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The New Jersey Devils’ Jack Hughes speaks to fans before a game against the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday in Newark, N.J. (AP photo)<\/p>\n
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NEWARK, N.J. =\u2013 U.S. Olympic hero Jack Hughes was honored by the New Jersey Devils before their loss to Buffalo on Wednesday night as NHL play resumed following a three-week break. Hughes took a moment to bring out a special guest.<\/p>\n
The Devils showed video of Hughes\u2019 overtime goal in the United States\u2019 2-1 victory over Canada on Sunday in the gold medal game in Milan. Hughes made sure that one of his Team USA teammates \u2014 Buffalo star Tage Thompson \u2014 joined him at center ice and the cheers grew louder.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m so proud and so happy that the men\u2019s and women\u2019s hockey teams brought the gold medal back to America,\u201d Hughes told the crowd. \u201cAnd I\u2019m so proud to represent the New Jersey Devils organization and to represent the great state of New Jersey.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 24-year-old center lost a few teeth in the third period of that game when he was high-sticked by Sam Bennett.<\/p>\n
\u201cI get goosebumps when I watch it back,\u201d Hughes said after the game.<\/p>\n
Hughes joked about his missing teeth.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d have to look in the mirror and add it up,\u201d he said. \u201cI have a couple of half-teeth.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffalo won for the seventh time in 10 games, 2-1, on goals from fellow Thompson and Peyton Krebs. Hughes assisted on Timo Meier\u2019s goal late in the third. Hughes also had a turnover \u2014 to Thompson \u2014 that led to the second Buffalo goal.<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously, this was a tough one for Jack,\u201d Devils coach Sheldon Keefe said. \u201cIt\u2019s been a whirlwind for him. He had a lot of short shifts early and Jack\u2019s not a short shift guy. If he\u2019s giving you short shifts, you know he\u2019s not quite feeling it early. All things considered, he gave us a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hughes was not at the morning skate Wednesday. He arrived in New Jersey late Tuesday after being recognized with his U.S. teammates by President Donald Trump at the State of the Union address.<\/p>\n
Earlier in the week, a popular deli near the Prudential Center named a sandwich after Hughes. The sandwich is advertised as being \u2018so tender, you don\u2019t need teeth.<\/p>\n
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AP NHL: https:\/\/www.apnews.com\/hub\/NHL<\/p>\n
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