Devils 8, Hurricanes 4: Back in business

Led by the Hughes brothers, the Devils picked up a lopsided win to get themselves back in the series.

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A few notes following New Jersey’s impressive Game 3 victory over Carolina:

Home ice made a difference

Jack Hughes’ line was dangerous against the Brady Skjei pairing in Carolina. The problem was the Devils couldn’t chase that matchup (or get him away from Jordan Staal).

With last change in Lindy Ruff’s back pocket, he was able to get Hughes out more against Skjei’s pairing. In fact, Jack faced Skjei and Pesce more than any other Hurricanes in Game 3.

In ~6:40 of head-to-head ice at 5v5, the Hughes line outscored the Skjei pairing 3-0. Hughes had the puck on a string and was dancing all around the offensive zone, creating opportunities at will.

It was a stark contrast from what we saw from Hughes against Slavin. He posted a 15% share of the expected goals and was on for only one Grade B chance in more than 5 minutes of ice.

Those results aren’t remotely surprising given how each Hurricanes pairing has fared throughout the playoffs thus far.

I’m very encouraged about what this means for the team’s chances in G4. Ruff can get Hughes out in more advantageous matchups at home – clearly, doing so makes a difference – and Hughes finally has adequate help in the form of Timo Meier.

If opposing players want to gravitate towards Hughes, that just means more time and space to work with for a 40-goal-scorer like Meier.

And if Rod Brind’Amour finds a way to attach Slavin to the hip of Hughes? The Nico Hischier line is just as capable of exposing the Skjei pairing (xG was 1.78-0.04 NJ with Nico out vs. Skjei).

That brings me to my next point…

Hischier’s line feasted