The Devils are shorthanded on the back line as they make a push towards the playoffs in the Eastern Conference.

Luke Hughes will pick up where Dougie Hamilton left off as a puck-moving defenseman and PP1 quarterback for the Devils as they visit the defensively-challenged Flyers on Sunday afternoon, per our NHL betting picks.

Dawson Mercer hit the post at 4:29 of the second as he ripped a shot from the deep slot. New Jersey extended the lead to 2-0 at 5:39 as Erik Haula (5th) scored from the right circle. A Brenden Dillon point shot was blocked down before Johnathan Kovacevic passed to an oncoming Haula.

The Devils are reportedly working to sign defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic to a contract extension before the NHL Trade Deadline.

Amid a flurry of trade deadline activity, the New Jersey Devils are still struggling to improve their playoff status in the Eastern Conference.

Nico Daws made 29 saves for his first career shutout, while Dougie Hamilton scored in the second period and added an assist as the New Jersey Devils opened a five-game road trip with a 5-0 rout over the Nashville Predators on Sunday night.