Jack Hughes Misses Devils Morning Skate Ahead Of Rangers Tilt, AHL Recalls Present

Devils’ Jack Hughes Misses Morning Skate, Status Uncertain for Rangers Game

Newark, N.J. – The New Jersey Devils have a big game coming up tonight against the New York Rangers, but they may be without their top player. Jack Hughes, the Devils’ leading scorer, missed the team’s morning skate on Thursday due to an illness.

Head coach Lindy Ruff said after practice that Hughes is “day-to-day” and that they will make a decision on his status closer to game time. If Hughes is unable to play, it would be a big blow to the Devils, who are already without several other key players due to injury.

The Devils have recalled forwards Michael McLeod and Tyce Thompson from their AHL affiliate in Binghamton in case Hughes is unable to play. McLeod has 18 points in 21 games with the Devils this season, while Thompson has 12 points in 17 games.

Devils Hopeful Hughes Can Play

The Devils are hoping that Hughes will be able to play against the Rangers, but they are prepared to be without him if necessary. Ruff said that the team will make a decision on Hughes’ status closer to game time.

“He’s a big part of our team,” Ruff said. “If he’s not able to go, we’ll have to find a way to fill that void.”

The Devils are currently in ninth place in the Eastern Conference, but they are just three points out of a playoff spot. A win against the Rangers would be a big boost to their playoff hopes.

Rangers Present a Tough Test

The Rangers are a tough opponent, but the Devils are confident that they can win if they play their best game. The Rangers are currently in third place in the Metropolitan Division and are one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.

“They’re a good team,” Ruff said. “They’re well-coached and they have a lot of talent. But we’re confident that we can beat them if we play our game.”

The Devils will need to be at their best if they want to beat the Rangers. They will need to play a strong defensive game and they will need to generate offense from multiple sources.

Devils Need to Find a Way to Win Without Hughes

If Hughes is unable to play, the Devils will need to find a way to win without him. They will need to rely on their other top players, such as Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt, to step up.

The Devils also need to get contributions from their depth players. McLeod and Thompson are both capable of playing in the NHL, and they will need to be ready to contribute if they are called upon.

The Devils are confident that they can win without Hughes, but they know it will be a tough task. They will need to play a complete game and they will need to get contributions from everyone on the team.

Conclusion

The Devils are hoping that Hughes will be able to play against the Rangers, but they are prepared to be without him if necessary. The Rangers are a tough opponent, but the Devils are confident that they can win if they play their best game.

Potential Lineup Changes