Devils Lines Finding Individual Identities | FEATURE

'If it's not broken, don't fix it' is a common saying that fits with the Devils right now. Over their nine straight wins, New Jersey has started each of its last eight games with the same lines and pairings. Playing with four productive lines is a goal of every team, and the Devils reaping the benefits of that consistency early this season.
"I feel like every line has something to bring to this team at the moment and that's why we're successful," Tomas Tatar explained. "It's nice to have different line combinations and to see their success. That's what good teams do."
"We want that mindset of every time you get out there you don't want to get scored on, you want to capitalize, and help your team win," Mercer said of the offense's mindset. "I think all lines are really taking advantage of that … I think we have a pretty deep lineup and any given night getting put out there against any line the other team puts out against you, you want to feel confident that you can be the better line out there and win that shift."
As these lines continue to play together throughout this winning streak, identities are starting to form.

THE TOP LINE: Tomas Tatar - Nico Hischier - Fabian Zetterlund:
The Devils top line has been key in scoring throughout the Devils winning streak. Both Tatar and Hischier are riding seven-game point streaks while Zetterlund has had bursts of offense when the team has needed it the most. Tatar has recorded a goal in consecutive games and six helpers over seven games for eight points. Hischier has five goals and five assists during the point streak including two goals, including the overtime winner against the Senators. Zetterlund helped lead the Devils to a 4-3 overtime victory in Calgary with a two-goal performance, that included the overtime power play game-winner. The winger is still finding his scoring consistency but has embraced the shooting mentality.
"We all have speed, the same pace, we all want to be in the offensive zone," Zetterlund said about the top line. "With my grit and compete I think I fit pretty well. I wanted to shoot the puck a lot and be open for those guys so they can make a play with me."
"Hischier is a great two-way player, he's very responsible, it's easy to play with (him)," Tatar said about his line. "With Zetterlund he has a great shot, we have to use him for that. He can shoot from pretty much anywhere and he has a hard and accurate shot. For me, I'm trying to win the battles, make some plays for guys and provide the opportunity for them to score."

THE SECOND LINE: Erik Haula - Jack Hughes - Jesper Bratt:
Haula is still searching for his first goal of the season, coming up inches away several times this season, but is contributing in other ways. He's fifth in the NHL for face-off wins, and during the Devils win streak, the forward has contributed four of his five assists this season. Hughes is creating offense and hitting the scoresheet constantly. Over the last nine games, he has 12 of his 15 points, including four of his five goals. He's also notched three multi-point games during this time span. Bratt started the season making franchise history, with points in 11-straight games to start the year. He continues to use his speed to create action. Bratt also leads the Devils in power-play points as New Jersey is starting to find consistency, scoring power-play goals in eight of their last nine games.
"With (the second) line, they're creating a lot of offense," said Zetterlund. "Hughes and Bratt are circling around, and Haula fits good there with his body and hockey IQ out there. I think they're really good."
"They can create a lot of offense, they're very skilled players," said Tatar. "I think Haula provides them the defensive responsibility, I think they found a lot of chemistry there as well."

THE THIRD LINE: Yegor Sharangovich - Dawson Mercer - Jesper Boqvist:
This line may not have the big numbers yet, but it's not due to lack of effort. The trio has found possession time using the high level of skill the three possess while firing shots on net. Mercer and Sharangovich have each scored two goals and had one assist during the Devils win streak while Boqvist has contributed one of each. The third line has become a line that can kill time and control the puck while tiring out the opposing goaltender with quality chances.
"Sharangovich, Mercer and Boqvist they play very well and have a lot of skill and can make plays out there," Tatar said.
"We're all fast players, we want to be responsible defensively there but also I feel like we have a lot of talent and skill to score goals," Mercer said on his own line. "I think we're going to try to keep working on that but we're a fast line and we want to make sure we use that."
"The (third) line I really feel has been good with possession, they've been able to control play down low, hasn't turned in the goals for them, turned into good opportunities but would like to see them turn into goals," said Devils head coach Lindy Ruff.

THE FOURTH LINE: Miles Wood - Michael McLeod - Nathan Bastian:
The BMW or impact line is a fan favorite for a reason. The three bring a lot of physicality, exciting plays off the rush, and scoring. The BMW line has 19 points since Oct. 30, and they are constantly credited for bringing energy to the whole team when they're on the ice. Miles Wood is bouncing back after missing all but three games last year. Currently, he has nine points on the season and five of his six goals are during the Devils win streak. McLeod is eight in the NHL with face-offs, building off the success he found at the dot last season. Bastian has five assists and one goal over the last nine games and has been throwing hits. The forward's five hits against Arizona is a season-high for all Devils players.
"I want to give credit to the fourth line," Jonas Siegenthaler said after Friday's practice. "They've been fantastic, they're producing goals, they are producing energy on the ice, it's always good to have such a good fourth line."
"The BMW line has been just a strong line down low, great speed going through the neutral zone, physicality, getting to the net," said Ruff. "I think their goal (Thursday) sums up the way they play. One guy took it to the net, the second guy got there, and all of the sudden it's in the back of the net.
"They're dangerous in a couple of ways, they're dangerous on the rush with the speed they have and they're a hard, physical line down low to control."