We’re two games into the 2026-27 season, and it’s already time to start worrying about the New Jersey Devils power play. Sure, it’s just been two games, but the numbers aren’t all that encouraging.
On the surface, the Devils are 0-9 with the man advantage. They went 0-4 in their 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers, and then 0-5 in their shellacking against the New York Islanders.
That Islanders game, in particular, the five missed power-play chances could have resulted in a goal, turning the tide in the game. Instead, the Isles ended up walking all over the Devils.
What’s precisely going on with the Devils’ power play?
If you look at the top unit, well, it’s not bad at all. Nico Hischier playing with Jesper Bratt and Jack Hughes looks good. Then, there’s Luke Hughes on that unit. This is where things may not have been going well.
Typically, the lone defenseman on power-play units tends to be either a slick puck-mover or have a booming shot. Either one works well. But in Luke Hughes’ case, he doesn’t really have any of those skills. He’s not like Cale Makar, who can move the puck around very well and let shots fly when needed.
Perhaps Luke Hughes should take a cue from his older brother Quinn. Quinn Hughes doesn’t have the bomb that other blueliners have, like Darren Raddysh of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Quinn is able to skate circles around opponents and make plays seemingly out of nowhere.
But there may be a need for another change.
The Devils need to move Dougie Hamilton to top power play unit
At this point, perhaps the best move the Devils could make is to leave Dougie Hamilton on the top power play unit. Hamilton isn’t quite a slick puck-mover. But he does have a strong shot.
And that’s something the Devils could certainly use at this point.
With New Jersey facing a stingy Utah Mammoth team on Tuesday night, they’ll need every advantage they can get. The Devils have a real chance to capitalize on a strong showing with the man advantage.
Ultimately, the situation is simple. Get Hamilton more looks on the top unit, use his shot, and let the guys up front clean up the rebounds. It may sound simplistic. But often, the most successful systems are hardly overcomplicated. They rely on simple solutions to complex problems.
The alternative is a languishing power play that won’t be doing the Devils any favors.
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