Yahoo Sports Devils' Captain Nico Hischier Reveals The Biggest Challenge of His NHL Career
Every hockey player takes a different path to the NHL, and once they play that coveted first game in the big league, they take their own unique journey.
As a sports writer, I can sit with every player on the New Jersey Devils roster and hear about a brand-new experience, which is the best part of my job.
When looking at the 23-man roster, it is easy to pinpoint the challenges certain players face. Call-ups like Justin Dowling or Nick DeSimone are looking to earn an opportunity to draw into the lineup, while veteran forward Tomas Tatar might have to overcome the obstacle of a reduced role and less ice time.
Then I looked at Devils captain Nico Hischier.
The 26-year-old plays in every situation, is one of the most valuable players on New Jersey's roster, and currently leads his team in goals with 18.
Before the club left for their current road trip, Hischier stood at his stall waiting to handle his media responsibilities for the afternoon. Wearing a Devil Youth Foundation beanie and grey T-shirt, he spoke to The Hockey News about his biggest challenge over his eight-season career.
"Being consistent," he said. "I think that is one of the bigger challenges."
The Swiss center continued to say that it is really hard to find that consistency season after season.
"(You want the) team to do well, but obviously, you have to start somewhere, and you start with yourself," he said.
"I think consistency is a really hard thing to do. To play consistent good hockey at such a high level."
Over the first 493 games of his NHL career, Hischier has built upon and improved his efforts from the previous season. Whether it was reaching the 80-point mark, becoming a top penalty killer, or becoming a steady force in the face-off circle.
The 2017 first-overall pick has continued to elevate his game this season. He is on pace to have a career season offensively in addition to dominating the face-off circle, where he has won 548 draws, the most in the league.
Hischier and the Devils will return to the ice Saturday afternoon at SAP Center, where they will play the San Jose Sharks for the second and final time this season.
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