Watch your back, Jack, there's a new Hughes brother in town, and he appears set on taking the New Jersey Devils by storm.
That would be 19-year-old defenseman Luke, who drew rave reviews across the organization after an impressive Stanley Cup Playoffs debut in Sunday's Game 3 rout over the Carolina Hurricanes.
"I thought Luke had a great night," head coach Lindy Ruff said, per ESPN's Greg Wyshynski. "From the first shift to the end of the game, for the young man to step in the way he did and play the way he did ... you expect maybe you get a good game. He gave us a great game."
The younger Hughes picked up two assists across 14 minutes Sunday after sitting in the press box for New Jersey's first nine playoff games. The Devils were in complete control of the contest with the youngster on the ice, owning 58.4% of expected goals, 68.18% of shot attempts, and 63.64% of scoring chances at five-on-five, according to Natural Stat Trick.
Hughes has been among the Devils' top prospects since being drafted fourth overall in 2021. He joined the club for two regular-season games in April after his sophomore season at Michigan and was more than ready for the playoff spotlight after entering the lineup for the injured Ryan Graves.
"I don't really get nervous playing. I got a lot more nervous watching from up top," Hughes said. "I thought the fans were great. Loved the 'Luuuuuu' chants. But no nerves today."
Veteran defenseman Brendan Smith sees a bright future for the newcomer on New Jersey's blue line.
"He skates like his brother. It's elite already," Smith said. "Obviously, the more he plays, the better he's going to be with decisions. But he can skate himself out of trouble, and there (are) only a few players that can do that in this league."
While Luke attracted much of the post-game spotlight, brother Jack's four-point performance was the spark for the Devils' much-needed victory.
Game 4 is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
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