The New Jersey Devils face the challenge of maintaining their offensive edge with star player Jack Hughes sidelined for an unspecified period. In his absence, Jesper Bratt is expected to take a more prominent role in the team’s offensive efforts, particularly evident in the upcoming match against the St. Louis Blues.
Bratt has demonstrated his ability to adapt, stepping up significantly as a shooter when Hughes is out of the lineup. Last season, his shot volume significantly increased when playing without Hughes, where he averaged 3.6 shots in games featuring Hughes compared to a spike to 6 attempts when Hughes was absent. This trend has continued early in the current season, showing a consistent pattern of shot generation.
In the matchup against the Blues, who currently struggle with shot suppression, particularly at even strength and on the penalty kill, Bratt’s potential for high shot totals becomes even more promising. The Blues rank in the bottom eight in allowing shots over the last ten games, which bodes well for Bratt’s shot output.
In addition to Bratt, other players such as Luke Hughes and Jimmy Snuggerud are also expected to rise to the occasion. Luke Hughes has increased his shot attempts by nearly 1.5 per game when playing without Jack Hughes, while Snuggerud has been performing impressively on the road.
For bettors, tapping into Bratt’s over 2.5 shots on goal at +135 appears to be a strategic move given the current dynamics of the team and their opponent. The expectation is that Bratt will not only assume a larger shooting role but also capitalize on the Blues’ defensive vulnerabilities.
As hockey enthusiasts gear up for the game on November 26 at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, the hope is that Bratt and his teammates will deliver an exciting performance that keeps fans on the edge of their seats, even in the shadow of Hughes’ absence.