This time of year brings back memories for New Jersey Devils [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/players/jacob-markstrom-not-taking-devils-postseason-run-for-granted] defenseman Luke Hughes [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/players/jack-luke-hughes-named-nhl-25-cover-athletes]. Dec 28, 2024; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (43) looks on against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/bea9ee36-6876-4c6c-b1c0-a2a1d42ecf71.jpeg] Dec 28, 2024; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (43) looks on against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images "I think, as a kid, you dream of playing in the NHL playoffs," he told The Hockey News. "I don't know if you ever really think about actually getting there, but you dream of it. "You dream about playing and scoring a crazy goal." Along with his older brothers Quinn and Jack, Luke grew up watching and studying the game of hockey. "(Just) trying to watch every playoff game that we could, and we still do that," he said. The young defenseman got his first taste of playoff hockey on May 7, 2023, when he made his postseason debut with the Devils against the Carolina Hurricanes [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/carolina-hurricanes] in Game 3 of Round 2 After 60 minutes, Hughes was credited with two assists, with the first goal reading Damon Severson from Luke Hughes and Jack Hughes. "I think for me, I stepped in and (tried to) help and do as best as I could as a 19-year-old," he recalled. "I remember so much emotion and so much intensity. Every play matters. The playoffs are amplified. Everyone is playing at 100 percent." Now, at 21 and with two full NHL seasons under his belt, Hughes is a different player entering Sunday's Game 1 against the Hurricanes at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. "I have grown my defensive game and all-around game," he said. "I think it has gotten a lot better. That is what happens. Every year, you try to get better and better. For me, from year one to year two, I am a different player, just like my brothers. From year one to year six, they are different players. I think you try to grow and get better every year." Many credit Hughes' partner, veteran Brett Pesce [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/players/brett-pesces-former-teammate-believes-he-already-has-that-new-jersey-style-in-him], for the youngster's improved defensive game, as the duo has been paired together all season. "He is the youngest partner I have had in my career," Pesce told NHL.com [https://www.nhl.com/news/luke-hughes-excelling-in-larger-role-for-new-jersey-devils#] in March. "It kind of makes me feel young again. He is young but hungry, wants to get better, and cares so much. That shows a lot of maturity in a 21-year-old." In addition to the on-ice skills, emotions play a big part in a playoff series, as the highs and lows come as fast as a Zdeno Chara slapshot. It is another area where Hughes feels he has grown. "I used to be pretty emotional, but I think I have learned throughout my years how to stay even keel," he said. "Not get too high and not too low. "I have learned over time to control my emotions and play my game to the best of my ability," he continued. "As a human, I think I have grown in that aspect and not getting in my own head." The Devils will need Hughes at his best in front of a loud and rowdy crowd in Raleigh on Sunday afternoon, as Game 1 will be at 3:00 pm. ET (MSGSN and ESPN). The task ahead of Hughes and his teammates won't be easy, and they, along with head coach Sheldon Keefe [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/latest-news/new-jersey-devils-sheldon-keefe-toronto-maple-leafs-nhl], know it. "(The Hurricanes) spend more time in the offensive zone and the least amount of time in the defensive zone than anybody else in the league, and it is not even close," Keefe said on Saturday. "They are in a league of their own in that regard. "You have to go into the game expecting that they are going to have a lot of the control," he continued. "You are not going to outshoot them. That is not our focus. Our focus is to outscore them. They control the game, for the most part, when they play, but they don't win all the games. We have to find a way to be one of those teams that manage their surges and their pressure, but do our part to get enough goals to win the game." It is a tall order, but sitting at his stall in New Jersey's locker room on Saturday, the youngest Hughes brother knows it is a privilege to lace up his skates for a chance to compete for the Stanley Cup. "This is why you play the game." Make sure you bookmark THN's New Jersey Devils site [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/] for THN's latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. The Mental Side of the Game: Devils Players & Mental Skills Coach Andy Swärd Take You Behind the Scenes [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/players/new-jersey-devils-jesper-bratt-alexander-holtz-nico-hischier-andy-sward] Hischier’s Manager Patrick Fischer: 'He’s Driven to Succeed, but Not Easily Satisfied [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/features/hischiers-manager-patrick-fischer-hes-driven-to-succeed-but-not-easily-satisfied]
