Luke Is the Word | 10 TAKEAWAYS

The playoffs are one long marathon to the finish line. It's crazy to think that the Devils are in the middle of a Second Round series, and that's not even halfway through the post-season en route to the ultimate prize. It truly has to be the toughest sports championship to win. The physicality of the game, the intensity, the 16 wins. It takes everything out of everyone in it.

But you really couldn't ask for much more at this time of year.

We've talked so much over the last two years about meaningful games... well it doesn't get more meaningful than being in the trenches.

I hope you're all enjoying this ride as much as I am!

1.

Timo Meier refers to his new full-face shield helmet as the fish bowl. The other day as he was taking it off to go on the ice as the Third Star of the Game in Game 3, I grabbed it from him so he could go out without his helmet on.

He goes:

"Do you have a fish?"

It took me a second to understand what he was saying.

Got a good laugh out of that.

2.

Should this Second Round series go the distance, we'll certainly see some of the Utica players in New Jersey in due course. On Monday the club added to their playoff roster eight players, including defenseman Simon Nemec. It's important to note that these players are the club's Black Aces, which effectively means they're practicing with the club (and sometimes only after the main roster practices) or they're filling in in certain roles when players aren't on the ice for practice.

But, always stay ready! You never know what \knock on wood\ injuries or circumstances may come your way and what that might mean for a Black Ace.

3.

I had never given it any thought until now, but why the term 'Black Ace'?

I found this archived NHL.com article which explains the origin story.

Turns out the term goes back to the 1940's and has roots in playing cards.

4.

What's with the Game 3 magic?

Eerily similar moments.

A goalie change in both. From Vanecek to Schmid in the First Round, from Schmid to Vanecek in the Second Round.

A rookie making their playoff debut? Yup, that too! Schmid in the First Round, Luke Hughes in the Second Round.

Let's hope the other trends continue too, like a Game 4 win to start.

5.

I wasn't sure what to expect from our first joint interview with Luke and Jack Hughes. They are both extremely professional when it comes to hockey, I wasn't quite sure what barriers might be broken down as brothers when they hit the podium after the Game 3 win against Carolina.

Turns out, it's hard to completely stay in the teammates vs. brothers role. The two taking subtle jabs at each other on the podium was just perfect.

To me, it was the big brother scoff that Jack let out when Luke talked about enjoying hearing the fans chant the "Luuuuuuke!"

It was the most big brother reaction ever.

6.

Jack Hughes is up for a second NHL award this season. Already a finalist for the Lady Byng, Hughes today was announced as the Devils' nominee for the King Clancy.

I think one of the great things about Jack - and there are many - is how much he does behind the scenes, that he does without anyone or media around with private meet-and-greets etc. I've seen it first hand, whether it's outside the locker room, or him bringing a few teammates to meet a group of kids, there's a lot that he has done to impact the community in really positive ways.

7.

Eight goals-for in Game 3 was a real thrill, especially being on home ice. The crowd was incredible. It came close but it's not the franchise record... the eight goals falls just short of the 10 way back in 1988 in a Game 3 win over Washington in the Division Finals.

8.

It felt so great to sit down on Monday night and watch the Draft Lottery without anxiously anticipating when the Devils logo would flip on Bill Daly's cards. We've had plenty of that in the past couple of years and a lot of the reason the team is where they are is because of those lottery wins, but having no horse in the race and knowing you're also getting ready for another game on May 9 (!!!)... there's just no better feeling.

9.

Just about everyone I've spoken with about Luke Hughes' debut has nothing but compliments. He really was great, especially under high-stakes circumstances. He also got high praise from his coach, Lindy Ruff saying he thought he would get a 'good' game from Luke, but instead got a 'great game'.

Brendan Smith called the Hughes brothers "better skaters than 90 percent of the league" on Tuesday.

Everyone just had ringing endorsements in Luke's debut.

10.

Speaking of Hughes, he became one of just six teenage players in NHL history to record a two-point night in their Stanley Cup Playoff debut.

And the company he keeps is elite:

Ray Bourque (BOS) - 1980
Jim Pavese (STL) - 1982
Scott Niedermayer (NJD) - 1993
Erik Karlsson (OTT) - 2010
Miro Heiskanen (DAL) - 2019