“Hischier and Meier Score as New Jersey Wins in NHL Playoffs”

After losing the first two acts of the quarter-finals of the NHL play-offs against Carolina in Raleigh, New Jersey appropriated the third round in its Prudential Center on Sunday (8-4). The team coached by Lindy Ruff is therefore only led 1-2 in this series which will end as soon as a club has collected four successes.

Schmid on the bench

The bad news within the Swiss Devils legion? Hero of the first round of the playoffs against the New York Rangers, hesitating and replaced during the game in the first two games against the Hurricanes, Bernese goalkeeper Akira Schmid (22) gave way to Vitek Vanecek between the posts.

The Czech, who was credited with an assist, made an 86.7% save card. It’s weak, but it’s better than the two goalkeepers who have succeeded in front of the Canes net: the Dane Frederik Andersen (66.7%) and the Russian Pyotr Kochetkov (81.8%).

Hischier and Meier goalscorers

The good news in the Swiss colony of the Devils, beyond the convincing victory? The three Swiss in uniform have blacked out the counter sheet.

Decorated with the second star, the Valais center player Nico Hischier (24) scored his first goal of the play-offs (4-0 in the 21st minute) and was at the origin of the 3-0 awarded to the Ontario forward Michael McLeod.

Awarded the third star, Appenzell right winger Timo Meier (26), who skated with a protective face mask, showed the way in his colors by opening the scoring in the 6th minute. This is his first success of the 2023 spring playoffs.

As for the Zurich defender Jonas Siegenthaler (26), he collected an assist on the 7-2 achieved by the American center Jack Hughes.

Toronto facing elimination

After eliminating Boston, the best club in the regular season, Florida is about to send the Kuoni catalog to Toronto. Following its success in extra time thanks to a goal by BC center Sam Reinhart in their FLA Live Arena (3-2 ap), the Panthers lead 3-0.

Seattle takes command

The other surprise of these play-offs is called Seattle. Created in 2021, the Kraken walks on water after eliminating Colorado, winner of the Stanley Cup in 2022. In its Climate Pledge Arena, it easily won Act III against Dallas (7-2) and took command in head-to-head (2-1).