Hischier's Return Sparks Dominant Win Over Sabres | GAME STORY

NEWARK, NJ - The captain came back and everything changed.

In his first game since Oct. 27, the Devils captain gave his team a 3-0 lead at 15:20 of the first period and would later assist on Ondrej Palat's goal, the fourth of the period for New Jersey.

The Devils took care of business at home with a dominant 7-2 victory against the Buffalo Sabres.

"I love the boys," Hischier grinned post-game, while asked about his teammates' support during his recovery process. "I mean, they made me a little red for sure. I love them. It’s so great to see them supporting me that much."

Whether it was a coincidence or not, the return of the Devils' captain seemed to spark his team into the best opening period they've played have had in a long while.

"It almost kind of felt that we've been searching for (a game like tonight) all season long," Toffoli said, "We've got to use this as a stepping stone moving forward and that's the standard that needs to be played at every single night. Definitely one of the more fun games this season."

Alexander Holtz opened the scoring with his third goal in five games, including scoring on back-to-back nights and Tyler Toffoli scored added to the first period total on a delayed Buffalo penalty. The Devils jumped out to a 4-0 lead after 20 minutes.

"When you score early, we scored a couple early and it takes the weight off your back," Toffoli said post-game, "It was definitely nice to be on the other side tonight." 

After the Sabres cut the Devils lead to 4-1 early in the second period, Toffoli scored his second of the night when Holtz's shot from the slot rebounded into Toffoli for his 11th of the season.

What was equally impressive was the commitment to the defensive side of the game. It has been an area where head coach Lindy Ruff has demanded more from his team and the players answered the call. The Sabres were held to just three shots on goal in both the first and second periods, while New Jersey took care of both ends of the ice, up 5-1 after two periods.

"We've got to continue to be diligent with that," head coach Lindy Ruff said, "There's a lot to like how we went about our game."

Dawson Mercer and Luke Hughes added to the goal total in the third period. Hughes goal capped off the night of scoring for New Jersey, with their lone power play goal of the game.

The Sabres were held to just 12 shots all night, while the Devils had 38.

Here are some notes and observations from the game:

• Nico Hischier on his return to the lineup:

"It took a little longer than I wanted to, but it feels good to be around the boys again, go out and battle and come out with the win."

• Hischier on his recovery process and listening to his body:

"It was really important, I think I have a really good understanding of my body and if I'm not ready, I'm not ready. It's good to be back."

• Eight Devils had multi-point nights: Dougie Hamilton (2a), Hischier (1g-1a), Holtz (1g-1a), Bratt (2a), Toffoli (2g), Mercer (1g-1a) and Luke Hughes (1g-1a).

• It cannot be overlooked that five of the Devils seven goals were scored at even strength. It is an area where the club has had its struggles this season and perhaps the return of the captain slotted everyone into their right places up and down the lineup, creating far more balance than the club has had in weeks.

• Four goals in the first period tied a season-high for the Devils. The last time they scored four goals in a period was against Washington on Oct. 25. Flip to the other side of the ice, the Sabres were held to just three shots in the period, the least amount of shots against a team has had on a Devils goaltender in a single period this season. That trend continued when the Devils held a 26-6 edge in shots after 40 minutes of play.

• Devils had 13 high-danger chances after 40 minutes, while the Sabres had 2.

• Alexander Holtz now has the first goal streak of his career, scoring on back-to-back nights for New Jersey. Holtz continues to add to his career numbers with his sixth goal of the season and nine points after a two-point night (1g-1a).

"I'm feeling good about my game," Holtz shared, "I feel like I'm taking steps every game, I'm trying to build from that. I always believe in myself so I think that's a huge part of it." 

Holtz also noted that he has been talking with Lindy Ruff a lot to help elevate his game. Ruff provided some insight into those talks:

"Small parts of the game that make a big difference," he said, "What I actually talk with him a lot about is puck play, keeping your feet going, when is the right time to stay on the hunt, and when is the right time to create a great angle and get back. Just trying to understand what can usually get you in trouble as a player and really attack."

• Connor Clifton, whose hit took Hischier out of action for 11 games, was booed by the Prudential Center faithful when he touched the puck tonight. Clifton also had to answer the bell when Brendan Smith challenged him to a fight in the first period.

• It was only too fitting that Jesper Bratt's 300th career point would come as the assist on Hischier's goal. The two have come up through the league together and are the two longest-tenured New Jersey Devils.

• Erik Haula missed the third period. His night finished with an assist and 9:30 time on ice. There was no update on Haula's status after the game. 

• Michael McLeod had seven of the Devils 33 hits, which marks a season-high for the team.