The New Jersey Devils closed out their home schedule with a 4-3 overtime win against the Ottawa Senators on Sunday night. Nico Hischier scored twice, including the game-winning goal on a power play late in overtime.
The Devils recovered from a third-period deficit and showed resilience in key moments. Ottawa entered the game on a four-game winning streak, but New Jersey disrupted that run with timely scoring and strong special teams play.
Late Power-Play Goal Decides Game
The game turned in overtime when New Jersey earned a power play. With 1:45 remaining in the extra period, Nico Hischier found space and finished the winning goal. He converted a setup from Jack Hughes, who helped create the opportunity with precise puck movement.
Hischier’s second goal of the night capped a strong individual performance. He also assisted on another goal earlier in the game, contributing to multiple scoring sequences.
The Devils controlled possession during the power play and limited Ottawa’s ability to clear the zone. That pressure led directly to the deciding play.
Devils Respond After Falling Behind
New Jersey entered the third period trailing 3-2 after Ottawa scored three times in the second. The Devils remained composed and focused on creating opportunities in transition.
Dawson Mercer tied the game midway through the third period with a short-handed goal. He capitalized on a turnover and finished a quick break, shifting momentum back to New Jersey.
Mercer’s goal highlighted the Devils’ effectiveness on special teams. The team also scored short-handed earlier in the game, showing consistency in high-pressure situations.
The equalizer set up a controlled finish to regulation. Both teams created chances but could not find a decisive goal before overtime.
Senators Surge In Second Period
Ottawa took control during a strong stretch in the second period. The Senators scored three goals in a span of roughly seven minutes, turning a deficit into a 3-2 lead.
Michael Amadio began the sequence with a goal that tied the game. Shane Pinto followed with a power-play goal, giving Ottawa its first lead. Fabian Zetterlund added another goal soon after, extending the advantage.
The run reflected Ottawa’s ability to generate offense quickly. The team moved the puck effectively and created space in the offensive zone during that stretch.
Despite the surge, the Senators could not maintain control in the third period. New Jersey adjusted its approach and limited Ottawa’s scoring chances late in the game.
Goaltenders Keep Game Close
Nico Daws made 27 saves for the Devils and played a steady role in the win. He handled pressure during Ottawa’s second-period run and prevented the deficit from growing further.
James Reimer recorded 26 saves for the Senators. He faced consistent pressure, particularly in the third period and overtime, as New Jersey pushed for the equalizer and eventual winner.
Both goaltenders made key stops during transitions and helped keep the game close throughout regulation.
Offensive Contributions Across Lineup
Hischier opened the scoring early in the first period, giving New Jersey a 1-0 lead. Connor Brown added a short-handed goal, contributing to the Devils’ early offense.
Jack Hughes played a central role in creating chances. He recorded two assists, including the primary setup on the overtime winner. His vision and passing supported New Jersey’s offensive flow.
For Ottawa, Drake Batherson recorded an assist and reached a milestone in the process. He moved into 10th place on the franchise’s career scoring list, reflecting his continued role in the team’s offense.
Final Games Ahead
The Senators will return home to face Toronto in their regular-season finale. The team will look to regroup after the loss and finish the season on a positive note.
The Devils will travel to Boston for their final game. New Jersey will aim to carry momentum from this result into the closing stretch.
The Devils secured the win through steady execution and effective special teams. Ottawa showed strong offense in the middle stages but could not sustain its advantage. The game reflected a close contest decided by discipline and timing in overtime.
