Jack Hughes’ OT Goal Clinches Devils’ 8th Straight Win Over Avalanche
In a thrilling overtime showdown, Jack Hughes scored the decisive goal, sealing an 8th consecutive victory for the New Jersey Devils over the Colorado Avalanche. This match showcased the Devils’ depth, especially after the first-period injury to defenseman Brett Pesce.
The Impact of Brett Pesce’s Injury
Brett Pesce left the game in the first period after sustaining an upper-body injury. This occurred when he blocked a shot from Brent Burns at 14:39. Following this injury, New Jersey was forced to rely on just five defensemen, significantly increasing the ice time for players like Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec.
Key Performance by Defensemen
- Luke Hughes played 24:43 minutes
- Simon Nemec logged 23:35 minutes
Devils head coach, Sheldon Keefe, praised Hughes for his exceptional performance, particularly in the third period. “The more we needed our defense, he got even better in terms of solving problems and breaking pucks out,” Keefe stated. Hughes’s ability to skate out of pressure was critical to New Jersey’s success.
Game Highlights
The game saw a strong third period where Brock Nelson scored to tie the game. Nathan MacKinnon also found the net for the Avalanche, who have struggled recently, losing four straight games (0-1-3). Their last defeat was a close 3-2 match against the Boston Bruins.
Goaltending Efforts
Despite the loss, Trent Miner of the Avalanche made 20 saves, contributing to a competitive game. Brock Nelson acknowledged the skill of the Devils’ roster, noting, “They have a lot of skill… guys who can wheel and fly up front.”
With this win, the Devils continue to demonstrate their resilience and talent on the ice, creating excitement for their fans as they maintain their winning streak.
