Hughes, who’s second in scoring among NHL blueliners, suffered undisclosed ailments Saturday but decided to play Monday
However, his gift of giving on so many levels — on the ice, in the room and the charitable community — looked like it was going to be abruptly halted Monday.
When Hughes joined the warm-up skate late, the fans got what they wanted and the Canucks could breathe a sigh of relief.
After all, it would have been a giant lump of coal in their Christmas stocking to not see Hughes do his thing. For the Canucks, it could have prudent to sit the captain to ensure their superstar heals properly. But playing through pain has always been his thing.
“He’s dealing with a couple of things and we’ll figure it out at game time,” said Tocchet, who didn’t elaborate. “He’ll probably want to play, but I’ll make that decision. It just happened last game.”
Getting Hughes to sit out is always a difficult proposition.
The Norris Trophy winner took a high stick to the face against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Dec. 8 at Rogers Arena. It drew a four-minute power play and led to his brief first-period exit, a number of stitches, and then returning with a full face shield.
He would then execute a highlight-reel, no-look backhand opening goal through a mass of bodies to pick the short side on startled goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy. He finished with four shots and eight attempts in what would be tough 4-2 setback.
It was also the 50th goal of his young career and vaulted Hughes into 10th place for goals by franchise defencemen. Award voters should take note, but not because Hughes is trying to gain their favour. He’s just trying to improve.
Hughes didn’t hold court two nights after the high-stick mishap, even though there was lots to talk about. After all, trying to speak with a mashed-up mug and gum damage isn’t easy, so he got a pass.
However, he did manage four shots and 13 attempts in a 4-3 overtime loss to the St. Louis Blues.
“My goal isn’t the Norris, it’s the process,” Hughes stressed before training camp. “If I’m competing and attacking the way I want every game, good things will happen. Consistency is the sign of a great player.
“(Cale) Makar has been up for the Norris four of the last five years and that’s consistency.”
The Colorado Avalanche defenceman currently leads his peers this season with 45 (11-34) points in 36 games.