Jack Hughes finished scoreless for his fourth straight game to open the 2019 IIHF World Championships. However, it wasn’t for a lack of trying or chances.

Hughes finished with six shots on goal — part of a 63-shot onslaught by the United States — during the team’s 6-3 victory over Great Britain on Wednesday in Slovakia.

And while Hughes, one of the top prospects in the 2019 NHL Draft and the potential No. 1 pick to the Devils, didn’t find the scoresheet, three plays stood out as prime scoring opportunities that just didn’t go in.

He nearly scored in the first period when he pounced on a loose puck in front of the crease and scooped a shot attempt past British goalie Ben Bowns. That attempt, however, hit the post and bounced away from danger.

Hughes then set up winger Clayton Keller for a golden scoring chance on a cross-ice path with Bowns hugging the opposite post. Keller slightly hesitated while settling the puck and eventually ripped a shot off the post and then off Bowns, missing a prime chance at an open net.

Bowns then committed highway robbery on Hughes’ final shot of the game. Hughes collected a rebound in the slot, then crossed the puck over to his backhand at the right post. He had Bowns beat, but the goalie reached back and snagged Hughes’ low shot with his glove just before it crossed the goal line.

So while Hughes went scoreless again, he showed the skill and playmaking ability that have him as the top-rated player in the draft class.

On top of the scoring attempts, he was quick on the forecheck, forcing a couple turnovers. He showed time and time again the ability to carry the puck from the neutral zone or defensive zone into the offensive zone.

He did all that despite again playing a small role with limited playing time. Hughes finished with 11:28 of total ice time as the team’s third-line center, though he did get power-play reps.

That third-line spot will likely be Hughes’ role for the entire tournament, so he’s never going to get the 18-20 minutes per game a top-line center might. But his skill and talent continues to shine through in that role, and he’ll get on the scoresheet sooner rather than later.

Chris Ryan may be reached at cryan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChrisRyan_NJ. Find NJ.com Devils on Facebook.