Jack Hughes has been riding a wave of momentum since scoring the golden goal at the Milan-Cortina Olympics. In his 16 games back from the break, Hughes has tallied 27 points (10 goals, 17 assists) and leads the New Jersey Devils with 63 points this season. On Sunday, he added two goals and two assists in New Jersey’s 5-3 victory over the visiting Chicago Blackhawks, and he looks to extend his hot streak when the Devils visit the New York Rangers on Tuesday.
“The whole second period we dominated. Third period, it’s coming,” Hughes said of Sunday’s game. “So, we just had to stick with our game. Push, but not give anything crazy up. We did a good job of that.”
The win marked the Devils’ 10th victory in 14 games (38-33-2, 78 points), including two 6-3 wins over the Rangers (30-35-9, 69 points) this month. Hughes was especially dominant against New York, recording a hat trick and an assist on March 7 and adding a goal and two assists on March 18. Forward Connor Brown has also been impactful, contributing five points (one goal, four assists) in the two games versus the Rangers this month, bringing his total to 15 points (five goals, 10 assists) in the last 14 contests.
Captain Nico Hischier celebrated his 600th NHL game on Sunday, assisting on two goals. “I’m very grateful for that,” said Hischier, the 2017 No. 1 overall draft pick. “Time goes fast. I’m definitely very grateful to hit that milestone and hopefully many more to come.” He’s also contributed 15 points (six goals, nine assists) in his past 12 games, including two goals and an assist in the two games against New York.
For the Rangers, eliminated from playoff contention, the focus has shifted to maintaining pride and effort. After snapping a season-high six-game losing streak, New York has won its last two games, including a 3-1 victory over the Florida Panthers on Sunday. Rookie Adam Sykora scored early in the third period for his second consecutive goal, impressing coach Peter Sullivan. “It’s hard not to like that guy,” Sullivan said. “The energy he exudes, I don’t think he’s ever had a bad day in his life.”
Defenseman Adam Fox sealed the win with an empty-net goal. “We’re competitors, we all go out there to win, and I think you’re always playing for something,” Fox said. “For us, it would be a disservice to our teammates, fans, the organization to go out there and not give what we have. Obviously, it’s a tricky spot when you’re eliminated and there’s draft position and everything like that, but we’re focused on bringing a good game, something we can be proud of, and giving it our all.”
The Devils now aim to complete a sweep of the season series when they face the Rangers on Tuesday, with Hughes leading the charge.
Leave a Reply