Jack Hughes shines in season debut

The App is Back! Don’t forget to download the NBC Sports EDGE app to receive real-time player news, mobile alerts and track your favorite players. Plus, now you can check out articles and player cards. Get it here!

Jack Hughes scored seven goals and 14 assists across 61 games during his rookie season. He improved to 11 goals and 31 points over 56 matches in 2020-21. The No. 1 pick in the 2019 NHL Draft was a popular candidate for a breakout in his third campaign. The 20-year-old forward has gained some valuable experience and his possession metrics were strong a year ago. Hughes’ role on the Devils has been increasing and he should take a big step forward.

Don’t forget, for everything NHL, check out NBC Sports EDGE’s Player News, and follow @NBCSEdgeHK and @CoreAbbott on Twitter.

CHICAGO 3 NEW JERSEY 4 (OT)

The Devils squandered a 3-1 lead late in the third period, but still managed to win their season opener in overtime. The defeat drops the Blackhawks to 0-1-1 on the year.

Jack Hughes scored a pair of goals, including a highlight-reel game winner just 57 seconds into the extra period.

Dougie Hamilton, who signed a massive seven-year, $63 million contract with the Devils in the summer, opened the scoring a mere 17 seconds into his debut with the organization. He concluded the contest with a plus-3 rating, two penalty minutes, three shots, three hits and two blocks.

Alex DeBrincat and Kirby Dach scored power-play goals for Chicago in the contest.

Dominik Kubalik tied the match at the 19:34 mark of the third period with his second goal of the season.

Story continues

Andreas Johnsson gave New Jersey a 3-1 advantage 6:34 into…