The New Jersey Devils suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of their rivals, the New York Rangers. Star center Jack Hughes acknowledged that the team needs an attitude adjustment as their playoff hopes continue to diminish. Despite Hughes scoring the only goal for the Devils in their 5-1 loss, he emphasized the necessity of changing their mindset and instilling a sense of belief in themselves. It’s not enough to just talk about it; they need to take action.
One glaring issue for the Devils has been their struggling power play unit, which may have ultimately cost them the game against the Rangers. Despite having several opportunities with the man advantage, including a five-minute match penalty against the Rangers and a double-minor high-sticking call, the Devils failed to convert. Their power play woes have extended to a 1-for-16 rut over their last four games, highlighting a significant area of improvement needed for the team.
With injuries to key players like Dougie Hamilton, the Devils have had to rely on rookie defensemen to quarterback their power play. While coach Lindy Ruff acknowledged the growth potential of the young defensemen, he also highlighted the inevitability of mistakes and poor decisions. On the offensive end, Jack Hughes pointed out the team’s passive approach against Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin, resulting in only one goal despite 40 shots. Hughes took personal responsibility for his performance and emphasized the need to elevate his game to support the team’s push for success.
Despite Hughes returning from an upper-body injury and putting up solid numbers in his seven games back, there are lingering concerns about his health. Coach Ruff admitted that Hughes is not at 100% but commended his effort and determination. As the Devils face mounting pressure to secure a playoff spot, there is a clear need for redemption and a renewed sense of purpose within the team.
The New Jersey Devils are facing adversity on multiple fronts, from their power play struggles to individual player performance. The team’s attitude and resilience will be put to the test as they seek to overcome their recent losses and make a push for the playoffs. With key adjustments and a collective effort to elevate their game, the Devils have the opportunity to turn their season around and prove their mettle in the face of adversity.
Leave a Reply