G20 New Jersey Devils vs. New York Islanders: A ticking time bomb

Although Jack Hughes' production has dipped a little of late, his chance generation numbers remain sky high. He is poised for a big night against a leaky Islanders defense.

Follow along on Twitter @ToddCordell | @InfernalAccess

Be sure to join the Discord channel to talk hockey, and everything else, with our writers and subscribers.

---

A few notes to get you set for New Jersey vs. New York:

A ticking time bomb

On the surface Jack Hughes has been a little quiet of late. He has scored just one goal – while twice being held off the scoresheet entirely – in four games since returning from injury. Not exactly the kind of outputs we saw earlier in the year.

The individual numbers beneath the hood suggest he is still playing to that level, though, and that massive outburst is coming sooner rather than later.

Hughes has produced absolutely ridiculous shot and chance generation outputs since being reinserted into the lineup. He has piled up 46 shot attempts, 23 shots on goal, and 23 scoring chances in just four games. He leads the Devils by a country mile in each of those categories.

Hughes has only converted on 4.35% of his shots while recording a point on just 42% of the goals he’s been out for. He is shooting nearly 11% on the year, and owns an individual points percentage of 70%, so he certainly appears to be in line for some positive regression.

The Islanders are a prime opponent to bring that to the forefront. They are struggling mightily on the defensive side of the ice, allowing more than 35 shots per game. Only the Sharks are giving up more.

The Isles are especially dreadful at slowing down opposing centers, conceding 12.55 shots (30th) and 1.35 goals (24th) per game to the position. Not ideal when heading into a game against Hughes (and Nico Hischier).

Without last change in the Isles’ back pocket, they won’t be able to control matchups and get their best defensive personnel out against Hughes on a shift-to-shift basis.

Expect him to take advantage in a big way.

McLeod-Holtz duo primed for success