Devils 3, Kraken 1: Back in business

Led by Jack Hughes, and a stable defensive game, the Devils picked up an important win on Monday night.

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A few notes following New Jersey’s bounce-back win over Seattle:

Jack is back

Prior to the game I noted Jack Hughes has been piling up the shots and chances and, despite a dry spell in terms of goals, it was only a matter of time before the floodgates opened for him offensively.

That regression started to kick in Monday night against the Kraken. Hughes was ultra efficient with his ice time, recording two points in less than 17 minutes while dominating the puck.

Hughes fired eight shots towards goal, seven of which hit the target. He scored what turned out to be the game-winner on his patented bank shot while also starting the play that led to the team’s opening goal.

Hughes did a lot of the heavy lifting through the neutral zone – be at evens or on the power play – and looked awfully dangerous in the final third. He was roaming around the ice, floating into open space and commanding the puck like we always see when at the peak of his powers.

His on-ice metrics were also remarkably strong. The Devils controlled better than 80% of the expected goals while winning the high-danger battle 5-0 with Hughes out there at 5v5.

It was an excellent performance across the board for Hughes, who has not skipped a beat since returning to the lineup.

The Devils need Hughes to stay healthy and continue to play like a Hart Trophy caliber player. If he can do that, they should be able to make up the ground necessary to get into the playoffs.

A defensive clinic