5 Records New Jersey Devils Could Still Break This Season
By Nick Villano
The New Jersey Devils are one of the best teams in the league, enjoying one of the best seasons in franchise history. There’s a chance to make it historic.
The New Jersey Devils are enthralled in one of the best regular seasons in franchise history. So many things went right in 2022-23. Jack Hughes went from an analytical darling and future star to one of the best players in the league. Dougie Hamilton solidified his status as a top offensive defenseman. Nico Hischier took the next step offensively to really lead this team. They finally got a goalie who can give them average to above-average goaltending from Vitek Vanecek. Now, thanks to all that went right, the Devils are in second in the Metropolitan Division and already clinched a playoff spot.
One might think the Devils are going through the motions for the final nine games. They have to fend off the Rangers, but making the playoffs was a huge goal for this franchise. Accomplishing that means the team can breathe a little easier.
There are plenty of individual and team goals that can still be accomplished. Some records are still in the balance. Devils fans have a lot more to root for than just wins.
1. Jack Hughes – Most Points By A Devils Player
Jack Hughes was going to CRUSH the Devils points record. He was well on his way to scoring 100 points, the first time a Devils player would reach such a feat. Then, Hughes got hurt. It wasn’t anything serious, but it knocked him out for a few weeks. He was still on pace to beat the record when he returned, but Hughes hit a rough patch.
Right now, Hughes has 86 points with nine games remaining. The record for points in a season is held by Patrik Elias in 2000-01. He had 96 points.
Hughes is ten points away. That’s a hefty task, but it’s far from impossible. Hughes is scoring at the highest rate in the history of the franchise. His 1.25 points per game is better than Taylor Hall in 2017-18, his MVP year. That pace would give Hughes the record, placing him at 97 points on the season.
After Hughes scored three goals in a back-to-back this weekend, it showed he has his scoring touch back. That will help him break more records this season.