Jack Hughes' Absence Looms Large as Devils Face Playoff Test vs Hurricanes
Man, if we’re being real, this Carolina vs. New Jersey playoff series would’ve had an entirely different feel if Jack Hughes was in the lineup. No exaggeration — with a healthy Hughes leading the charge, this could’ve been a straight-up heavyweight clash. But the Devils are missing their star, and that changes everything.
Let’s talk about the reality. Jack Hughes was having another monster year before that shoulder surgery shut him down. Ninth in the league with 70 points and growing into a legitimate two-way force? That’s tough to lose at any point, let alone right before the playoffs. And while the Devils have managed to hang on without him, it’s been clear just how big a gap his absence leaves, especially at even strength. The team’s five-on-five numbers have dipped dramatically, and no one — not even Nico Hischier or Jesper Bratt — has been able to fully shoulder the load.
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What’s made it harder is that guys we hoped would step up, like Dawson Mercer, just haven’t. Since Hughes went out, Mercer’s five-on-five production has flatlined. The Devils are getting out-chanced, out-scored, and frankly outplayed in key moments without Hughes pulling the strings. And while their power play’s still cooking — one of the best in the league, even without Jack — you can’t rely solely on special teams to carry you through a playoff series against a monster like Carolina.
And let’s not pretend Carolina doesn’t smell blood in the water. The Hurricanes have one of the most well-rounded rosters in the NHL — they’re deep, defensively disciplined, and relentless at five-on-five. Rod Brind’Amour’s system just works, and they’re not afraid to grind teams down. Players like Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis are locked in, and new additions like Logan Stankoven are already making waves. The Canes are peaking at the right time and haven’t lost a first-round series since 2020.
So where does that leave New Jersey? Well, it’s a tough hill to climb. Sure, they’re getting Dougie Hamilton back on defense, and Luke Hughes has taken a big step this season. But without Jack, the Devils are just not the same team. Their top line with Hischier, Bratt, and Palat has done all it can, but the depth behind them has been shaky. There’s hope if Markstrom stands on his head, if the power play stays hot, and if someone like Meier finds another gear — but that’s a lot of “ifs.”
The bottom line? Jack Hughes is irreplaceable. His absence has turned what could’ve been an epic playoff showdown into an uphill battle for the Devils. And unless someone unexpected lights a fire, Carolina’s depth, structure, and postseason experience might be too much to overcome.
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