"Don't fumble, Jack, on behalf of everyone": NHL fans in splits as Tate McRae attends Jack Hughes' first NJ Devils game after injury

Canadian pop star Tate McRae made her second appearance at an NHL game in four days. She was spotted at the New Jersey Devils-Buffalo Sabres game at the Prudential Center on Sunday, a few days after the Calgary native put on a Flames jersey during their Thursday encounter against the Seattle Kraken.

But McRae's appearance at the Devils is expected to make more headlines since her alleged relationship with Jack Hughes started creating buzz. The pseudonymous social media group Deux Moi reported on November 22 that McRae and Hughes were out on a date in the West Village in Manhattan.

The claims came a day after McRae released the song, "Anything But Love." While neither confirmed any rumors, the 22-year-old's appearance in New Jersey, during Hughes surprise return from a freakish hand injury he suffered during a team dinner on Nov. 13, caused a stir online.

Here are a few reactions from X:

"Don’t fumble Jack, on behalf of everyone," a fan wrote. "Hughes-McRae miles better than Kelce-Swift," another fan said. "Of course Jack scores with Tate in the house," a fan wrote. "Couldn’t acquire his brother so he decided to become the Travis Kelce of the NHL," a fan said about the Quinn Hughes trade. "Nah she’s here for the red hot Sabres," a fan joked.

McRae is not unfamiliar with the NHL. She was confirmed to be dating Columbus Blue Jackets centre Cole Sillinger.

Jack Hughes makes feelings known after scoring in return

It took Jack Hughes 8:50 after returning to the ice to net 11th goal of the season against the Sabres. The 24-year-old center was pleased with his performance, speaking during the postgame presser.

"I mean, personally, it was really fun to get back out there and play," Hughes said. "When you're sitting on the couch and guys are playing ... that's the taxing part about being injured. You want to be out there because that's what you want to be doing most. For a guy like me, watching these games [stink], so I'm glad I had the chance to get back out there."

However, the Devils, after taking the lead through Hughes' goal, were unable to sustain the pressure from the Sabres' offense, who scored twice in the second period and an empty netter in the third to take the win.

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Edited by R. Nikhil Parshy