Devils Ride Resilience and Rising Stars Through a Strong November
The New Jersey Devils closed out November with an 8-5-1 record, and while it wasn’t always pretty, it was undeniably gutsy. Injuries tested their depth, but the team responded with a mix of timely goaltending, clutch scoring, and big-time performances from their core. From overtime thrillers to a statement shutout, the Devils showed flashes of the team many expected to see this season.
Let’s take a closer look at three players who stood out in a month that could prove pivotal for New Jersey’s momentum.
Third Star: Timo Meier - Power, Production, and Presence
After a bit of a slow start, Timo Meier found his rhythm in November - and when he gets going, the Devils are a different team. Meier posted six goals and six assists over the month, including three multi-point games and a current five-game point streak that’s been a spark for the offense. His presence on the power play was especially noticeable, tallying three goals with the man advantage and making life miserable for opposing penalty kills.
Meier’s game has always been built on a rare blend of size and skill, and he leaned into that identity in November. He averaged 3.2 shots and 2.1 hits per game, but it’s not just about raw numbers - it’s how he uses his frame to create space, win puck battles, and crash the net with purpose. His goal against the Flyers, where he charged through the middle to bury a rebound off a Jesper Bratt shot, was classic Meier: direct, physical, and effective.
He’s also been seeing time on the top line alongside Nico Hischier and Bratt, and that trio is clicking. At 5-on-5, they’ve controlled play with a 63.64% goals-for percentage and are generating over 64 shot attempts per 60 minutes. Meier’s uptick in production couldn’t have come at a better time, especially with the team navigating key absences up front.
Second Star: Nico Hischier - Leading by Example, and Then Some
Nico Hischier continues to show why he wears the “C.” The Devils’ captain turned up the heat in late November, notching 10 points in his last five games.
That stretch included a standout performance against the Flyers, where he racked up three points and found the net twice. He’s currently riding a five-game point streak and averaging 2.3 shots per game - but his impact goes far beyond the scoresheet.
With Jack Hughes sidelined, Hischier stepped up in every way. He’s been more physical, more engaged in puck battles, and more vocal on the ice.
And in a game against Detroit, he showed a level of fire that resonated throughout the lineup. After taking a hard hit early on, Hischier responded with a goal, an assist, and nearly dropped the gloves - narrowly missing out on a Gordie Howe hat trick.
That kind of edge from your captain can rally a team, and it clearly did.
Timo Meier summed it up best after the Devils’ overtime win against St. Louis: “You can count on him every day.
He comes and competes... he’s obviously massive for our team.” Hischier’s leadership and production were crucial in keeping the Devils afloat during a tough stretch, and he continues to set the tone night after night.
First Star: Simon Nemec - A Breakout Month for the Budding Star
Simon Nemec didn’t just have a good November - he had a breakout month that put the rest of the league on notice. The 21-year-old defenseman scored six goals and added two assists in 14 games, including some truly clutch moments.
He tied a game against the Islanders in the dying seconds of regulation, then followed that up with a hat trick - capped by an overtime winner - against the Blackhawks. And he wasn’t done.
Nemec struck again in extra time versus the Blues, showcasing his skating and poise under pressure.
Nemec now leads all Devils defensemen in goals (six) and points (15), and he’s already closing in on his career-high of 19 points - and we’re only a quarter of the way through the season. His chemistry with Luke Hughes has also been a bright spot, as the pair has been on the ice for eight goals and 108 unblocked shot attempts so far. That’s the kind of production you love to see from a young duo anchoring the blue line.
What’s maybe most impressive is how much more responsibility Nemec is handling. Last season, he averaged just under 15 minutes of ice time per game.
This month? Nearly 22 minutes a night.
That’s top-pairing territory, and he’s earned every second. Whether it’s on the rush, quarterbacking the power play, or making smart reads in his own zone, Nemec is showing he’s not just the future of the Devils’ defense - he’s already a vital piece of their present.
Looking Ahead: December Brings New Challenges - and Opportunity
With November in the rearview, the Devils are gearing up for a December that will test their depth and consistency. A three-game homestand kicks things off, but the schedule quickly ramps up with matchups against the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Utah Mammoth. The month wraps with a back-to-back road set, including a New Year’s Eve tilt against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The good news? Help is on the way. The Devils are expecting to get key players back, including their star forward who’s been sidelined - and if the team continues to play with the same grit and resilience they showed in November, they’re going to be a tough out for anyone.
The pieces are starting to come together. Meier is heating up.
Hischier is leading with authority. Nemec is blossoming into a star.
If this team can stay healthy and keep building chemistry, December could be the month they truly find their stride.