Play Top Line 21 Minutes Per Game
Jack Hughes has made some mistakes as of late, including some no-look passes that were definitely ill-advised. However, more times than not he makes up for that mistake with a great offensive play on the other end of the ice. Right now, Hughes only plays between 20 and 24 shifts per game. He needs to play closer to 26 for the Devils to get the most out of him.
The rest of the Devils lineup is just not getting the offensive pressure they should. So, the Devils should put their only line that’s working out there as much as possible. While the other lines find their way, take Hughes, Yegor Sharangovich, and Jesper Bratt and make sure they get as much time to make plays as possible.
It might not seem that another year or two would make a difference in the lineup, but it absolutely would. It takes five seconds for Hughes to find space and score a goal or set up his teammates for a great play. He needs as many five-second intervals as possible to find the space to make it happen. The Devils need to play this line like a true first line. They are the leaders in the clubhouse, and Hughes needs as many reps as possible to hit the point total goals he should have for himself.
There is a lot of evaluation going on for this lineup, but the Devils know what they have here and they should focus on having them build as much confidence as possible. Even in the losses, just the extra time together will help that.