G9 New Jersey Devils @ Minnesota Wild: Feasting on the power play

The Devils lead the league in power play goals and find themselves in a good spot to continue that success.

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

Upping the ante

Although Jack Hughes had a few good individual moments, he did not play well the past two games. Not by Jack Hughes’ standards, not by any standards.

In terms of counting stats, he recorded one point and three shots over 40 minutes of ice. He also had his two worst games of the year in terms of shot contributions. Oh, and the Devils controlled just 35% of the expected goal share with him on the ice at five-on-five. None of that is good.

Now, I don’t think there is any cause for concern whatsoever. Jack has proven himself a top-tier player and a couple of off nights don’t change anything.

That being said, the Devils need Hughes to go back into Sicko Mode sooner rather than later.

With Nico Hischier sidelined for a handful of games (at least), and Dawson Mercer not producing anything, the Devils’ forward group is looking a lot thinner – especially down the middle of the ice.

Hughes absolutely has to do the heavy lifting. The Devils can get by against weak teams on the schedule like Chicago and St. Louis without Hughes firing on all cylinders.

If he doesn’t get the job done against better opponents like Minnesota and Colorado, Michael McLeod, Erik Haula, and Chris Tierney are probably not going to give the Devils enough down the middle to survive.

A change in mentality