Jack Hughes continued his strong run since returning from the Olympics, helping the New Jersey Devils defeat the Florida Panthers 5-1 on Tuesday night and further damage the defending champions’ fading playoff hopes.
Hughes, who scored the gold-medal-winning goal for Team USA in Milan, extended his point streak to four games. He picked up another assist when his shot missed the net but bounced directly to Dougie Hamilton, who capitalized to score. Hughes has recorded one assist in each game since NHL play resumed.
Hamilton also added an assist in the victory. The veteran defenseman has been mentioned in trade speculation ahead of Friday’s deadline, though moving him may be complicated by the two years remaining on his contract with a $9 million cap hit and a $7.4 million roster bonus due July 1.
Cody Glass added to the Devils’ offense with his 14th goal of the season, potentially boosting his value if New Jersey chooses to make roster moves before the deadline. Arseny Gritsyuk also scored, finishing a 2-on-1 rush after looking off Hughes and beating Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, who finished with 28 saves.
The loss added to Florida’s struggles since the Olympic break. The Panthers have dropped three of their last four games — all in regulation — and are now in serious danger of missing the postseason. If that happens, they would become the first reigning Stanley Cup champion to miss the playoffs the following year since the Los Angeles Kings in 2014-15.
With Boston defeating Pittsburgh the same night, Florida now sits 10 points behind the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot with only 21 games remaining.
Head coach Paul Maurice also said captain Aleksander Barkov, recovering from torn ACL and MCL injuries suffered during training camp, is not expected to return until at least late March.
Up Next
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Panthers: Visit the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday night.
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Devils: Host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night.
