NEWARK, N.J. -- At no time has Luke Hughes felt as good as he does right now with the New Jersey Devils.

It comes at a critical time, too, since New Jersey is without several key defensemen, including Brett Pesce and Johnathan Kovacevic .

"Honestly, I think I'm playing the best hockey of my career right now," Hughes said. "I just got to clean a couple things up every game, mistake-wise. I've been a little snakebitten on the goal-scoring front, but I'm getting the shots through and getting the chances and that's all you can ask for.

"I just got to put them in the back of the net. But I'm really happy with my game and with whatever the team needs me to do, whether it's penalty kill, power play, or 5-on-5."

The 22-year-old has been needed in all areas, averaging a team-high 22:59 o

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