Team USA Star Jack Hughes Gets Standing Ovation from Penguins Fans

The Devils center was welcomed back to the ice with cheers after his Olympic heroics.

Feb. 28, 2026 at 1:12am

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Jack Hughes, the star center for the New Jersey Devils, received a standing ovation from the Pittsburgh Penguins crowd on Thursday night when his name was announced during the starting lineups. This was the second time in as many days that Hughes was celebrated by an opposing team's fans, as the Devils' home crowd had also given him a rousing welcome back after his heroic performance in leading Team USA to the gold medal at the Olympics.

Why it matters

Hughes' popularity has skyrocketed after his clutch play for Team USA, and the standing ovations from opposing crowds demonstrate the widespread respect and admiration he has earned across the NHL. This level of adulation from rival fan bases is unusual, but speaks to Hughes' emerging status as one of the league's premier young stars.

The details

The 24-year-old Hughes scored the game-winning goal in overtime to give Team USA the gold medal in a thrilling victory over Canada. After the Olympics, the Devils' star flew to Miami with his teammates to celebrate, then traveled to Washington D.C. to meet with President Trump and attend the State of the Union address. Hughes has been productive for the Devils this season, recording 12 goals and 26 assists in 38 games.

  • On Thursday, February 27, 2026, Hughes received a standing ovation from the Penguins crowd during pregame introductions.
  • On Wednesday, February 26, 2026, the Devils' home crowd gave Hughes a warm welcome back after his Olympic heroics.

The players

Jack Hughes

A 24-year-old center for the New Jersey Devils who recently led Team USA to a gold medal at the Olympics, scoring the game-winning goal in overtime against Canada.

New Jersey Devils

The NHL team that Jack Hughes plays for, based in New Jersey.

Pittsburgh Penguins

The NHL team that hosted the Devils and their star player Jack Hughes on February 27, 2026.

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What’s next

Hughes and the Devils will look to build on his Olympic success when they take on the St. Louis Blues on Saturday, February 29, 2026 at 5 p.m. ET.

The takeaway

Jack Hughes' newfound popularity and status as a rising NHL star was on full display as he received standing ovations from opposing crowds in back-to-back games, a rare occurrence that highlights his growing impact on the sport of hockey both in the United States and across the league.