Yahoo Sports Scott Wedgewood's Take On Facing Jack Hughes & Other Devils Stars
Around the league, there are NHL players who perform exceptionally well against specific teams.
A prime example is New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes against New York Rangers and goaltender Igor Shesterkin.
Another example?
Goaltender Scott Wedgewood against the Devils.
Now, as a member of the Colorado Avalanche, he shut out his former team Sunday night, earning a 4-0 victory. He stopped all 25 of New Jersey's shots.
Dec 8, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood (41) defends his net against the New Jersey Devils during the second period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
Hughes fired six shots at his former teammate, the most among all Devils skaters. The Hockey News asked the goaltender about playing against the 2019 first-overall pick.
"I think Hughes is very deceptive," Wedgewood said. "The tough part about him is what he sees, right? You have to keep your eye on him. He can scan the ice, and he knows where Jesper Bratt will be and where Ondrej Palat might be."
Bratt only had one shot on the Colorado netminder, but his speed always makes him a dangerous threat.
"He can look like he is going to do nothing, then get a step on a guy, and he is gone," Wedgewood continued.
While The Hockey News asked the 32-year-old goaltender about Hughes and Bratt, Wedgewood mentioned another former teammate's play.
"Nico Hischier has been hot, too," he said. "He has really developed over the years. From watching hockey (as) a hockey fan, I have seen what he can do. He had a good night against Nashville when I was here."
Wedgewood played 23 games over two stints with New Jersey. He remains close to some staff and always has good things to say about his return to Newark.
"This place honestly feels like home," he said. "I was here for so long. [...] Sometimes we come in these buildings, and there are still fans, and it puts you at ease. Their goal songs, their horns, everything I know."
A 2010 draft pick of the Devils, Wedgewood now has a 4-0-0 record against his former team, a 1.02 goals-against average, and a career save percentage of .965.
The good news for New Jersey is they don't have to worry about the netminder until Feb. 26, when the Devils travel to Denver, Colorado.
Make sure you bookmark THN's New Jersey Devils site for THN's latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
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