Devils Eye Playoff Push Amid Hughes' Return and Goaltending Concerns

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  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, March 25th 2026 at 3:07 GMT by National Hockey League
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NEWARK, N.J. - As the New Jersey Devils enter a crucial phase of the 2025-2026 season, the team faces a complex landscape of returning stars, emerging role players, and persistent challenges in net. The Devils are navigating a demanding schedule with an eye towards solidifying their playoff position, and recent developments have offered both optimism and continued concerns.

Jack Hughes' Imminent Return: A Spark for the Offense

The most anticipated development is undoubtedly the impending return of Jack Hughes. The dynamic center, sidelined by a knee injury, is making significant progress in his rehabilitation. Coach Lindy Ruff has confirmed Hughes is actively pushing to rejoin the lineup, regularly participating in skating sessions. While a definitive return date remains elusive, the coaching staff is cautiously optimistic, prioritizing a complete and sustainable recovery over a hasty return.

"He's pushing himself," Ruff stated, "He wants to be out there, he wants to play, but we've got to make sure he's ready and we're doing what's best for him."

Hughes' absence has been keenly felt by the Devils, who have demonstrably struggled to generate consistent offense in his absence. His playmaking ability, speed, and overall offensive creativity are vital to the team's success. His return isn't just about adding a talented player back to the roster; it's about reigniting the offensive engine that was a hallmark of the Devils' strong start to the season. Analysts predict that Hughes' re-integration will necessitate some line shuffling, potentially involving a reshuffling of the top six forwards to maximize offensive synergy. The impact of his return could ripple throughout the entire team, lifting spirits and confidence.

Kurtis Lazar: From Energy Player to Consistent Contributor

While Hughes' return dominates headlines, the consistent performance of Kurtis Lazar has quietly become a vital component of the Devils' success. Lazar has emerged as a reliable two-way forward, exceeding expectations and establishing himself as a valuable asset. Ruff has been particularly impressed with Lazar's defensive improvement, noting a noticeable increase in his overall contribution.

"He's done a lot of good things," Ruff commented. "I think his defensive play has really improved. He's always been a good energy guy, but he's adding to that now."

Lazar's versatility is proving crucial. He's willing to take on any role, kill penalties, and contribute offensively when opportunities arise. This willingness to embrace any task assigned to him has endeared him to the coaching staff and teammates alike. His steady play provides a stabilizing presence in the lineup, allowing Hughes and other offensive stars the freedom to focus on their strengths.

Goaltending Concerns Persist

The biggest question mark surrounding the Devils continues to be their goaltending situation. With Vanecek currently sidelined, and Blackwood exhibiting inconsistent form, the search for stability in net remains a top priority. The Devils' management is reportedly actively evaluating all options, including potential trade acquisitions, to address the long-term goaltending needs. Ruff acknowledged the ongoing challenge.

"It's a work in progress," Ruff stated. "We're evaluating what we have and trying to find the right mix."

This instability is amplified by the team's reliance on strong offensive play to win games. A leaky defense, coupled with unreliable goaltending, creates a precarious situation that could derail their playoff aspirations. Several experts have suggested the Devils explore the free agent market for a veteran goaltender to provide a temporary solution, or potentially package some assets for a more established netminder.

Injury Report: A Growing List

Beyond Hughes and Vanecek, the Devils are dealing with a significant number of injuries. Nico Hischier remains on injured reserve with a back issue, a considerable loss given his leadership and two-way play. Yegor Sharangovich is also sidelined with an injury, further depleting the forward depth. Jonathan Bernier's indefinite absence due to a hip injury adds another layer of complexity to the team's goaltending woes.

Looking Ahead: A Demanding Schedule

The Devils face a grueling schedule in the coming weeks, with matchups against several top contenders. Successfully navigating this stretch will require a collective effort, with contributions from all lines and a renewed focus on defensive responsibility. The team will need to capitalize on Hughes' eventual return, while also relying on the consistent play of Lazar and hoping to find a solution to their goaltending issues. The next few games will be a critical test of the Devils' resilience and their ability to contend for a playoff spot.