Wed Mar 05 00:40:00 UTC 2025: **Devils Face Tough Test Against Stars Without Hughes; Hamilton Expected to Lead Offensive Charge**
**Newark, NJ** – The New Jersey Devils will be without star forward Jack Hughes for their upcoming game against the Dallas Stars, presenting a significant challenge for the team. However, analysts predict defenseman Dougie Hamilton will step up to fill the offensive void.
Hamilton, known for his high shot volume, is expected to capitalize on the Stars’ recent defensive struggles, particularly in the absence of Miro Heiskanen. The Stars have ranked among the league’s worst defensively in recent games, allowing a significant number of shots to opposing defensemen. Hamilton’s strong performance against the Stars two weeks ago, recording eight shots on goal, further supports this prediction.
Betting analysts are highlighting Hamilton’s over 2.5 shots prop as a strong bet, citing his consistent high shot attempts since returning from a break and his historical success against Dallas. Forward Timo Meier is also expected to benefit from Hughes’ absence, with increased ice time and power-play opportunities potentially boosting his shot count. An under bet on the total game score (under 6.5 goals) is also suggested, given the Devils’ history of low-scoring games and Hughes’ absence.
The Devils’ reliance on Hamilton and Meier highlights the significant impact of Hughes’ absence on their offensive strategy. The game presents a key test for the Devils’ ability to adapt and overcome the loss of their leading scorer.
First Piper 