Pucks and Pitchforks
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Forward Line Predictions When New Jersey Devils Return To Play

By Nick Villano

Jan 19, 2021; New York, New York, USA; New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (second from right) celebrates after scoring the first of his two second period goals against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Bennett/Pool Photos-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2021; New York, New York, USA; New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (second from right) celebrates after scoring the first of his two second period goals against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Bennett/Pool Photos-USA TODAY Sports /
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New Jersey Devils
New Jersey Devils Jesper Bratt (63) and Jack Hughes (86): (Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports) /

Line 1: Johnsson-Hughes-Bratt

This was the line that needs to stay together. The top line of Andreas Johnsson, Jack Hughes, and Jesper Bratt was electric in the two games they played together. Johnsson was struggling mightily in the first few weeks. It looked like he was on the cusp of being a healthy scratch if the Devils didn’t keep losing players from the lineup. Then, he finally broke the proverbial ice. Now, he has goals in back-to-back games.

Hughes has been the Devils’ best forward all season. Full stop. He has eight points in nine games despite the Devils’ offense struggling at times. There were games where he put the team on his back to try and win. Hughes could make any line work, but it makes the team as a whole better when he’s with good linemates.

Speaking of good linemates, Jesper Bratt has been phenomenal since he joined the team after a lengthy contract negotiation this offseason. He hasn’t scored yet, but that’s coming. He’s been all over the ice, and he played more than 20 minutes in his first game in almost 11 months. He immediately had his feet under him, and he fits perfectly with Hughes from the jump.

The Devils COVID situation really put a damper on what was becoming a really fun line. Hughes was on the cusp of becoming a star across the league, and the Devils need to keep them together when they return.

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