After the New Jersey Devils’ 5-1 loss to the New York Rangers on February 22, 2024, star center Jack Hughes expressed frustration with his team’s performance. He emphasized the need for a change in attitude and self-belief, stating, “We’ve got to digest tonight and then we’ve got to wrap our heads around changing our attitude and really believing in ourselves.” 

Hughes, who scored the Devils’ only goal late in the third period, acknowledged his own performance, noting, “I’m obviously not playing at my best but got to find a way to get to that point and help us make a push.” 

The loss was particularly disappointing as it came against their rivals, the New York Rangers, at home. The Devils had previously dominated the Rangers in their earlier meetings that season, making the recent defeat even more challenging to accept.

Following the game, Hughes’ brother, defenseman Luke Hughes, echoed the sentiment, stating, “We need that ‘next game’ mentality.” 

The Devils’ coaching staff, including head coach Lindy Ruff, acknowledged the team’s struggles and the need for improvement. Ruff mentioned that while the team has shown growth, there are still areas that require attention, especially with the absence of key players like Dougie Hamilton. 

For a deeper insight into the team’s reaction and the challenges they face, you can watch the post-game interviews with Jack Hughes, Luke Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Coach Lindy Ruff.