User
- Dec 2, 2009
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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.
BruinLVGA
Just got me a Beretta 92XI Squalo!
vtdevils2k
"Lets Go Baby!"
Shero and the Devils clearly made the right choice. Can't wait to see Nico improve. Kid is already working his way up the lineup.
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