After defeating the Flames 2-1 on Simon Nemec’s third overtime winner of the season on Jan. 19, the New Jersey Devils posted a big 2-1 victory over the Oilers last night in Edmonton on the strength of 22 saves from Jake Allen.

They got goals from rookie Arseny Gritsyuk and Cody Glass in the second period. Following Gritsyuk getting his ninth from Glass and Dougie Hamilton, the Oilers evened the score on a goal from Matt Savoie. However, the Devils responded quickly thanks to Gritsyuk taking a pass from Connor Brown and sending the puck across for a Glass one-timer that held up as the game-winner.

It was a heads-up play from Jonathan Kovacevic to get the puck up for Brown, who turned and found Gritsyuk at the blue line for an easy zone entry that led to him setting up Glass for his 11th at 8:32.

In a season full of disappointment from more established stars, both Gritsyuk and Glass have been bright spots for the Devils. After going seven games without a point, the 24-year-old Gritsyuk snapped out of it with a goal and primary assist to reach the 20-point mark in his first season. The 2019 fifth round pick is most comfortable playing with Glass and Brown on the third line. When all three have been healthy, they’ve been key contributors.

Acquired from the Penguins by Devils team president and general manager Tom Fitzgerald last March for Chase Stillman, Max Graham, and a 2027 third round pick, the 26-year-old Glass has played well since joining the red and black in Newark. After putting up two goals and five assists for a total of seven points in 14 games last season, he’s reached double digits in goals for the second time in his NHL career. Glass is three shy of tying his career-high of 14 goals set with the Predators in 2022-23. He’s also been dependable in the faceoff dot, winning 52.7 percent on draws.

Luke Hughes Placed on Long-Term Injured Reserve

In the second period of their win at Calgary this past Monday night, Luke Hughes left the game with an upper-body injury. On a play coming out of his zone, the back of Hughes’ jersey was given a tug by Flames forward Justin Kirkland. Afterward, Hughes was writhing in pain while favoring his shoulder as he came off the ice.

As expected, the injury will keep the 22-year-old defenseman out for a while. The Devils announced that they placed Hughes on long-term injured reserve due to the shoulder issue. At the moment, it doesn’t sound like he will have surgery, with the plan instead for him to rehab the upper-body injury.

Since signing an seven-year contract worth $63 million last Oct. 1, it’s been a struggle for the 2021 first round pick. Only in his third season, Hughes hasn’t performed up to high expectations. Most notably, his defensive play has suffered due to poor puck management and blown assigments. In a loss to the Hurricanes on Jan. 4, he had two own-goals, which lead to a tough night at home with fans booing him every time he touched the puck. Despite the most difficult game of his young career, Hughes was accountable, answering questions at his locker following the game.

In a recent win over the Kraken on Jan. 14, Hughes picked up two assists, including a secondary helper that resulted in older brother Jack leading Nico Hischier for a breakaway goal in overtime. It was an important victory which followed a win over the Wild on the road.

After putting up over 40 points in each of his first two seasons, Hughes still looked like he was on track for a third consecutive year of 40 or more. Despite some inconsistency, he had five goals and 21 assists for 26 points over 49 games before missing Tuesday’s game against the Oilers.

Due to being placed on LTIR, Hughes must sit out another nine games before he becomes eligible to return to the Devils. For now, the Devils will further evaluate him without knowing what the timetable is. According to head coach Sheldon Keefe, he’ll miss an “extended period.”

Kovacevic Steps Up

Without Hughes, Keefe went with a lineup that included Kovacevic teamed up with Nemec on the third pair. During the first period, Kovacevic delivered a clean hit on Connor McDavid, who fell to the ice. He immediately had to answer the bell, with Vasily Podkolzin dropping his gloves to challenge him.

Kovacevic was accountable by obliging Podkolzin in a quick scrap that energized the Edmonton fans at Rogers Place with 2:49 remaining in a scoreless first period. Podkolzin received an instigator and misconduct along with five for fighting to account for 17 penalty minutes while Kovacevic received only five.

In just his fourth game of the season, the 28-year-old Hamilton, Ontario native took 18 shifts and finished a plus-1 in 13:27 of action. Without Hughes, he’ll continue to remain in the lineup for Keefe.

The Devils recalled Colton White from Utica of the American Hockey League. In 23 games with the big club, White has four assists and a plus-2 rating while averaging 12:15 of ice-time. He met the team in Vancouver for the third of a four-game road trip that concludes at Seattle this weekend. The Devils take on the Canucks this Friday night at 10 PM.

Hamilton Runs Assist Streak to Six

Since being a healthy scratch at Winnipeg on Jan. 11, Dougie Hamilton has responded well by playing more inspired hockey. With a secondary helper on Gritsyuk’s goal, Hamilton ran his assist streak to six straight games. He’s tallied six apples during the Devils’ revival that’s seen them win four of their last five to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Despite all of the trade rumors surrounding the 32-year-old veteran defenseman, he’s played his best hockey of the season. If he can continue to provide offense while logging important minutes in the top four, perhaps Hamilton will stay put for now. When he’s playing up to par, he remains a key to the Devils’ success. Without Hughes at least through the Olympic break, Hamilton will be counted on by Keefe at five-on-five and on the power play.

Back In The Mix

By winning four of five, the Devils now sit 12th in the Eastern Conference with 54 points in 50 games. They are currently tied in points with the Flyers and Capitals. The Flyers have played two less games while the Caps have four more regulation wins (21-17) than the Devils, who trail the second wild card Bruins by four points.

With 32 games remaining, there’s still plenty of time to make up ground on teams ahead of them. It’s imperative that they continue to take care of business, with both the last overall Canucks and surprising Kraken opponents they’re capable of beating. If they can take both games, they’d go a perfect four-for-four on the road trip.

Hughes’ Goal Drought Now 14

While younger brother Luke is out, Jack Hughes has been in a scoring slump. Since getting a goal in his return on Dec. 21 versus Buffalo, he’s gone 14 straight without one. Although he’s still tallied 10 assists over that span, the Devils desperately need Hughes to get going.

His hand might be giving him trouble due to having successful finger surgery due to an accident at a Chicago steakhouse last November. Whatever the case, he’s been healthy enough to play for a month, and will represent Team USA at the Olympics. There aren’t any excuses for the Devils’ meal ticket.

They’ve won two straight low-scoring games by identical 2-1 margins. At some point, they’ll need to produce more offense if they want to qualify for the postseason. That starts with Hughes, who’s the straw that stirs the Devils’ drink.

Despite missing 18 games, he ranks third in team scoring with 31 points (11-20-31) in 32 games.