Nico Hischier scores twice and adds an assist as Devils beat Canucks 4-1

Nico Hischier scored twice and added an assist as the New Jersey Devils beat the Vancouver Canucks 4-1 on Saturday. Jesper Bratt had a goal and an assist, Jack Hughes contributed two assists, and Jake Allen made 20 saves in his 500th career game. Linus Karlsson scored for Vancouver, while Leevi Merilainen stopped 31 shots.

Hischier’s first goal was his 200th for New Jersey in 613 games. He became the fifth Swiss player to reach 200 goals and the second-fastest among that group. His linemate, Timo Meier, reached 200 in 569 games. Bratt and Hischier each scored on the power play in the second period, putting the Devils ahead 4-1.

Before the game, New Jersey was among the season’s lowest-scoring teams, with six goals in three games and one power-play goal on 14 opportunities. The Devils went 3-for-4 on the power play Saturday. They have taken at least 30 shots in each of their first four games.

Late in the first period, Jesper Boqvist, a left wing on New Jersey’s fourth line, put the Devils ahead 2-1 off a pass from rookie linemate Amadeus Lombardi. It was the right winger’s first career point and New Jersey’s first lead of the season. The Devils have trailed 1-0 in each of their first four games. Hischier’s tying goal was New Jersey’s second power-play goal in 15 attempts.

Karlsson scored on the power play from Brock Boeser and Jake DeBrusk to give Vancouver a 1-0 first-period lead. The Canucks are in the middle of a six-game road trip and will play their next four games over six nights.

Up next: Vancouver visits the New York Rangers on Sunday. New Jersey hosts Ottawa on Monday night.