Jack Hughes’ Big Game Propels New Jersey Devils In 3-2 Shootout Win

Gaining Traction

After a tough loss in a hard-fought effort versus the Washington Capitals in a 4-3 loss at Capital One Arena in Washington, the Devils knew coming up versus the Montreal Canadiens would be a more winnable game. Although in the first period at The Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey that the New Jersey Devils recently activated power forward and speed demon Miles Wood would add that along with his grit and size.

devs get the lead after one!! thanks to the one and only Jack Hughes🚨 pic.twitter.com/r9tYbtP0qx

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— Devils on MSG (@DevilsMSGN) March 27, 2022

The Devils began stronger forechecking and cancelling out Montreal’s four lines. New Jersey Devils winger Yegor Sharangovich attacked Montreal’s goalie enough to force a juicy pass knowing Jack Hughes would snipe one home to continue his scoring prowess. 

Jack Hughes Success

Yes, the other guys scored.

But maybe another look at Hughes' second goal of the night will make us all feel better. pic.twitter.com/vF1IPmLoQD

— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) March 28, 2022

What has made Jack Hughes dynamic this season is his ability not only to be an offensive wizard with the puck. Jack’s takeaway game has become a threat because of his ability to surprise opponents. Jack Hughes would later go on the power play and was assisted by no other than his battery mate in Jesper Bratt. Jesper Bratt had a deceiving pass that sewn its way to make an elite playmaker look lethal. 

The Devils looked to have thought they had it all wrapped and ready to end the game. Rem Pitlick tied the game up on a no-look pass from Christian Dvorak for Montreal with 42 seconds left. 

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Shootout Winner

Let's all just take a moment to admire the filth. pic.twitter.com/lU9ws1IoRQ

— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) March 28, 2022

Nico Daws ended up winning this game for the Devils after a see-saw matchup versus Montreal finally missing an opportunity. Yegor Sharangovich scored the important goal followed by Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton‘s goals in the shootout. 

Conclusions and Takeaways

This game was not just about Jack Hughes and a friendly rivalry with his USNTDP teammate Cole Caufield. It was about to show his leadership with Jack taking action in a 2-way game verifying he will be a Selke Trophy candidate for many years.  

Kevin Bahl playing big minutes with Dougie Hamilton versus Montreal is a big step forward, no pun intended. Bahl was able to hold his end and make wise reads on both ends of the ice. Ryan Graves has proven to be a very defensive stalwart helping make life easier for Nico Daws between the pipes.

Jack Hughes had four takeaways & two of them were goals. Jonas Siegenthaler had four blocks and four. A.J. Greer presents a hard-hitting physical fourth-liner with a lot of energy who could prove to play a significant part in replacing Zacha for a few games.