The Olympic break is over and the NHL schedule resumes tonight. Upon their return to the docks the New Jersey Devils will host the Buffalo Sabers in one of eight games. It's a quick turnaround from the Olympic Games, with Team USA celebrating their victory in Miami and then visiting the White House in Washington, D.C., so will Devils franchise forward Jack Hughes play tonight in Newark?
According to the Devils, Hughes will not participate in Wednesday's morning skate after returning to New Jersey from the White House late Tuesday night.
However, he would hold a press conference after the game that would detract from the post-game locker room media brawls with the players and head coach Sheldon Keefe.
The Devils expect Hughes to be ready and playing against the Sabers when the puck drops around 7:08 pm ET.
Hughes scored the golden goal for Team USA to lead them past Canada, capping a tremendous tournament for the Devils franchise after facing some criticism before the start of the Olympic Games.
Hughes scored four goals—leading Team USA—and seven points in six games during the tournament.
What started as a trial run on the fourth line after a disappointing 4-nation face-off tournament last season ended with glory as he became America's hero, helping capture gold for the first time since the 1980 Miracle on Ice.
Now, the focus turns back to New Jersey where the Devils have a 2.4% chance of making the playoffs. The Devils have 25 games remaining on their schedule, and they are 11 points out of a playoff position behind the New York Islanders in the Metropolitan Division and the Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference wild card race.
In 36 games for the Devils this season, Hughes scored 12 goals and 37 points despite missing 21 games due to two separate injuries.
