When the New Jersey Devils reach overtime, Jack Hughes shines.
Hughes scored with 2:13 remaining in overtime, leading the Devils to a 2-1 victory over the Boston Bruins on Wednesday night, despite a stellar 34-save performance by Jeremy Swayman.
Overtime Heroics
Hughes’ game-winning goal was his sixth career overtime winner and second this season. Although he didn’t have a shot on goal during regulation, he managed five shots in the 2:47 of overtime, playing 1:57 of the extra period.
“I think we gave him about 20 seconds off,” Devils coach Lindy Ruff said. “He’s got incredible glide in his skating to recover quickly. He had a couple of breathers, but we knew he was ready to go. And he seized the opportunity to win it for us.”
Hughes received a pass from Jesper Bratt on the winning goal and fired a shot past Swayman for his 11th goal of the season.
“Bratter and I play so well together,” Hughes said. “We read off each other. We haven’t played together much recently, but when we do, it’s like right back together, like peanut butter and jelly.”
Key Contributions
Dawson Mercer scored the game-tying goal in the third period, and Vitek Vanecek made 24 saves as the Devils secured their seventh win in nine games.
Morgan Geekie scored for the Bruins, who are now 13-1-3 when leading after two periods. Boston has won four of their last six games.
Game Highlights
Mercer tied the game early in the third period by batting a rebound of Erik Haula’s shot out of the air and past Swayman.
“Swayman was having a big game,” Mercer said. “When a goalie has a shutout for two periods, we must find a way to get one past him. It was great to get that early in the third to keep battling. When a goalie is hot, try to get pucks on the net and get some gritty goals.”
Geekie had given the Bruins a 1-0 lead at 16:51 of the first period, capitalizing on a rebound after a shot by James van Riemsdyk.
Vanecek kept the Devils in the game with a crucial pad save on David Pastrnak late in the second period.
“That’s the type of save that gives you a chance to win,” Ruff said.
“I thought it was a good hockey game,” Bruins coach Jim Montgomery added. “Both goalies played well.”
Injuries and Absences
Due to upper-body injuries, the Bruins were without defenseman Charlie McAvoy for the second straight game and top-line center Pavel Zacha.
“I think we played a solid 60 and a little extra,” Geekie said. “Just something to build on and continue to take the momentum with us.”
Upcoming Games
- Bruins: Visit the New York Islanders on Friday night.
- Devils: Play at Columbus on Saturday.
