New Jersey Devils notes: On Hughes' dominance & Sharangovich's sophomore season

Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell | @InfernalAccess

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

---

A few notes on yet another off-day for the New Jersey Devils:

Jack Hughes is hitting another gear

Hughes has been the talk of the town since the holiday break; and rightfully so. He has looked as dynamic as ever and the points are coming in bunches. Yet, for all the praise he’s gotten, it still might not be enough.

Let me hit you with some facts:

• Hughes has 12 points in six games since the break. No other Devils player has more than eight.

• Hughes has 27 shots on goal over those six games. No other Devil has more than 17.

• Hughes has recorded 26 scoring chances. Nico Hischier is 2nd with 17.

• The Devils have controlled better than 62% of the xG with Hughes on the ice at 5v5. For perspective, Pittsburgh has posted a 55.87 xGF% over their 10-1 run.

• The Devils have out-chanced opponents 65-44 with Hughes out there at 5v5. They’ve fared even better in terms of high-danger chances (28-13), controlling better than 68%(!).

• Hughes has led the Devils in shot contributions each contest I tracked, amassing 36 in three games. Small sample size? Sure! But Hughes lapped the field last year and it’s been more of the same this season.

As good as Hughes has looked on the ice, his numbers might well paint an even brighter picture. Across the board he has dominated each and every night, which is the true calling card for a star player.

Forget all the talk about the Devils paying for what Hughes could be. He’s playing like an $8 million player – and then some – right now.

And he’s only scratching the surface.