G44 New Jersey Devils @ New York Rangers: The perfect storm

Jack Hughes has piled up the chances of late and had little to show for it. A date with the Rangers could be the elixir.

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Here are a few notes to get you set for New Jersey vs. New York:

The perfect storm ⛈️

To say Jack Hughes is snakebitten would be an understatement. The Devils’ superstar center leads the NHL in shot attempts and scoring chances over the last 10 games, besting Zach Werenski and Brady Tkachuk – who hold down the 2nd slots in those categories – by 10 each in that span. Hughes is lapping the field.

Unfortunately, he hasn’t seen much of a reward. Hughes has scored just twice in that span and left the ice goalless in nine of the 10 games.

A date with the New York Rangers could be just what the doctor ordered to get Hughes back on track.

For one, he lives for games against the Devils’ biggest rivals. Hughes has amassed 15 goals and 24 points over his last 18 games against the Rangers.

Hughes found the back of the net in 11 different games (61%) and hit the scoresheet at least once in 16 of them (89%). The Rangers have had no answer for Jack even when at their best – and now they’re at a low point.

No team has allowed more expected goals or high-danger chances than the Rangers over the last 10 games. Not one.

Generally, the Rangers can rely on Igor Shesterkin bailing them out when the defense isn’t there. I’m not sure that’ll be the case tonight.

Shesterkin allowed nine goals over his last two starts and hasn’t played since the calendar turned due to injury.

If there is any rust at all, the Rangers could be in real trouble with the volume and quality of chances they’re giving up.

A dream power play spot 💭