New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes scores two goals in the team’s first preseason game at the Prudential Center.
Jack Hughes, the first overall pick in this year’s draft, didn’t waste any time in his first preseason action with the New Jersey Devils. The highly-touted prospect scored his first goal against the Boston Bruins.
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Hughes took a cross-ice pass from Ty Smith and buried a wrister to the left of Bruins goalie Dan Vladar. The power-play goal tied the game 1-1 at the midpoint of the second period.
Hughes wasn’t done displaying the skill that led to his selection by the Devils. Later in the second period, he grabbed the puck in the far corner of the Bruins end, skated behind the net and made a brilliant pass in front of the net to Nikita Gusev, who was unable to finish off the play.
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Hughes finished his night off with a game-winning shot in overtime. The rookie sure knows how to make an impression.
Jack Hughes notches the overtime winner. #NJD https://t.co/7PHGbwkTAM
— ESNY (@EliteSportsNY) September 17, 2019
Hughes began the game centering Gusev and a combination of Miles Woods/Joe Anderson as Wayne Simmonds is injured and would not play in the game.
The Devils are hoping Hughes is the missing piece they have been looking for. New Jersey would love to make a return to the playoffs after a disappointing 2018-19 season.
The Devils chose Hughes over Finnish prospect Kaapo Kakko, who many had as the top prospect in this year’s draft.
Kakko was drafted by the New York Rangers with the second pick.
The Devils actually played in two games on Monday night as a contingent of players flew out to Montreal to face the Canadiens.
