New Line Combo Has New Jersey Devils As A Favorite For The Playoffs

There’s hype surrounding the New Jersey Devils. For the first time in what feels like forever, some have them pegged as playoff contenders. One huge determining factor to their success will be the play of the rumored second line of Jack Hughes, Nikita Gusev, and Wayne Simmonds. The trio might be the new dream line in the NHL.

Hughes, the number 1 overall pick of the 2019 NHL Draft, has the fanfare. During the preseason, he’s lived up to the hype. There haven’t been many times that the young American has looked overmatched. Hughes has also developed chemistry with Gusev and Simmonds as well.

It’s really the perfect line. You’ve got the young and talented Hughes, the international veteran in Gusev, and a solid role player with Simmonds. Both Gusev (27 years old) and Hughes are candidates for the Calder Trophy, as the league’s top rookie. Simmonds, a former 60-point scorer, is the tough muscle behind the trio.

Simmonds has a lot to prove. He only played in 17 games last season due to injury. He’ll want to prove that his 60-point seasons aren’t a thing of the past. While it’ll be tough for him to reach that mark again, with top dynamic scorers in Hughes and Gusev, he might come damn close, if not exceed.

If Simmonds can reach 60 points, that means Gusev and Hughes aren’t far behind. However, while you can’t realistically expect all three to record 60 points, the line can still be considered a succes if the Devils win and they produce together. Gusev is a good bet for 25 goals, Hughes will probably be upwards of 60 points, and Simmonds (realistically) will score 50+ points assuming he stays healthy.

It’s possible New Jersey Devils head coach, John Hynes, places Hughes on the top line with Taylor Hall. That all depends on the play of Nico Hischier, the first overall pick in 2017. If Hischier clicks, expect Hughes to be strict second line. If not, expect Gusev will follow Hughes along to whatever line he goes. If anyone is to be moved off the trio it’s Simmonds.

There are some potential downfalls to this trio. If Gusev or Hughes doesn’t pan out in year 1, the results could be less than desirable. Remember, despite the hype, Hughes is still a rookie. There will be growing pains. The hope that is with Simmonds, a veteran leader will help him on the ice. Same can be said for Gusev, who despite his age, is still very green in the NHL.

The excitement is building for the New Jersey Devils. With so much to look forward to this season, it’s hard to not get real playoff vibes for the team. If all things come together, we might be seeing the beginning of a potential dynasty. And the first step is chemistry between Hughes, Gusev, and Simmonds.

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