The New Jersey Devils have been dealt a blow with star player Jack Hughes being sidelined due to a hand injury for over a month. Hughes, 24, suffered the injury during a team dinner in Chicago on Nov. 13 and underwent surgery on his finger, forcing him to miss 18 games. Before his injury, both Hughes and the Devils were performing exceptionally well, with Hughes tallying 20 points in his first 17 games, including 10 goals. The Devils held the top spot in the Metropolitan Division with a record of 12-4-1, boasting the second-best points percentage in the NHL at .735, just behind the Colorado Avalanche.
During Hughes' absence, the Devils struggled, going 8-10-0 and experiencing a dip in offensive output from 3.35 goals per game with Hughes to 2.28 goals per game without him. Despite this, the team managed to stay in the playoff race in a competitive Eastern Conference, holding onto the final wild-card spot as Hughes worked on his recovery. His return to the lineup against the Buffalo Sabres was eagerly anticipated by fans and the team.
Hughes' comeback game against the Sabres marked a significant moment for the Devils. Despite falling short in a 3-1 loss, Hughes managed to find the back of the net and logged over 20 minutes of ice time. With his return, the Devils are hopeful of climbing up the standings and challenging the Carolina Hurricanes for the top spot in the Metropolitan Division. Hughes' offensive prowess has been crucial for the team, as he ranks among the top players in the league for points per game.
The Devils' depth was tested during Hughes' absence, highlighting the importance of his presence on the ice. While the team managed to stay afloat in the playoff race, they are undoubtedly a more dangerous squad with Hughes leading the charge. His ability to generate offense and create scoring opportunities is vital to the Devils' success, making him a cornerstone player for the team.
Looking ahead, the Devils will rely on Hughes to propel them to greater heights and help them secure a strong position in the playoff race. With the return of key players like Hughes, Timo Meier, and Arseny Gritsyuk, the Devils are poised to make a push towards securing a postseason berth. As they continue to integrate these players back into the lineup, the team will look to build momentum and make a strong push in the second half of the season.
Despite facing challenges and setbacks, the Devils remain a team to watch in the Eastern Conference, and Hughes' return adds a significant boost to their aspirations. With his talent and presence back on the ice, the Devils are primed to make a statement and showcase their potential as a force to be reckoned with in the NHL.
