Jack Hughes has developed a reputation for delivering in the biggest moments, and Tuesday night in Detroit provided another example of the New Jersey Devils star’s ability to take over a hockey game when it matters most.
Hughes scored just 1:19 into overtime, lifting New Jersey to a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena. The 25-year-old center finished with a goal and two assists, leading the Devils to an important road victory after a disappointing loss to Ottawa the previous evening.
With both teams trading goals throughout regulation, the game ultimately came down to one costly Detroit turnover and a familiar connection between two of New Jersey’s most dangerous offensive players. (NHL.com)
Hughes and Bratt Connect for Overtime Winner
After 60 minutes failed to separate the two teams, New Jersey needed just over a minute of overtime to secure the extra point.
Detroit turned the puck over in the offensive zone, allowing Jesper Bratt to quickly transition the other direction. Bratt found Hughes breaking through the middle of the ice with a perfectly placed pass, sending the Devils center in alone against Red Wings goaltender John Gibson.
Hughes made no mistake.
Skating in with speed, Hughes fired a shot past Gibson’s blocker, ending the contest and securing New Jersey’s third victory of the season.
The goal capped another impressive performance from Hughes, who registered eight shots on goal and contributed offensively throughout the evening.
Bratt was equally important in the victory, finishing with a goal and two assists of his own. The longtime teammates once again demonstrated the chemistry that has made them one of New Jersey’s most productive offensive combinations.
For Hughes, the overtime winner was already his second of the young season, having previously scored the deciding goal against Philadelphia in the Devils’ season opener on October 1.
His ability to capitalize on open ice during three-on-three overtime continues to make him one of the league’s most dangerous players in extra time. (NHL.com)
Devils Survive Detroit’s Persistent Comeback Attempts
New Jersey controlled much of the opening period, outshooting Detroit 15-3 and taking an early lead when Evan Rodrigues scored his first goal of the season at 6:07.
Despite being heavily outplayed, the Red Wings managed to respond late in the period when rookie Emmitt Finnie scored to tie the game.
Detroit carried that momentum into the second period, taking a 2-1 advantage just 1:43 after the intermission on a goal from Michael Brandsegg-Nygard.
The lead, however, did not last.
Anthony Mantha scored his first goal with New Jersey to even the contest before captain Nico Hischier capitalized on the power play, giving the Devils a 3-2 advantage midway through the period.
Detroit’s Alex DeBrincat answered with a goal of his own, tying the game once again before Bratt restored New Jersey’s lead late in the second.
The Red Wings refused to go away.
DeBrincat scored his second goal of the evening at 5:46 of the third period, bringing Detroit level at four and eventually forcing overtime.
Despite the Red Wings’ persistence, New Jersey maintained the offensive advantage for much of the contest, finishing with 37 shots compared to Detroit’s 26.
Jake Allen made 22 saves for the Devils, while Gibson stopped 32 shots in the losing effort. (ESPN)
Hughes Continues to Establish Himself as New Jersey’s Difference-Maker
The victory was another reminder of the offensive talent Hughes brings to New Jersey’s lineup.
Since entering the NHL as the first overall selection in the 2019 NHL Draft, Hughes has developed into one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers, combining exceptional skating ability with creativity and an increasingly dangerous scoring touch.
His performance against Detroit showcased those qualities, particularly in overtime, where his speed and ability to recognize developing opportunities proved decisive.
The chemistry between Hughes and Bratt has also become a significant part of New Jersey’s offensive identity. Both players possess the vision and puck-handling ability to create scoring opportunities in transition, making them particularly effective when additional ice becomes available.
For a Devils team looking to establish consistency early in the season, having a player capable of deciding games in a single moment remains an enormous advantage.
New Jersey improved to 3-3-0 with the victory, recovering from Monday’s 4-1 defeat against Ottawa and avoiding consecutive losses.
Detroit, meanwhile, fell to 1-3-2 despite a strong individual performance from DeBrincat, who finished with two goals and an assist. (Reuters)
A Much-Needed Victory for New Jersey
While the Devils still have areas to address defensively, Tuesday’s performance provided encouraging signs offensively.
New Jersey generated consistent pressure, received contributions throughout its lineup and demonstrated the ability to respond after surrendering multiple leads.
Rodrigues and Mantha each recorded a goal and an assist, while Hischier continued to provide production from the center position.
However, it was Hughes who ultimately separated the two teams.
In a game featuring eight regulation goals, multiple lead changes and strong individual performances on both sides, New Jersey’s franchise centerpiece delivered the defining moment.
The Devils will need more complete performances as the season progresses, particularly when it comes to protecting leads and limiting opposing scoring opportunities.
But when the game is tied and the ice opens up in overtime, there are few players New Jersey would rather have carrying the puck than Jack Hughes.
On Tuesday night in Detroit, he proved exactly why.
