Ups and Downs of the Week | 10 TAKEAWAYS

This week in 10 Takeaways, presented by Ticketmaster, we'll bookend with Stars of the Week. One right here in New Jersey, and one in Michigan, despite another season of struggles, there are big things to look forward to in the future. It isn't always easy to look on the brighter side, especially with the emotional investment we put into our favorite sports teams, so 10 Takeaways is here to help you along to looking at the bright side of the road.
Enjoy!

2.

Great to see Dougie Hamilton shed the grey no-contact jersey and rejoin practice with his teammates. It's pretty clear that only one more step remains before the defenseman will be able to join his teammates in a game, and that's figuring out the helmet attachment for the jaw protector he'll need to wear. So far, in every practice/morning skate this week, Dougie has sported a different one, clearly using this time to his advantage to find what's best for him.
With no games for the next few days, this is a great opportunity for Dougie to get in all the test-driving he needs.

3.

How do you not write a story when you're given the quote "My teeth were not in the right spot."
This week Hamilton spoke for the first time since his surgery, and that quote there is how he described knowing something was very wrong when a deflected puck struck him in the jaw.
You can read the full story
here
.

4.

As I write this, I'm sitting in a brand new Devils zip-up hoodie. The material is unbelievable, the design fits perfectly and it's all courtesy of Angela Price and Julie Petry's company Line Change.
Price and Petry's partners play for the Montreal Canadiens and together they began Line Change to bring high-quality, curated clothing for women to represent their favorite NHL teams. Price and Petry worked with the Devils as part of the Third Jersey launch this season for this unique collection. I promise you it is worth it.
All items are available at the Devils Den and the items are part of the "purchase with a purpose" mantra, when you purchase a Line Change Devils item, 10% of net profits will be going directly to the Devils Youth Foundation.

5.

Next week's guest on the Speak of the Devils Podcast, Matt Loughlin and I had a chance to speak with Jack Hughes, fresh off his All-Star appearance. And while we do begin the podcast talking about the All-Star weekend, I found out something else Jack is apparently quite good - and competitive at - chess!
I have to admit that one caught me off-guard, but stay tuned on Monday because I ask Jack all about it!

6.

It may have gone less noticed because it came in a devastating loss to the Lightning, but it was a big night for Dawson Mercer, who officially has his first three-point game in his career.
It's his seventh multi-point game, in his first 50 NHL games, but his first with three (1 goal, 2 assists).

7.

Mercer's seven multi-point games rank fourth for NHL rookies this season.

8.

I'm currently in my fifth season with the Devils, and I only just found this out today.
Who presses the goal-horn at Prudential Center when the Devils score?
Find out in the new series Behind the Rock, presented by Prudential.

9.

Understandably, there are always questions about an update on Miles Wood's status that find their way onto my Twitter timeline.
So here is the latest from head coach Lindy Ruff, keeping in mind that the hip surgery that Wood had was just three months and a week ago. That timeline is so important to recognize because the recovery process can be lengthy.
"At some point, I think Miles, we're hoping that he will get back to us. He's training hard, he's skating a little bit now. So, you know he's not practicing with us yet, but he's progressing. So, I'm always hopeful that he'll have an opportunity to rejoin us."

10.

What's better than one Hughes? Two Hughes!
That's on the horizon with Luke in the pipeline, but in the meantime, he's marinating quite well, playing college hockey.
This past week has been unique for Luke, playing with Michigan. The Wolverine's top four scorers are currently halfway around the world competing at the Olympics, and in their absence, the youngest of the Hughes brothers has taken center stage. In two games last week, Luke had six points (3g-3a), five of those points came on the power play.
He also so happens to be the youngest player on the Wolverines roster.
And then there's this quote from his head coach that should have any Devils fans ultra excited.
"Special player, he can shoot it,"
Mel Pearson said
, "I was talking to his brother Quinn here. Quinn had 10 goals in two years and Luke already has 15 - I don't know - and he has how many (12) now in one year? So he's a phenomenal talent and a really good kid, fun to be around. But he's got to work on his hairdo, but other than that ..."
Luke was also named Big Ten Hockey First Star of the Week.
Tweet from @MichiganOnBTN: Luke Hughes helped @umichhockey to a series sweep of Michigan State, recording six points on three goals, three assists and a plus-five rating, earning him @B1GHockey First ������ of the Week. pic.twitter.com/8fmho49Zau