Devils can’t find offense without Jack Hughes in 4-1 loss to Blues

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Kevin Hayes notched a brace and provided an assist as the St. Louis Blues triumphed over the New Jersey Devils with a 4-1 victory on Friday night.

Jake Neighbours and Robert Thomas also found the back of the net, while Jordan Binnington made 34 saves, including multiple from close range, for St. Louis. The Blues had previously suffered two consecutive defeats.

Curtis Lazar scored the lone goal for the Devils, who unfortunately lost center Jack Hughes to an upper-body injury early in the first period.

Hughes, leading the NHL with 15 assists and 20 points, departed the game after an awkward collision with the boards following a slight hook by Blues defenseman Torey Krug. No penalty was called for the incident.

New Jersey was already missing center Nico Hischier, who sat out his third straight game due to an upper-body injury.

Akira Schmid made 31 saves for the Devils, who had previously secured three consecutive wins.

With nine seconds on the clock, Thomas scored an empty-netter after Hayes narrowly missed his chance for a hat trick.

Hayes completed his double with 1:37 left on the clock after the Devils pulled Schmid.

Lazar tallied his first goal of the season with 3:21 remaining in the second period, reducing St. Louis’ lead to 2-1.

Hayes put St. Louis ahead 2-0 when he pounced on a rebound to score his first goal since joining the team in the off-season.

Neighbours secured his second goal of the season, beating Schmid from the slot on a pass from Sammy Blais 7:12 into the second period to give St. Louis a 1-0 lead.

UP NEXT

Devils: At Chicago Sunday night

Blues: Host Montreal Saturday night