G49 New Jersey Devils vs. Calgary Flames: Return of the Jack

The Devils struggled mightily without Jack Hughes, winning just four of 11 games. He returns to the lineup tonight.

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

Jack is back

At long last, No. 86 is expected to make his return to the lineup against the Flames. To say the Devils missed him would be the understatement of the century.

The Devils won just four of 11 games with Hughes on the sideline. They missed his play-driving ability at even-strength, they missed having one of the league’s best 1-2 punches down the middle, they missed the depth he provides at center (especially with Michael McLeod out of the picture), and they missed his ability to create on the power play.

No team in the NHL scored fewer power play goals than the Devils while Hughes was out of the lineup. That’s right; they managed just two goals in 11 games, putting them on par with the San Jose Sharks. Yeah, things were that bad.

Hughes’ presence makes the Devils’ top-9 lethal at even-strength. The Devils should cause all kinds of problems for the Flames during 5v5 play; especially given their current form.

The Flames have controlled only 45.88% of the expected goal share at 5v5 over the last 10 games. They were not great at the best of times and the departure of Elias Lindholm took one of their most reliable contributors out of the mix.

Look for Hughes to make his mark against an exploitable Flames team.

A golden opportunity