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Quinn Hughes Continues to Elevate His Game

Quinn Hughes is in the midst of his rookie season and first NHL Playoff run. In his first three playoff games, he has a cool four assists. He had two big points in a 3-0 win in Game 4. With his team up 2-1, he’s not getting carried away.

“It feels great. It’s a big win. We really needed that. I think we capitalized well and it’s a big game tomorrow,” Hughes said.

The Calder Finalist is averaging over 22 minutes a game. He’s leading his team in scoring and he’s tied with Olli Maatta (Chicago) at the top of the scoring list for playoff defenseman.

It’s very difficult for a rookie to be a top-pairing defenseman and the power-play quarterback. That’s a lot of responsibility and defensively he has to cover the other team’s best players 99% of the time.

“I don’t think you can put a price on the experience and it’s big for the young guys here,” Hughes stated. “I’m leaning on the vets and I’m trying to stay levelheaded.”

Hughes has an uncanny ability to break down the defense as he moves up the ice at top speed. He can make that long first-pass to set up a scoring chance and he can get the inside step, like a basketball player to streak up the middle of the ice and look to set up a scoring chance. There are few in the game that can do it like he does and he’s only 20.

When the third period comes, he doesn’t shrink, he elevates his game.

“It’s a 60-minute game. The third period is when teams really push it,” Hughes noted. “I don’t think a one-goal lead is safe, so you try and get one and not to give one up. We played a full 60-minutes today.”

Hughes is just getting started. I thought he was a generational talent a few years before the draft and so far, he’s heading down that highway. He will continue to get better so this year, no matter how far the Canucks go, these playoff games will help springboard Hughes to another level and that’s scary but that’s also what’s going to happen. Sit back and enjoy watching him, even if you’re not a Canucks fan you will be a fan of this player, I guarantee it.

Check out my new hockey book Sticks and Stones here. We feature Hughes in the book!:

https://www.amazon.com/Sticks-Stones-College-Hockey-Prepares/dp/1628657227/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Russ+Cohen&qid=1586180720&sr=8-3.

Russ_Cohen
I'm the author of 10 books. If you're looking for autographed copies just go to my Twitter @Sportsology and DM me.

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