Olympic Glory and a Return to the Grind: Devils' Week Ahead
As the 2026 Winter Olympics draw to a close, New Jersey Devils fans have plenty to celebrate. With seven players showcasing their skills in Milan, the Devils were well-represented on the ice. While Switzerland and Sweden exited in the quarterfinals, Simon Nemec led Slovakia to the bronze medal game, demonstrating the depth of talent within the Devils' ranks.
Now, the focus shifts back to the NHL as the Devils prepare to face the Buffalo Sabres at the Prudential Center on Wednesday night. Here's what to watch for in the week ahead.
Jack Hughes Shines on the International Stage
Jack Hughes emerged as a standout performer for Team USA, capturing the spotlight with his dazzling play. Starting from a fourth-line position, Hughes quickly made his mark, tallying seven points over six games. His standout moment came in the semifinals against Slovakia, where he netted two goals, helping propel Team USA to a commanding lead.
The crowning achievement was his golden goal in the final against Canada, just 1:41 into overtime. Racing up the ice on a pass from Zach Werenski, Hughes clinched the gold, proving his mettle on the biggest stage. Despite a few lost teeth, Hughes' performance was nothing short of heroic.
Back to Business at Prudential Center
With the Olympics wrapping up, the Devils are back in action, shaking off the Olympic break rust. With several players still overseas, the team got creative, calling up Lenni Hameenaho, Dylan Wendt, Colton White, and Dennis Cholowski from the Utica Comets to fill the ranks.
Adding to the mix was the return of former captain Andy Greene, who joined practice to help maintain the flow and energy. Head coach Sheldon Keefe praised Greene's presence, noting how it smoothed out practice and prevented fatigue among the players.
Chasing Redemption
The Devils find themselves in a challenging position, sitting seventh in the Metropolitan Division after a three-game losing streak. As they gear up for the final stretch, the focus is on resetting their mindset and aiming for stability, even if a playoff run seems out of reach.
This week, they face the Sabres at home before hitting the road for two games. Securing six points by the end of February could provide the spark needed for a late-season resurgence.
Star defenseman Luke Hughes remains on long-term injured reserve but is making progress. Eligible to return on Feb. 28 against the St. Louis Blues, Hughes is fully participating in practice, with coach Keefe confirming a smooth recovery process.
Upcoming Schedule: Feb. 22 - March 1
The Devils have a pivotal week ahead, with opportunities to turn the tide and build momentum. As they regroup and refocus, fans will be eager to see how the team rises to the challenge.