Is Jack Hughes playing tonight? Team USA hero has looming return for Devils vs. Sabres

The New Jersey Devils don't have much time to waste.

Coming out of the Olympic break, they have work to do to make some noise in the standings, and they need Jack Hughes to help them do that.

Hughes returns from the Olympics much more known nationally than he was before. He scored the game-winning goal in overtime for Team USA to beat Canada and claim the gold medal.

It was the first United States men's hockey gold medal since 1980.

From now on, Hughes will be known for that.

For the Devils, though, his talent has already been apparent, and they'll need him to bring that momentum back to NHL action.

New Jersey returns to play Wednesday night against the Buffalo Sabres. They'd certainly love to have Hughes out there, too.

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Is Jack Hughes playing tonight?

Indications are that Hughes will try to suit up Wednesday night.

NJ.com's Ryan Novozinsky reported that it is "anticipated" Hughes will be good to go to take on Buffalo.

Hughes and most of his teammates celebrated with a party in Miami on Monday night, then were at the State of the Union in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday.

It's not far from D.C. to N.J., though and so Hughes should be in good shape as long as his legs are ready to get back on the ice.

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