The New Jersey Devils may be without three of their star players, but that has not stopped the team from banding together to try and clinch a playoff spot. According to MoneyPuck, they have a 96.7% chance of advancing to the postseason, even without the likes of Jack Hughes, Dougie Hamilton, and Jonas Siegenthaler.
A large reason for the Devils’ recent success is the leadership and responsibility that Luke Hughes has embraced. He is only in his third NHL season, but Hughes is on the brink of making his second playoff appearance. With 12 points in his last 13 games, he has been instrumental as the Devils fight for a playoff spot.
Evolving Role in Playoff Push
Without Hamilton in the lineup, the Devils lacked both a top-tier offensive defenseman and a crucial part of their special teams. Hamilton ranked in the 98th percentile in shots among all NHL defensemen, while Siegenthaler was an important part of the Devils’ penalty kill. Hamilton could return sometime during the playoffs, but the Devils still needed more from their young defensemen. And Hughes has certainly answered the call.
Since Siegenthaler’s injury at the beginning of February, Hughes has made a major difference at both ends of the ice, recording 22:09 in ice time per game. He also averages 1.53 shots on goal and 1.58 points per 60 minutes. To top it all off, Hughes has had four multipoint games within the last month.
Hughes’ speed is part of what makes him a first-class defenseman, and the stats don’t lie. He ranks in the 98th percentile in both top skating speed and speed bursts over 20 miles per hour. Hughes is also tied for second place in average skating distance per 60 minutes, skating a whopping 9.28 miles.
Likewise, Hughes is a crucial part of the Devils’ power play. Despite recent hiccups, their power play ranks fourth in the league, with a 27.4% success rate. Since taking over for Hamilton, Hughes has recorded four power-play assists and has a 10.3 on-ice expected goal differential. His elite puck control is also shown through his 83% Corsi and 80% Fenwick in 5-on-4 scenarios.
His skills have also come in handy during the Devils’ penalty kill. Due to his size, speed, and ability to maneuver the puck through all three zones, Hughes became the man for the job following Siegenthaler’s injury. Head coach Sheldon Keefe commended Hughes’ recent maturity, giving…
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