1) I recently wrote about Nico Hischier's ability to generate chances at a high clip and suggested that, if he continued to do so, it'd only be a matter of time before the counting totals reflected that.
Since then, there's been an offensive outburst as he scored his first two NHL goals and tallied five points in three games.
He's now up to seven points in eight games on the year and the offense is legitimate -- not lucky.
He's tied with the likes of Vladimir Tarasenko, Nik Ehlers, Viktor Arvidsson, Jeff Skinner, and Artemi Panarin, among others, in 5v5 chances and is averaging more on a per 60-minute basis than superstars like Sidney Crosby and Steven Stamkos despite comparable zone starts.
Whether that continues, I don't know, but it's impressive that he's even in the same conversation.
I'm still not sold on the Devils being legit this year, but I'm sure sold on Nico.
2) Why am I not sold on the Devils, you may ask?
For one, the defense is still a big-time problem. They bleed a lot of shots in dangerous areas and rank 31st in Expected Goals Against/60 at 5v5 as a result. They're sitting 13th in *actual* Goals Against/60, which almost certainly won't last if their xGA remains so poor.
They are also very undisciplined -- only three teams have taken more penalties -- and that's going to start costing them games sooner than later.
There is a lot to like up front but I think their poor defense and discipline issues will hold them back in the long run.
3) On a positive note, it seems like Brian Boyle is progressing and should return to the lineup sooner than later. When he does, I wouldn't be surprised if the Devils shift Blake Coleman to the wing and Stefan Noesen finds himself as the odd-man out. The Devils really like Coleman on the penalty kill and Noesen doesn't play on the PP or PK so that seems like the natural conclusion.