Pucks and Pitchforks
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New Jersey Devils: So Many Wonderful Debuts In One Night

By Nick Villano

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 16: Jack Hughes #86 of the New Jersey Devils celebrates his game winning goal at 41 seconds of overtime against the Boston Bruins during preseason action at the Prudential Center on September 16, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Bruins 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 16: Jack Hughes #86 of the New Jersey Devils celebrates his game winning goal at 41 seconds of overtime against the Boston Bruins during preseason action at the Prudential Center on September 16, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Bruins 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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New Jersey Devils fans saw Jack Hughes, P.K. Subban and Nikita Gusev make their debuts in a Devils sweater on Monday. It went about as well as one could hope.

It did not take long for Jack Hughes to make an impact. The New Jersey Devils went down early 1-0, but 12 minutes into the second period, Hughes scored on the power play. The first goal of the Devils season, preseason or not, belongs to Jack Hughes. That would have been a great debut by itself.

He wasn’t done. The Devils weren’t able to hold off the after thought of a Bruins roster, and the game went to overtime after Boston scored with 50 seconds left. Just 41 seconds into the 3 on 3, Hughes put the puck in the net.

Both goals came from a similar area; almost on top of the right circle. He showed a wicked wrist shot. Hughes was very, very good in his first game.

His linemate, Nikita Gusev, also had a great debut. Gusev is on his third NHL franchise, but is playing his first NHL games. He already had insane chemistry with the 18-year-old Hughes. The Russian winger laid behind a perfect drop pass for Hughes that ended being the game winner.

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Gusev showed his greatest skill on Monday night, his ability to freeze a defense with his motions. Even coach Rick Kowalsky was fooled by some of his movements. Eventually, Hughes and Gusev will know exactly where the other is going at all times. This seems like a literal match made in heaven.

Then there was P.K. Subban. According to the box score, Subban was a +3 on the game. Full disclosure, that seems very unlikely since one of the 5v5 goals was scored by Connor Carrick and assisted by Ty Smith, but we suppose anything is possible. +/- is a flawed stat went looked at overall, but in a one game sample it does show a player was able to avoid getting scored on while staying on the ice for goals himself.

Subban was on the ice with Hughes and Gusev for that final goal to give the Devils the win. That much is certain. He didn’t end up on the score sheet, but Subban made an impact for the team. It’s been a long time since we’ve had a player this good on the blue line.

It’s one preseason game against an inferior opponent. The Devils probably should have won before overtime. Who cares. This was a great moment for fans, and hopefully one of many with these three players. We’re already ready for Wednesday.

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