New Jersey Devils’ standout center Jack Hughes will be undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery on Wednesday, as announced by the team on Tuesday. This decision was made after careful consideration by Hughes, his family, representatives, and the Devils’ medical staff. The surgery will be conducted by Dr. Peter Millett in Vail, Colorado, with the expectation that Hughes will recover fully before the start of the Devils’ training camp next fall.
Hughes’ absence couldn’t come at a worse time for the Devils, who are currently in the midst of a playoff push for back-to-back seasons. Last year, the team managed to reach the second round of the playoffs after a four-year postseason drought. Hughes has been a pivotal player for the Devils, leading the team with 27 goals and ranking second in points with 74. His previous absence of 11 games in January due to an upper-body injury already posed challenges for the team, resulting in a 4-6-1 record during that time.
With Hughes sidelined, the Devils are facing an uphill battle in their quest for a playoff spot. They currently trail the Detroit Red Wings by five points in the race for the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot. The Tampa Bay Lightning have already secured a playoff berth, leaving the Red Wings as the primary target for teams like the Devils. In addition to New Jersey, four other teams are within five points of the Red Wings, including the Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, Washington Capitals, and the Buffalo Sabres.
The Eastern Conference playoff race has intensified in recent weeks, with teams fighting tooth and nail for a spot in the postseason. The Devils find themselves in a precarious position as they navigate through a series of crucial games without their star center, Jack Hughes. Despite the challenges ahead, the team remains determined to defy the odds and secure a playoff berth, showcasing their resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Jack Hughes’ season-ending shoulder surgery has dealt a significant blow to the New Jersey Devils’ playoff aspirations. The team will need to rally together and find ways to compensate for his absence if they are to stand a chance in the competitive Eastern Conference playoff race. The road ahead will be challenging, but with the right mindset and determination, the Devils could still emerge victorious in their pursuit of postseason glory.
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