Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt, also known as PB&J, have been on a tear to start this season, leading the Devils in points and being a crucial part in their success.
Bratt and Hughes lead the Devils in points, assists, and are both top five in goals.
Bratt, the sixth-round pick in the 2016 draft, currently leads the Devils with 41 points in 33 games. He leads the team with 28 assists and is second in goals with 13, just after captain Nico Hischier. Bratt has become one of the most underrated, well-rounded players in the league.
Hughes is the superstar we all know and love. He currently has 33 points in 39 games, 13 goals and 26 assists. After having surgery on his shoulder just a few months ago, Hughes looks like he is back to his impressive self.
In only 33 games, Hughes already has eight three-point nights while Bratt has four. Each of Bratt’s three-point nights have occurred on a night where Hughes also gets a three-point night. It is safe to say when one of these players is on the scoresheet, the other is most likely on it right next to them.
Hughes and Bratt have become one of the deadliest duos in the NHL. With Hughes’ speed and creativity combined with Bratt’s slick hands and intelligence, other teams always have to be aware when these two are on the ice.
Fortunately for the Devils, these two can play in all situations. Bratt and Hughes take up two spots on the first power play unit, a power play that is ranked number two overall in the league. It is no surprise the power play is as successful as it is when you have these two waiting to make magic happen.
In recent years, fans have seen Bratt on the penalty kill more, and he has actually become a vital part of it. Head Coach Sheldon Keefe recently put Hughes on the penalty kill, trusting him to grow into the type of player who can play in all situations. Clearly, it has been working out for Hughes and HC Keefe because Hughes picked up his first short-handed career point just the other night.
With these two on the penalty kill, it gives the Devils the option to have a quick breakout if given the chance. With their speed and skill, if either of them are able to get it behind their opponent’s line, then they can scoop it up and have a shot at scoring on a breakaway.
Bratt and Hughes have played every game together so far this season, no doubt a reason why both have been so successful. Bratt has played on Hughes’ wing 318 times so far in his career, tallying up 285 points next to the star center. Hughes has 301 points when playing center with Bratt on his wing. The speed, creativity and intelligence of these two combined is something that is not easy to find in this league.
Eyes around the league have begun watching the Devils and the lethal duo of Hughes and Bratt. Will this duo be able to drive the Devils into a deep playoff run?
