Team USA’s win on Sunday put the Hughes family in focus once again. The Olympic run brought attention to both their success and the challenges they faced this season.
Injuries, pressure, and expectations have all played a part in their journey. That background led to a strong response from one brother about how the other has been judged.
Quinn Hughes Calls Out Criticism of Devils Star Jack Hughes After Olympic Heroics
Quinn Hughes spoke openly about how Jack Hughes has been treated by the media this season. In a conversation with Michael Russo, he pushed back on opinions about his brother’s injuries and performance.
Quinn’s comments came soon after Team USA beat Canada 2-1 in overtime to win gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Jack scored the winning goal in that game, which made the discussion even more relevant.
Quinn did not soften his stance on public criticism, stating, “People don’t know sh*t. There’s a bunch of idiots out there, and no one’s rehabbed before. There’s reporters out there saying this and that. They don’t know what it’s like to get surgery for six months, not really feel good for 10 months, and do that back to back. For him to just persevere and keep believing and just keep going no matter what happens, he’s a special guy, special player.”
Quinn’s words focused on how little understanding there is around recovery and how long it can take for players to feel normal again.
Jack’s season with the New Jersey Devils has included several setbacks. He missed time earlier in the year after a finger injury that required surgery. Later, he dealt with a lower-body issue near the end of January but returned in time for the Olympic tournament, playing a big role for Team USA’s gold medal.
In the gold medal game, Jack faced another challenge. He took a high stick that knocked out teeth and caused cuts to his face. He left the ice briefly for treatment but returned and scored the overtime winner 1:41 into extra time. The goal came during 3-on-3 play off a pass from Zach Werenski and went through the legs of Jordan Binnington.
That goal secured a 2-1 win for Team USA and ended a long wait for NHL players to win Olympic gold. The result also came against a strong Canadian team that created several chances during the game.
Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck made 41 saves, including key stops in the third period, to help push the game to overtime.
Now, Jack will resume the NHL regular season on Feb. 25 against the Buffalo Sabres.
