There is something about the month of March that brings out the best in New Jersey Devils power forward Timo Meier.
In nine games this month, the 28-year-old has seven points, including two game-winning goals. In his last game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Meier earned his 20th goal of the season. It is a mark he has reached in four consecutive seasons. Per NHL Pr, Meier tied Kevin Fiala and Nino Niederreiter (both with seven) for the most 20-goal seasons by a Swiss-born player in NHL history.
After a recent practice, The Hockey News sat with Meier for a mini Q&A. During the interview, he spoke about his love for the game, career trajectory, and more.
The Hockey News: Lisa Kudrow has publicly spoken about how it took a few years to settle into her Friends character, Phoebe Buffay. How long did it take you to get comfortable and understand what it takes to be an NHLer, day in and day out?
Timo Meier: Probably three years.
The first year, for me, was up and down in the AHL (American Hockey League) and kind of exploring a little bit and seeing both sides. After that, you then get a full year in (the NHL), and then after that, you know what it takes after having a full season. Going into the third year, I really knew what I had to do for the most part to have success. So, I would say the third year.
THN: Is there a particular moment in your career that you would love to show to your younger self to say this is going to be you in the future?
Meier: I think there are many moments - not just the good ones but also the ones where you struggle, where you show strength, and come through adversity. Obviously, you dream of playing in the NHL, but facing adversity and the way you handle it is what I would say are the proud moments.
THN: Was there ever a moment in your career when you started to lose your love for the game?
Meier: Honestly, there are tough days, but I think it helps when you love the game.
When you play for a while, it is tough sometimes, but then you remind yourself of why you do this. (It is) coming back to when you were a little kid, dreaming of being in this moment. Sometimes you get caught up in all the distractions that you forget about that stuff. So it is good to remind yourself sometimes why (we do this), and then will (rediscover) that you love to do this, and it is a privilege.
THN: What has hockey given you?
Meier: So much. Just the emotions. The bonds between the teammates. You go through good times and bad times together; you build life-lasting friendships.
THN: At this point, does hockey feel like a job to you, or is it still your passion that you have had since you were a kid?
Meier: I don't think it is a job. Like I said, it is a privilege to do what we do here, playing hockey for a living. Definitely not always easy, but it is a dream come true. So, I would say it is a pretty good job.
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