New Jersey won 5-4 in Detroit thanks above all to its efficiency on the power play.
The Devils found the fault three times with one more man on the ice, admittedly facing the worst box-play in the League. Suspended two days earlier against the Blues, Timo Meier converted one of his numerical advantages.
The Appenzeller scored his 8th goal of the season after 18’00, allowing New Jersey to equalize at 2-2 after being down 2-0. The Devils benefited from this “power play” after a coach’s challenge lost by Detroit on New Jersey’s first goal.
Nico Hischier also stood out on Friday. Author of the decisive pass on the 2-1 signed Dougie Hamilton in the 17th, the captain of the Devils scored the 3-3 at 5 against 5 in the 32nd on an assist from Timo Meier for his 14th success in this championship, his 150th in total during the regular season.
Hischier, who now has 26 points on his personal tally in 2024/25, was named second star of this meeting. The first went to American center Jack Hughes, who ensured the Devils’ success by scoring 5-3 in the 44th minute, on a power play caused by Nico Hischier.
Pius Suter was also decisive on Friday in a match won 4-3 in overtime by Vancouver in Buffalo, even if his performance did not earn him any distinction. The Zurich center assisted on the Canucks’ first goal before scoring his 8th success of the season (50th, 3-1).
Roman Josi, for his part, shone in vain the day after Thanksgiving. The Bernese defender scored twice for the Predators, beaten 3-2 after overtime against Janis Moser’s Tampa Bay Lightning. This is the third loss in a row for Nashville, the seventh in their last nine matches.