Hughes' Top Goals of the Year | THREE THINGS

Forward Jack Hughes turned heads in his third NHL season, showing he could be the offensive threat he was always expected to be. Through 49 games, Hughes scored 26 goals which had him tied for the team lead with Jesper Bratt. However, Hughes did it in 27 less games.
Hughes had career best numbers for goals, assists and points - scoring 15 more times this season, adding 10 more assists for a total of 25 more points. Even though the young forward missed a good chunk of the season, there were plenty of incredible goals. Here's a look at three of Hughes' best from the 2021-22 season presented by GEICO.

1. New Years Magic - Devils vs. Oilers, December 31, 2021

The obvious No. 1 for Hughes has to be the the final Devils' goal in the 2021 calendar year - an overtime winner to beat the Edmonton Oilers in a New Years Eve matinee. Playing 3-on-3 is Jack's speciality and something the forward showed off at All-Star weekend; however, the Edmonton Oilers learned this lesson a couple weeks before the Vegas festivities. If there were any concerns on how the forward matched up against some of the top players in the league, Conor McDavid was the one tasked with defending Hughes when the forward let that shot go, they've been assuaged.

2. Routing the Rangers - Devils vs. Rangers, March 22, 2022

What's better than beating your rival, the Rangers? Scoring twice in a 7-4 victory at home. Hughes shoveled a shot on goal while showing that two Rangers players couldn't slow him down. That goal was the forward's second of the game, just a minute and 10 seconds after his first to give the Devils a demanding lead over their Hudson River Rivals. The pair of goals Hughes contributed in the game were his 20th and 21st of the year.

3. Number 2 - Devils vs. Blackhawks, October 15, 2021

Hughes came into season No. 3 looking to prove the type of player he could be, and the home opener was his introduction party. As the Devils hosted the Blackhawks and were looking for New Jersey's first home opener win since the 2018-19 season, a late Chicago goal in the third period sent the game to overtime. History was looking to repeat itself but not on Hughes' watch. Just 57 seconds into the 3-on-3 overtime Hughes stayed patient with the puck, saw his opening with the goaltender out of position, went backhand, and scored. The Devils start the season 1-0 and Hughes has a two goal night capped with a stick toss for the ages.