Hischier discusses Devils playoff chances in Q&A with NHL.com

NHL.com's Q&A feature called "Sitting Down with…" runs each Sunday. We talk to key figures in the game, gaining insight into their lives on and off the ice.
This edition features New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier.

Nico Hischier has been playing a key role in the New Jersey Devils rebuild ever since he was selected No. 1 in the 2017 NHL Draft.
The center, who missed 23 games last season due to injury and illness, was named the 12th captain in Devils history on Feb. 20 and has scored 159 points (59 goals, 100 assists) in 250 NHL games over five seasons.
The 22-year-old from Brig, Switzerland, leads Devils forwards in ice time (19:21), ranks second on the team with 11 assists and is tied for fourth with 13 points in 20 games this season. He ranks first in face-offs taken (380) and wins (211).
NHL.com caught up with Hischier recently to ask him about the Devils' play this season, the acquisition of defenseman Dougie Hamilton, the Winter Olympics and play of rookie teammate Dawson Mercer:
What are your thoughts on the play of the Devils so far this season?
"I like so far. We know we still have a lot to learn, we're still a young team but we know if we play our game, we're in it and we can beat good teams ... we just have to do it. For us, we've got to bring that game every night because we don't give ourselves a chance to win games if we don't. I'm confident in this group. We're still missing a couple guys who can help in certain areas, everybody in the lineup tries their best and there's no quit."

When the Devils signed free-agent defenseman Dougie Hamilton to a seven-year contract July 28, what kind of message was sent?
"We're looking to win now. We're looking to get a key piece to the puzzle. Committing to a guy like that with a young team is great for us. He has lots of experience and that will only help us out in the big games."
How excited are you to be named to the Switzerland National Team for possible participation in the 2022 Beijing Olympics in February?
"Obviously, I'm really pumped about it. Growing up, you watch the Winter Olympics and it's something special, something I haven't experienced in my career. We still don't know what will happen, but when the time comes and I'm able to play for Switzerland, it'll kind of be a dream come true. I always wanted to experience that so it's obviously pretty cool."
What were the Devils missing when Jack Hughes was out of the lineup for 17 games with a shoulder injury?
"Jack obviously brings a lot of offense for us. He's a player that creates a lot and that helps our power play. In this League, I think the power play is a big part of sometimes either winning or losing game."
What do you feel has played a part in your improvement on face-offs?
"It's obviously better if you can start with the puck a little bit more then always chasing it. So that was a focus I had a couple of years ago and I take pride in it now and am just trying to keep getting better. I think the big factor for me on draws is knowing the guys you're facing off against, what they're doing, and obviously what their strengths are."
Does rookie Dawson Mercer come to you for advice?
"He has some questions, but not necessarily about hockey, just all-around. Obviously, he's doing just fine, so I'll try to be there for him and try to tell him to just keep doing what you're doing. There's not much to say right now because he's been a big part of our group. He does the little things right. He has that sense you need and he's fearless with his plays; he's not scared to do his thing. When you're thinking too much or scared, you won't make the right decisions."

What would be your advice to any NHL rookie?
"My advice would be, come to the rink, listen to what the coaches have to say, pay attention, try to grow as a player and just have fun. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Just go out there and, basically, work your [butt] off because that's how this League works. There are no easy nights. You have to come to work every night."
Will Alex Ovechkin break Wayne Gretzky's NHL goal-scoring record?
"If he keeps scoring at this pace, I'd have to say 'Yes.' It's just crazy. A couple years ago, I probably would have said, 'No way,' but he just still does it, so I'll say, 'Yes.'"
Best Christmas gift you've ever gotten?
"Probably a hockey stick when I was younger; it was a new hockey stick. I was probably 10 years old, and my parents got it for me."
Which NHL club on the schedule do you get excited to play against?
"I always like the games against the New York Rangers. Those rivalry games are fun."
Best advice you've ever gotten?
"There are no bad days in this League. It was either Andy Greene, Brian Boyle or Drew Stafford who said it to me in my rookie year. I can't really remember who it was, but it was one of those three veteran guys on the team."
Who keeps it light in the Devils locker room and is fun to be around?
"'Mango' (Andreas Johnsson) is a guy who always has a big smile on his face; he gets guys in a good mood with the things he says and does."
The Devils make the Stanley Cup Playoffs if ...?
"We keep playing like we have but clean up those little improvements in certain areas of the ice."
Three people you've never met who you'd like to have dinner with?
"I'll go with (actor) Adam Sandler, (actress) Jennifer Aniston, and (former NHL player) Pavel Datsyuk."