Time to Admit Jack Hughes Getting Knocked Down Never Mattered?

Any mildly internet-savvy Devils fan with a memory longer than a few weeks certainly remembers the panic that ensued among the fan base when Jack Hughes got knocked down trying to stop an empty net goal. It was an overreaction then, and it is barely even a footnote now.

For those of you who don’t recall, the Devils lost 5-3 in Detroit on October 24. Michael Rasmussen sealed the deal by scoring an empty goal in the final 15 seconds of the game and knocked over Jack Hughes in the process. The Devils shoved the Red Wings around slightly and a vocal sect of Devils X saw this as proof of a heartless Devils team going nowhere. At the time, it was the Devils third loss in a row, and was followed by another loss the next night to the Islanders. But now? Just a month later? Well, the tides have changed just a bit.

The Devils have now won 11 of their last 15 games, sit atop the Metropolitan Division, and seem to be clicking on all cylinders. Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Jesper Bratt are scoring a point per game or better. Stefan Noesen is having the most productive offensive season of his career by a million miles (11G 9A in 26 Games). The power play in third in the NHL and the penalty kill is sixth. The Devils are a bunch of tough, skilled, mean, hockey players capable of winning any style of game against any opponent. Paul Cotter can and will run you over. Brenden Dillon and/or Johnathan Kovacevic will cave a guy’s face in if given the motive and opportunity. Jack, Nico, and Jesper are better than anyone on your favorite team. Timo Meier will knock a punk’s teeth out if necessary. Our goalies are average to slightly above average. Luke Hughes skates faster than any speed skater and more gracefully than any figure skater (the points will start coming eventually). Brett Pesce eats pucks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. What more could you possibly ask for in a hockey team? The Devils really do have it all.

Jack Hughes had a little bit of a slow start to the year, but he’s really been feeling it lately. With a goal and an assist today, Jack now has 27 points in 26 games played. Nico Hischier’s goal scoring had slowed down for a brief period but now with four goals in his last three games played, the Devils captain is now up to 14 goals on the year. The Devils are the team to beat in the Eastern Conference right now and would be further solidified with another defeat of Washington on Saturday night.

Jack Hughes getting knocked down after an empty goal in October never mattered. It wasnt a sign of anything other than a bad week in a long season for a great team. It was overblown by pessimists and haters. The Devils were a great team then, they are a great team now, and they are on their way to a great season with some VERY meaningful games ahead in the spring. this season has been an absolute joy so far and I see no reason to believe the good times are ending anytime soon. Let’s Go Devils!