G8 New Jersey Devils vs Colorado Avalanche: Jacked Up

The Devils have shown a lot of promise in the early going of the season. How will they fare in their stiffest test yet?

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

Jacked Up

It is no secret Jack Hughes is poised for a breakout. Young Dom believes it. I believe it. The guy from the corner store believes it. The raccoon rooting through your garbage believes it. Everyone believes it.

But let me add a little more color into just how well Hughes is playing right now and why the results should soon turn.

To date, 121 forwards have logged at least 95 minutes of 5v5 ice. That’s essentially four per team, which means we’re isolating the best each side has to offer.

Among that group, here are Hughes’ on-ice rankings in several major categories:

• Attempts per 60 —> 5th

• HD chances per 60 —> 1st

• Expected Goals per 60 —> 1st

• Goals per 60 — 6th

Jesper Bratt, Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, Jack Eichel, Matthew Tkachuk, and Alex DeBrincat are some of the most common names hovering around Jack in those categories. Top tier weapons.

The Devils are more or less an unstoppable force offensively when 86 is out there. He just hasn’t been rewarded individually; at least nowhere close to the extent he deserves.

We know Jack. He likes to be a star. He likes to be the best. He’s ultra competitive. And he gets up for big games.

Win or lose, I think he’s going to make noise in this one.