Wild's Quinn Hughes, Jared Spurgeon Accomplished Something No Defensive Duo Has Ever Done In NHL History

The Minnesota Wild have played just five games this season, but Quinn Hughes and Jared Spurgeon have already accomplished something no other defensive duo has done in the NHL's 100-plus-year history.

According to NHL Stats, Hughes and Spurgeon have become the first pair of defensemen in league history to record simultaneous season-opening point streaks of five games.

It's an impressive accomplishment for two defensemen who weren't even expected to begin the season playing alongside each other.

Hughes was originally expected to skate alongside Brock Faber on Minnesota's top defensive pairing. However, Faber suffered a skull fracture during the preseason that required surgery, forcing the Wild to make adjustments before their season even began.

That opened the door for Spurgeon to move alongside Hughes, and the two have wasted little time developing chemistry.

Entering Saturday's matchup against the Florida Panthers, Hughes had recorded two goals and four assists for six points through four games. Spurgeon, meanwhile, had collected one goal and three assists for four points.

Both defensemen had already tied Ryan Suter's franchise record for the longest season-opening point streak by a Wild defenseman at four games. Now, they've taken things a step further, establishing a new franchise mark while making NHL history in the process.

What makes the accomplishment even more impressive is the circumstances surrounding Minnesota's blue line.

Losing Faber, one of the team's most important defensemen, could have created significant problems for the Wild early in the season. Instead, Hughes and Spurgeon have helped stabilize the defensive group while providing consistent offensive production.

Hughes has continued to demonstrate why he's considered one of the NHL's premier offensive defensemen, using his skating ability, vision and puck movement to generate opportunities.

Spurgeon, meanwhile, has provided the steady defensive presence and leadership that have defined his career in Minnesota.

The two have already combined for several memorable moments this season, including Minnesota's 4-1 victory over the Boston Bruins on Oct. 3.

Hughes recorded a goal and an assist in that contest, while Spurgeon scored his first goal of the season. Hughes also assisted on Spurgeon's goal, becoming the fastest player in Wild history to record 50 assists with the franchise, accomplishing the feat in just 50 games.

For a Minnesota team navigating multiple injuries early in the season, the production from its top defensive pairing has been particularly important.

And while the Wild certainly hope to get Faber back in the lineup sooner rather than later, Hughes and Spurgeon are proving they can be an effective combination in his absence.

Five games into the season, the two haven't just helped keep Minnesota's blue line afloat.

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