Jack Hughes, the first overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, just scored his first NHL goal. He saved it for the perfect time.
Jack was playing his 20-year-old older brother Quinn for the first time in his NHL career. The entire Hughes was family in attendance watching the game in a suite.
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The goal came on a powerplay to give the Devils a 1-0 lead over the Vancouver Canucks. Jay Beagle was on the ice for the historic goal.
“To get on the board, finally, it’s such a thrill,” Hughes said during the first intermission. “It was awesome.
“Hallsy made a really good play and it all starts with all the puck pressure and the puck battles we won in the corner there,” he continued. “That was a good powerplay and hopefully we can keep it going.”
LET'S GO BABY!! pic.twitter.com/OHQzkh8Aor
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) October 19, 2019
The Quinn family members in attendance jumped to their feet to celebrate. They showed no favorites. The Hughes’ wore custom-made Devils and Canucks Hughes’ shirts, showing support for both NHL-playing brothers.
And the Hughes fam goes wild! pic.twitter.com/KvP0jA2mYb
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) October 19, 2019
“It’s nerve-wracking for our parents every time we play, but it’s the same for any parent in any game,” Quinn said ahead of the game to NHL.com. “Everyone hopes we play well, but I don’t think they’re going to be any more nervous because we’re playing each other.”
Heading into the game, the Hughes brothers made a bet about the game. When asked, Jack did not want to elaborate.
“I don’t think I should be saying that on TV. It’s private.”
Quinn Hughes dusts brother Jack on the breakout pic.twitter.com/mXmTX3huSw
— Harman Dayal (@harmandayal2) October 19, 2019
The 18-year-old center had only one assist through six games until denting the twine Saturday.
Jack Hughes (18 years, 158 days) is the second-youngest player in @NJDevils franchise history to score his first NHL goal, trailing only Craig Wolanin (18 years, 135 days). #NHLStats https://t.co/woFSbDrSXM
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) October 19, 2019
Headline photo: Sportsnet
