The New Jersey Devils have dropped three consecutive games, including a close 4-3 loss to the Washington Capitals on Saturday. During this stretch, the team welcomed center Jack Hughes back to the lineup. However, Hughes has yet to take a face-off in any of these games, prompting head coach Sheldon Keefe to address the situation.

“It is part of just easing him back in. And I don’t think it’s a physical thing. He’s physically capable of it. It’s more of a mental piece,” Keefe explained, according to Daniel Amoia of The Hockey Writer. “You know, he’s a guy that doesn’t take a lot of faceoffs even when he’s fully healthy. But, yeah, he’s getting back into it here now and trying to reduce his load.”

Keefe also noted that Hughes has not been used on the penalty kill since his return. “We haven’t used him on the penalty kill either, which we haven’t had a lot of kills, but he wasn’t going to go there either, just to kind of get him back going. I think these practice days will be good for him as well.”

When asked about Hughes taking faceoffs in upcoming games, Keefe said, “As far as when he’ll take faceoffs, I’m hoping sooner than later, but maybe really when he’s fully confident and comfortable to be able to take them on.”

Despite not taking faceoffs, Hughes is still getting significant ice time. Since returning, the forward has averaged 20:47 of ice time per game over three games. He has also recorded one goal and six shots on goal. On the downside, Hughes currently holds a minus-four rating in plus/minus during this period.

As Hughes continues to ease back into the lineup, the Devils and their fans will be watching closely for when he resumes taking faceoffs and further impacts the game.
https://clutchpoints.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/devils-news-sheldon-keefe-answers-puzzling-jack-hughes-face-off-questions