Devils Offense Erupts as Jersey Returns to Ice After COVID Break
After 10 days away from the ice due to the surge in COVID cases around the sport, the New Jersey Devils (11-15-5) returned to the ice with a vengeance, holding…
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 16: Jack Hughes #86 of the New Jersey Devils celebrates his goal with teammates on the bench during the first period against the Vegas Golden Knights at Prudential Center on December 16, 2021 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
After 10 days away from the ice due to the surge in COVID cases around the sport, the New Jersey Devils (11-15-5) returned to the ice with a vengeance, holding off the Buffalo Sabres 4-3, while snapping a six-game losing streak.
Leading the way was Jack Hughes who netted his sixth goal of the season in a tied game in the third period that gave the Devils a 3-2 advantage. Yegor Sharangovich netted a goal of his own 2:22 later to push New Jersey's lead to 4-2.
“You need your best players to make a difference for you and Jack made a difference for us,” Devils coach Lindy Ruff said. “I know it was a three-point night, but he could’ve been in on a couple more opportunities. We count on him for a lot.”
New Jersey got off to a fast start when Dougie Hamilton and Jasper Brett each scored goals in the first period to help Jersey build a 2-0 lead, before Buffalo mounted a second period comeback.
“We were in a pretty big hole there (losing six straight), so for us to get a few days just to refresh and come back to the rink excited, it’s a big deal,” Hughes said. “I think we were all pretty excited coming back and then to start it off with a win, that’s huge for us.”
