Jack Hughes is off to a quick start at the IIHF U18 World Championship in Sweden. Through three games, the American already has five goals to his name, demonstrating why he has been regarded for so long as the consensus top pick in this year’s NHL Draft. (All due respect, however, to Kaapo Kakko who has come on very strong.)

It didn’t take him long to score against Russia, converting a one-timer off the feed from Cam York.

 

 

A beauty one-timer by #JackHughes is good for his fifth goal at the #U18Worlds 👀

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Hughes got a bit lucky there, with the friendly bounce off the goalie, but a bit of luck can come in handy for even the best of players at times. The U.S. is currently on pace to win its third straight game and remain undefeated through three games in round play.

While Hughes was scoreless in his first game, he left no doubt in the next time out against Slovakia. He had a record-setting performance with four goals and seven points, and most of those were impressive tallies as well — although even then, Hughes benefitted from a bit of luck.

This own goal allowed by the Slovakian goalie is... not great!

 

 

One of the worst own goals you’ll see 😂

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