With injuries seemingly consuming the NHL in the season's first five weeks, the New Jersey Devils took their biggest hit over the weekend -- and it was not even on the ice.

The Devils will be back in the Sunshine State for the second straight month when they meet the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday night for the second matchup between the Eastern Conference clubs.

But they will do it without their leader, Jack Hughes.

In a freak accident involving glass -- the club has been tight-lipped on the details -- Hughes suffered a serious laceration, forcing surgery that will sideline the sizzling 24-year-old center for roughly eight weeks, though he will be evaluated after six.

The Orlando, Fla.-born Hughes has 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) in his first 17 games.

"I feel for Jack," Devils c

See Full Page