Can Timo Meier March Madness drive the New Jersey Devils’ playoffs? – Hockey Writer – New Jersey Devils

For now, the New Jersey Devils have been strong in the playoffs. Despite a 5-4-1 victory over the last 10 games, the team still has a 9-point mat in the New York Islanders and the New York Rangers. The road would be difficult without major players like Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton, but the Devil’s playoff hopes are still alive.

Especially a devil has put in high effort on the road to the playoffs. Timo Meier has had his own “March Crazy” throughout the month, scoring seven goals in his last 13 games. Let’s look at his impact throughout the month and how his boosting game can make the Devil go further in the playoffs.

Meier A Key Playoff Driver Component

Currently, Meier ranks third in goals and fourth in total, making him an important part of the Devil’s lineup. His consistency cannot be better. Meier had a tough February, earning just one assist in seven games, but his game reached another level in March, similar to the 2023-24 season.

This month, Meier averaged 3.31 shots, 19:11 ice time per game. Of his seven goals, two are champions and three are in the power play. Currently, his pace reaches 54 points, which will mark his fourth straight season crossing the 50-point threshold.

His speed, tenacity and skill make him an amazing player. According to data from NHL Edge, he ranks close among many statistics. For example, he was in the 96th percentile of the goal, the 99th percentile of the offensive zone fine time. He also perfectly embodies the Devil’s identity as a team of speed and passion. Meier recorded 40 shots on a goal rate between 80-90 miles per hour, while the league average was 8.44.

Meier’s consistency throughout the month

The Devils fell to the Vancouver Canucks 4-3 on Monday night, but Meier did his best. He scored in a power game and drove the hockey with the rebounding opportunity created by Dawson Mercer. He then scored again in the third stage, giving the Devil a 2-1 lead.

After they suffered overwhelming gunfight losses, Meyer stressed the importance of being consistent and winning forward in all three periods. “At this time of year, we need to clean up the little things that cost you a game,” Meyer said. Still, head coach Sheldon Keefe praised Meier for his ability to improve and become a team finisher.

Meier has scored five goals in his last eight games in his last eight games. Whether it’s on the front line with Nico Hischier on the left with Stefan Noesen or Erik Haula, his point of view production has increased significantly. The Noesen-Hischier-Meier series has completed 12 goals and has created 60.69% high-crisis scoring opportunities (HDCF%). He also had similar results for Haula, and the Haula-Hischier-Meier line percentage was 61.01 (XGF%).

Meier’s ability to play

Meier also continues to make a difference on the Devil’s top power play unit and has statistics that prove it. Meier scored a powerful goal in two straight games, not afraid to get into the net and kick off. On Wednesday night, he helped the Devils lead the way with a 2-0 lead so that Mercer can reach out to the hockey.

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In a five-on-four case, his goal difference and 95 hockey goals percentages. He tied for third in the club’s powerful goals, half of which scored in March alone. His active hockey possession, 87% Corsi and 84% Fenwick said.

Meier entered the second Power League team earlier this season, but he had nothing but hopeful results for his first promotion. Not only does Meier have 86.92 expected goals percentages, but his 100% high-crisis target percentage is impressive. Similarly, Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen also had a 0.913 hockey saving percentage in Meier’s power play. Overall, he has evolved into a dangerous two-way player this season, returning to his former position as an elite goalkeeper.

Playoff push: Looking forward

With only nine games left in the regular season, the Devil needs to make the most of the rest. Meier’s leadership and recent success have been a big factor in their playoffs, and his role cannot be underestimated. However, the rest of the teams must unite and build a unified front.

The Devils will continue their road trip throughout the weekend, facing Friday’s Winnipeg Jets and the Minnesota Wild Saturday.