The New Jersey Devils have announced that their star center, Jack Hughes, will be undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. This decision was made after consulting with Hughes, his family, representatives, and the Devils medical staff. The surgery will be performed by Dr. Peter Millett in Vail, Colorado, with the expectation that Hughes will make a full recovery before the start of the next season.
The loss of Hughes comes at a crucial time for the Devils as they are making a push to reach the playoffs for the second consecutive season. Last season, the Devils made it to the second round of the playoffs after a four-year postseason drought. Hughes has been a key player for the team this season, leading in goals and ranking second in points. His absence will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the team’s performance on the ice.
Hughes had already missed 11 games earlier in the season due to an upper-body injury, during which the Devils struggled to find consistency, posting a 4-6-1 record. This further highlights the importance of Hughes to the team and the challenges they will face without him in the lineup. As the Devils continue to battle for a playoff spot, they find themselves five points behind the Detroit Red Wings in a tight race for the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot.
With the Tampa Bay Lightning already securing a playoff spot and a nine-point lead over the Red Wings, the race for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference is fierce. The Devils are one of five teams within five points of the Red Wings, including the Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, Washington Capitals, and Buffalo Sabres. Every game is crucial as the teams jockey for playoff positioning and fight to extend their seasons.
The news of Jack Hughes undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery is a significant blow to the New Jersey Devils as they strive to make a playoff push. The team will need to rally together and make adjustments to compensate for Hughes’ absence on the ice. As the regular season winds down and the playoff race heats up, the Devils will face tough competition and must rise to the challenge to secure a spot in the postseason.
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