The New Jersey Devils kept their late-season push alive with an impressive victory over their rivals, defeating the New York Rangers 6–3 in a high-scoring matchup. The win extended the Devils’ winning streak and highlighted a dominant performance from Jack Hughes, who recorded a hat trick to lead New Jersey.
Devils Strike Early Against Rangers
New Jersey wasted little time getting on the scoreboard.
Just over a minute into the game, Cody Glass collected a loose puck in the neutral zone and carried it into the offensive zone. He then set up Jesper Bratt in the right circle, where Bratt fired a one-timer past Rangers goalie Jonathan Quick to give the Devils a 1–0 lead.
The fast start set the tone for an offensive battle between the two Metropolitan Division rivals.
Rangers Respond with Quick Goals
The Rangers answered back about five minutes later.
Vincent Trocheck found defenseman Will Borgen trailing the rush, and Borgen blasted a one-timer past Devils goalie Jacob Markstrom to tie the game.
New York then took the lead shortly afterward. A shot from the blue line by Vladislav Gavrikov deflected off Devils defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic during a net-front battle and slipped past Markstrom to make it 2–1.
Mercer Ties Game on Power Play
Late in the first period, Gavrikov was called for interference against Paul Cotter, giving New Jersey a power-play opportunity.
The Devils capitalized before the intermission.
Luke Hughes fired a shot from the point that Dawson Mercer redirected in front of the net, tying the game at 2–2 heading into the first break.
Devils and Rangers Trade Goals
The back-and-forth scoring continued in the second period.
Shortly after a Rangers penalty expired, Jack Hughes blasted a slapshot from the blue line that beat Quick, restoring the Devils’ lead at 3–2.
However, the Rangers quickly responded again.
Braden Schneider sent a shot from the point that was tipped in by Will Cuylle, tying the game at 3–3.
Nico Hischier Breaks the Tie
Midway through the third period, the Devils earned another power play after Cuylle was called for hooking Timo Meier.
New Jersey took advantage once again.
Jesper Bratt generated a rebound opportunity that Nico Hischier finished by lifting the puck over Quick’s left shoulder, giving the Devils a 4–3 lead.
Jack Hughes Takes Over
Jack Hughes sealed the victory with a dominant finish.
Connor Brown set Hughes up for a breakaway, and Hughes beat Quick to extend the lead.
He later added an empty-net goal to complete his hat trick and secure the Devils’ 6–3 win.
Markstrom Picks Up the Win
Goaltender Jacob Markstrom made 16 saves on 19 shots and earned his 19th victory of the season.
While the Rangers managed several scoring chances, the Devils’ offense ultimately proved too strong.
Devils Extend Winning Streak
The win marked the Devils’ fourth consecutive victory, giving them momentum as they try to salvage what has been a difficult season.
Both teams entered the game facing challenges this year, with the Rangers already shifting toward rebuilding while the Devils remain focused on keeping their playoff hopes alive.
