New Jersey Devils notes: On Hughes' quest for 100 and the team's playoff path

Hughes needs four points over the final two games to be the Devils' first 100 point player; and the schedule is working in his favor. Plus, thoughts on the Metro Division playoff path.

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A couple New Jersey Devils notes on this off-day:

On the chase for 100

With 15 points over the past 10 games, Jack Hughes has put himself in a position where he has a legitimate shot of being the first 100 point player in franchise history.

Hughes still has real work to do – he needs four points over the final two games – but the stars are certainly aligning for him to get the job done.

Tuesday the Devils draw a high-event Sabres team playing in the latter half of a back-to-back. They will either shoot on a fatigued Devon Levi – he is slated to make his fourth straight start tonight – or one of the netminders responsible for the team having a .890 save percentage on the year. Suffice to say, it’s a good spot to create offense.

The season finale against Washington doesn’t seem like the best spot on paper but the Capitals have quietly been atrocious for quite some time.

Over the past 25 games, the Capitals have won just six times. Six! Only the San Jose Sharks (five) have picked up fewer wins in that span.

The Capitals have come apart defensively, allowing more goals than all but five teams over that stretch of games.

Injuries are piling up and they’re a veteran-heavy team generally getting set for playoff hockey. I doubt they’re going to be dialled in and tighten the screws for a Get Out Of Town game that means absolutely nothing.

I think there’s a very real chance we witness Devils history this week.

A golden opportunity