The New Jersey Devils center takes an NHL career-high four-game point streak (nine points; three goals, six assists) into the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday (7 p.m. ET; MSG+, BSOH, ESPN+, NHL LIVE). Hughes has scored 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in 15 games since returning to the Devils lineup Nov. 30; he had missed 17 games with a dislocated left shoulder.
"Coming out of the Christmas break, I feel really good, feel pretty refreshed mentally, and our team's been winning some games," Hughes said. "In terms of my shoulder, I feel good, and I like where my game is right now."
New Jersey (13-16-5) has won three of its past four following a six-game losing streak, and is tied with Columbus for sixth place in the eight-team Metropolitan Division, one point behind the fifth-place Philadelphia Flyers.
"I think we have a good group in this locker room," Hughes said. "We went on a really tough stretch leading up to the Christmas break. We were really struggling, and that break couldn't come soon enough. We're playing better hockey now. We have a good squad here and we have to make a push."
Hughes also discusses his unique goal celebrations, top Netflix shows, a difficult conversation he had to have with his roommate, New Jersey defenseman Ty Smith, and how he plans to mentor his younger brother, Devils defenseman prospect Luke Hughes, when he gets to the NHL.
Winnipeg Jets coach Dave Lowry also joined the show to talk about taking over for Paul Maurice, how he felt when he learned Maurice was resigning, coaching his son, Winnipeg forward Adam Lowry, and why he's excited about how the Jets (16-11-5) are coming together.
"The Chirp with Daren Millard"
features interviews with players, executives, alumni and other personalities around the game. You can share your thoughts on Twitter using the hashtag #ChirpMallard.
