Jack Hughes delivered a standout performance with a hat trick and an assist as the New Jersey Devils defeated the New York Rangers 6-3 on Saturday night, extending their winning streak to four games.
Nico Hischier provided the decisive moment with a power-play goal at 8:05 of the third period — his team-leading 21st of the season — putting New Jersey ahead 4-3. Hughes followed by scoring twice more, including an empty-net goal, to secure his fourth career hat trick.
Jesper Bratt and Dawson Mercer also scored for the Devils, while Bratt and Connor Brown each recorded two assists. Goaltender Jacob Markstrom finished with 17 saves. Despite the victory, New Jersey remains nine points outside a playoff position.
For the Rangers, Will Borgen, Vladislav Gavrikov, and Will Cuylle each scored. New York entered the game following a 6-2 win over Toronto on Thursday, but has struggled overall, posting a 4-12-3 record since its Winter Classic victory over Florida on Jan. 2. Jonathan Quick made 29 saves in the loss.
New Jersey struck early when Bratt beat Quick just 1:06 into the game for his 14th goal. Borgen tied it midway through the first period, converting a pass from Vincent Trocheck. Gavrikov later gave the Rangers a 2-1 lead with a goal at 8:36.
Mercer equalized for the Devils late in the first period with a power-play goal, marking the 200th point of his NHL career.
Hughes restored New Jersey’s lead with a power-play goal late in the second period — his first since scoring the Olympic gold-medal winner for Team USA on Feb. 22. Cuylle tied the game again later in the period before the Devils pulled away in the third.
Hughes added another goal on a breakaway and completed his hat trick with an empty-netter, drawing loud “USA! USA!” chants from the home crowd.
Up Next
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Devils: Host the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday.
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Rangers: Visit the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday.
