NEWARK, N.J. — Dougie Hamilton broke the deadlock in the third period, and Vitek Vanecek stopped 32 shots, leading the New Jersey Devils to a 4-3 victory over the Detroit Red Wings in both teams’ season opener on Thursday.
Hamilton scored a decisive goal from the blue line at 15:37 into the third, continuing the momentum from last season’s 112-point finish.
“It felt like it might take a while to score after the preseason,” Hamilton remarked. “Thankfully, I managed to score a crucial one for us.”
Jack Hughes netted two goals in the second period, while Jonas Siegenthaler contributed three assists.
“It wasn’t our best performance, but securing a win early matters, and it resonated well with our fans,” Hughes said, emphasizing the importance of starting strong.
Erik Haula sealed the win with an empty-netter at 18:29, but Detroit’s Robby Fabbri narrowed the gap with a goal at 19:26.
Alex DeBrincat and Daniel Sprong also found the net for the Red Wings, with DeBrincat scoring after a trade from Ottawa in July.
Hughes swiftly equalized with a power-play goal at 13:39 after Sprong’s opener, later giving the Devils the lead with a second strike from the high slot at 18:43.
Hughes, last season’s top scorer for New Jersey with 43 goals, was cheered on with MVP chants after his second goal. The 2019 first-overall pick was a finalist in last season’s Hart Trophy race.
“Those chants were a bit early, but they were appreciated,” Hughes commented.
After Hughes was called for slashing early in the third, DeBrincat tied the game at 10:43. DeBrincat had a standout year with Ottawa, scoring 27 goals and 39 assists.
“The game really turned in the second period,” Devils coach Lindy Ruff stated. “It wasn’t perfect by any means.”
Vanecek’s standout moment came when he denied Andrew Copp in the second period, preserving the Devils’ lead amid a tight game.
The first period was competitive. Detroit outshot New Jersey 14-6, and each team had two power plays.
“We started strong and had chances to score,” Detroit’s goalie Ville Husso remarked. “We need to capitalize on such opportunities.”
After significantly improving last season, the Devils advanced past the Rangers in the playoffs’ first round before being ousted by Carolina in the second.
Detroit, having not reached the playoffs since 2016, ended last season with 35 wins and 80 points.
“The first and third periods were ours, but turnovers hurt us in the second,” said Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde.
During pregame introductions, Devils coach Lindy Ruff, who just signed an extension, received a warm reception. Ruff is among the top five NHL coaches in career wins and led the Devils to their first playoff series victory since 2012.
Noteworthy:
The Devils have a strong record in season openers, especially at home. Key players Chris Tierney, Colin Miller, and Nathan Bastian were inactive for New Jersey, while Detroit sat defenseman Olli Maatta and goalie Alex Lyon.
Next Games:
The Devils host Arizona on Friday. The Red Wings welcome Tampa Bay on Saturday.”
