4. Wake-up call for Jack Hughes
Jack Hughes has been a roller coaster for the past six weeks. On the one hand, he’s one of the few dominant offensive players that is actually showing up on the scoresheet. On the other hand, he’s been terrible with the puck on his stick, and his mistakes have cost the Devils multiple games. His play in overtime is inexcusable, and his turnovers are once again a problem.
Every game, it seems a decision by Hughes that worked earlier in the season just isn’t working. It appears like he’s off by just a little, and its ending rushes before they turn into a chance.
What’s the fix? You can’t take Jack Hughes out of the lineup. He has nine points in nine games this month despite the Devils’ offensive struggles. Yet, he can’t be giving up as much as he’s getting. He’s also hurting the power play, as he always has the play run through him, but that doesn’t always yield results.
Since Christmas, Hughes has been on the ice for nine goals against at 5v5. No other player, forward or defenseman, has been on the ice for more. He has been on the ice for 10 goals for, but something isn’t clicking on the other end, and his turnovers are a big reason. Since Christmas, Hughes has 16 giveaways and just two takeaways. His instincts are off, and Sheldon Keefe needs to reset his calibration. It could be as simple as starting with Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt in overtime. That might be the wake-up call he needs.