Hischier Named NHL Third Star of the Week

For the second time this season, a Devil has been named as one of the NHL’s Three Stars of the Week.

Earlier in January, Jack Hughes was named the NHL’s Second Star of the Week for the last week of December. This month, for the week ending February 13, Devils captain Nico Hischier has been named the Third Star of the Week for the NHL.

The Devils’ center was the third star along with Columbus Blue Jackets left winger Patrik Laine (second star) and Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (first star).

The press release put out by the NHL Public Relations department noted that Nico scored five goals and an assist for six points to lead the NHL in scoring for this past week. He has a four-game goal scoring streak ongoing – having scored in the Devils’ loss at the Senators on February 7 and in the team’s win over the Canadiens on February 8. On February 10 against the Blues, Hischier had two goals and an assist for three points (which the press release said was his seventh career NHL multi point game and sixth career NHL three-point game). He added a goal in yesterday’s loss to the Penguins at home.

The 2017 first overall pick, as mentioned in the press release, is second on the Devils in points with 30, tied for second in goals with 13 and third in assists with 17.

We will see you back here tomorrow for coverage of the Devils taking on the Tampa Bay Lightning at Prudential Center at 7 PM.

Subban is Finalist for King Clancy Trophy

In what has been a difficult 2020 for everyone in general and the Devils in particular, some good news was announced yesterday.

Defenseman PK Subban has been named as a finalist for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy according to Amanda Stein on the “Inside the Devils Blog” on the Devils’ official app.

The King Clancy Trophy is given “to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution to his community.” He is a finalist with the Minnesota Wild’s Matt Dumba and the New York Rangers’ Henrik Lundqvist.

Subban’s contributions to the community around him, be it Montreal, Nashville or Newark, are legendary. In addition to what he does for the city he plays in, Subban also made a $50,000 donation to George Floyd’s daughter through a fundraiser, according to the NHL’s media release. With Subban leading the charge, other athletes contributed as well, eventually raising $1.5 million for her.

Subban also has the PK Subban Foundation, “which aims to create a positive change through building a community of people who are passionate about helping children around the globe.” The Blueline Buddies program is a part of this, bringing together Newark-area police and youth to attend a Devils game and get a meet-and-greet with Subban himself.

Subban also donated $10 million to the Montreal Children’s Hospital through the foundation and he also “created the Subban Defence League” which is a summer hockey camp that “is dedicated to helping and guiding tomorrow’s leaders.” He and his coaches strive to give kids “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn how to be a champion in sport, as well as in life.

The foundation also created “PKSFWEEKMTL,” which is “a weeklong fundraiser that generated more than $500,000 and is set to again take place in August.” This event helps raise money for the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation.

The winner of the award will be announced in time for the NHL Awards in late-September/early-October.