Overview
- New Jersey lost 2-1 to the Sabres and 4-1 to the Penguins in its first two games back from the Olympic pause.
- Jack Hughes was celebrated with a pregame ceremony in New Jersey and twice drew loud cheers in Pittsburgh, then thanked Penguins fans for the reception.
- Since rejoining the Devils, Hughes has recorded two assists and logged heavy minutes across the back-to-back.
- Head coach Sheldon Keefe lamented recurring third-period letdowns and suggested fatigue played a role, while goalie Jake Allen acknowledged post-break rust.
- The Devils aim to regroup on Saturday in St. Louis in their first chance to halt the slide since NHL play resumed.