Jack Hughes scored twice and set up two more goals as the New Jersey Devils rallied late to defeat the Chicago Blackhawks 5-3 on Sunday night. A quick burst of offense in the third period turned the game and lifted New Jersey to another important win.
The Devils trailed entering the final minutes but scored twice in a 19-second span to seize control. Dougie Hamilton tied the game, and Hughes followed moments later with the go-ahead goal. Hughes then added an empty-net goal in the closing seconds to secure the result.
New Jersey has now won six of its last eight games. The team remains in the playoff chase but continues to face pressure in the Eastern Conference standings.
Late Surge Decides The Game
The game changed quickly in the third period. Chicago had just taken a 3-2 lead on a power play and appeared in position to close out the game. Instead, New Jersey responded with urgency and precision.
Hamilton started the rally at 14:32 of the third period. He found space and finished a key chance to tie the game. Less than 20 seconds later, Hughes struck again. He converted off the rush to give the Devils a 4-3 lead and energize the home crowd.
The sequence reflected New Jersey’s ability to respond under pressure. The Devils created back-to-back scoring chances and capitalized without hesitation.
Hughes later sealed the game with an empty-net goal with 31 seconds remaining. The late push highlighted his impact on both scoring and playmaking.
Hughes Leads Offensive Effort
Hughes played a central role throughout the game. He finished with two goals and two assists, driving the Devils’ offense during key stretches.
His contributions extended beyond scoring. He controlled the pace, created opportunities, and delivered in critical moments. His quick response after Hamilton’s goal proved decisive.
Connor Brown and Simon Nemec also scored for New Jersey. The Devils spread the scoring across multiple lines, which helped them stay within reach before the late rally.
Nemec’s goal tied the game at 2-2 in the second period. It kept New Jersey competitive after Chicago regained the lead earlier in the game.
Blackhawks Show Early Promise
Chicago opened the scoring and played with pace in the early stages. Ilya Mikheyev gave the Blackhawks a 1-0 lead in the first period, finishing a quick attacking sequence.
Connor Brown answered for New Jersey, but Frank Nazar restored Chicago’s lead later in the first. Nazar, one of several young players in the lineup, continued to show offensive potential.
The Blackhawks extended their lead again in the third period. Nazar scored his second goal of the game on a 5-on-3 power play, giving Chicago a 3-2 advantage.
At that point, Chicago appeared in control. The team had capitalized on special teams and limited New Jersey’s chances for stretches of the game.
Goaltending And Defensive Moments
Jake Allen made 28 saves for New Jersey and provided stability during key moments. He faced pressure during Chicago’s power plays and helped keep the deficit manageable.
Spencer Knight stopped 35 shots for Chicago. He handled a high volume of attempts but could not prevent the late surge.
Both teams created chances, but New Jersey found a way to convert when it mattered most. The Devils’ ability to finish late made the difference.
Milestones And Context
The game included notable milestones for New Jersey. Captain Nico Hischier played in his 600th career game, marking a significant point in his career with the franchise.
Dawson Mercer also reached a franchise mark. He played in his 401st consecutive game, tying the team record for durability and consistency.
For Chicago, the game reflected a rebuilding roster. The Blackhawks featured a young lineup and continue to focus on development despite recent losses.
The defeat marked Chicago’s third straight loss to close a four-game trip. The team will miss the postseason again this year.
Playoff Picture Remains Tight
New Jersey continues to push for a playoff spot but remains outside the current cut. The Devils sit 10 points behind the final wild-card position with limited games remaining.
The recent stretch of wins has kept the team within reach, but consistency will be critical in the final weeks. Each result carries added importance as the standings tighten.
Chicago’s focus remains on growth and development. The team has shown flashes of potential but lacks the consistency needed to compete over longer stretches.
Looking Ahead
The Devils head on the road to face the New York Rangers in their next game. The matchup offers another opportunity to gain ground in the standings.
Chicago returns home to host Winnipeg. The Blackhawks will look to regroup and end their losing streak.
The game in Newark highlighted New Jersey’s resilience. The Devils stayed composed after falling behind and executed when it mattered most.
