The New Jersey Devils secured a 3-2 overtime victory against the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday night at the Prudential Center, marking their second consecutive win. Captain Nico Hischier played hero, scoring his second goal of the game at 3:42 in overtime. This win provided a much-needed boost for the Devils after a series of difficult losses and public scrutiny. Here are three takeaways from the game:

1. Hischier's Leadership and Offensive Surge

Nico Hischier's performance was a key factor in the Devils' victory. He not only scored the game-winning goal in overtime with a skillful deke but also tallied a power-play goal in the second period. Hischier's two goals underscored his resilience and determination, bringing his point total to five in the last three games. Interim coach Keefe emphasized Hischier's importance to the team, highlighting his leadership qualities and the positive example he sets for his teammates. Beyond the scoresheet, Hischier's commitment to winning puck battles is noteworthy; he ranks second in the entire league in this category, demonstrating his relentless effort on the ice.

2. Glass's Early Impact and Markstrom's Resilience

Cody Glass opened the scoring for the Devils just 54 seconds into the game, giving the team an early lead. This was Glass's third goal in as many games, showcasing his recent offensive contributions. The goal was a result of winning a faceoff that led to a shot from Dougie Hamilton, with Glass collecting the rebound and putting it in the net. Goalie Jacob Markstrom, while allowing a goal to former Devil Adam Larsson, demonstrated resilience by bouncing back and making crucial saves, especially during a penalty kill shortly after. Markstrom's ability to shake off the early goal and maintain composure was vital in keeping the game within reach for the Devils.

3. Kraken's Sluggish Start and Missed Opportunities

Despite earning a point, the Kraken's performance was considered lackluster. They allowed the Devils to score early. Although they managed to tie the game with goals from Adam Larsson and Jared McCann, they struggled to generate consistent offense. The Kraken also faltered in the 3-on-3 overtime period. Coach Lane Lambert felt the team "left something on the table," indicating a sense of unfulfilled potential in the game. The Kraken have developed an uncomfortable habit of conceding the first goal early in games, a trend they need to address to achieve more consistent success.