The New Jersey Devils continue to prove that adversity won’t derail their early-season momentum. Despite missing superstar center Jack Hughes, who recently underwent surgery on a significant hand injury, the Devils pushed past the Washington Capitals 3–2 in a dramatic shootout on Saturday night at Prudential Center. The victory lifted New Jersey to an impressive 13-4-1 record and preserved their perfect run of avoiding regulation losses on home ice. For fans tracking every development, updates and broader team coverage can always be found through the New Jersey Devils resource.
Saturday’s matchup showcased the team’s depth and resolve. Luke Hughes delivered one of his strongest performances of the season with a goal and an assist, while fellow blueliner Simon Nemec capped the night with the decisive shootout tally. In a season where the Devils have often relied on their skill and speed, this game served as a reminder that they can grind out results even when undermanned.
Recent games have followed a similar pattern of tight, gritty play. On November 12, the Devils pulled out a 4–3 overtime win against the Chicago Blackhawks, riding a hat trick from Nemec in one of the most spectacular performances by a Devils defenseman in years. Two days earlier, they suffered a narrow overtime loss to the New York Islanders, a 3–2 final that still earned them a point in the standings. Across these matchups, the Devils have shown an ability to stay competitive regardless of circumstance, leaning into their young core and structured pace.
The biggest storyline, however, remains the status of Jack Hughes. The forward suffered a hand injury during what has been described internally as a freak accident at a team dinner. After undergoing surgery on November 15, the timetable for his return stands at approximately eight weeks. While the organization remains optimistic about the long-term outlook, the unfortunate timing effectively ends Hughes’s hopes of suiting up for the United States in the 2026 Winter Olympics, with the roster deadline closing on December 31. For a player whose international aspirations have long been part of his personal narrative, the setback is difficult, but the Devils’ focus now shifts fully to ensuring his complete recovery.
In Hughes’s absence, other players have stepped into prominent roles. Nemec’s breakout continues to be one of the season’s most compelling developments. His combination of poise, skating, and offensive instincts has elevated the Devils’ defensive group, and his production—highlighted by the shootout winner against Washington and the hat trick versus Chicago—has earned leaguewide praise. Luke Hughes, meanwhile, has taken on greater responsibility of his own, showing maturity and confidence as he helps anchor the blue line. With each game, the younger Hughes showcases his ability to control tempo and create opportunities in transition.
The ripple effects of the injury have led to roster adjustments as well. The Devils placed Connor Brown on injured reserve and brought up forward Shane LaChance from Utica, hoping to stabilize depth while navigating an increasingly unpredictable stretch. Zack MacEwen also returned to IR earlier in the week as part of a series of quick roster decisions. These moves have been necessary as New Jersey faces uncertainty surrounding forward Cody Glass, who exited the previous game with a shoulder issue. Whether he returns immediately or misses time will influence how head coach Sheldon Keefe structures the lineup down the middle.
If Glass is available, New Jersey can comfortably slot Dawson Mercer and Glass as the second- and third-line centers. If not, the Devils may again experiment with Paul Cotter, who performed admirably in emergency minutes at center against Chicago. Cotter’s possession numbers during that outing were notably dominant, and while he’s not projected as a permanent solution at the position, his reliability in the faceoff circle and ability to play an honest, physical game offer Keefe another option if injuries continue to mount.
Keefe’s upcoming media availability is expected to provide a clearer picture of the team’s approach heading into a challenging week. The press conference, originally scheduled for noon, was pushed back to late afternoon—an adjustment that has only heightened curiosity about the team’s next steps. With Prudential Center hosting college basketball earlier in the day, the Devils held no morning skate, leaving reporters and fans alike waiting for clarity on multiple fronts.
On the ice, the Devils return quickly to work, preparing for a rematch with Washington on Sunday, November 16. The Capitals will look to adjust after the shootout loss, while New Jersey aims to continue defending home ice with the same intensity and resourcefulness that have fueled their strong start. For fans following every twist in the season and keeping pace with the evolving playoff picture, updates, analysis, and team insights remain accessible through the New Jersey Devils page, which provides continually updated coverage of one of the NHL’s most compelling young teams.
New Jersey has already demonstrated it can win in multiple ways—through speed, structure, and now resilience. If their recent stretch is any indication, the Devils may prove just as dangerous overcoming obstacles as they are when fully healthy.
