The New Jersey Devils secured a historic regular season by overcoming a three-goal deficit to defeat the Washington Capitals 5-4 in overtime on Thursday night. This victory propelled them into the playoffs on a high note.
Next, they’ll face off against the New York Rangers.
Luke Hughes scored his first NHL goal in his second game to cap off the Devils’ comeback. With 52 wins and 112 points, the Devils set a new franchise record, an achievement players cherished before focusing on the upcoming playoff series.
“Achieving the record was our priority, and that was the message in the locker room,” said Erik Haula, who netted two goals. “We’ve been anticipating this matchup against the Rangers for the past six weeks, and now we’re ready to start.”
Miles Wood scored on a power play as part of the rally, and Dougie Hamilton equalized with 7:37 remaining in the third period. Although the Devils needed both a win against the Capitals and a Carolina loss to Florida to clinch the Metropolitan Division, the Hurricanes’ victory secured New Jersey as the second seed. This sets up the first postseason meeting with the Rangers since the 2012 Eastern Conference final.
“We’re facing a strong team with plenty of experience and an excellent goaltender,” said coach Lindy Ruff, referring to the Rangers, who reached the East final last year and have reigning Vezina Trophy winner Igor Shesterkin in goal. “We know we have a tough challenge ahead.”
Prioritizing health for Game 1 of the playoffs next week, New Jersey rested top goaltender Vitek Vanecek, veteran forward Ondrej Palat, and defensemen Ryan Graves and John Marino.
Mackenzie Blackwood, starting in place of Vanecek, was pulled after conceding four goals on 11 shots. Blackwood allowed goals to Joe Snively, Rasmus Sandin, and Craig Smith on the first five shots he faced within 10 minutes and was replaced by Akira Schmid after Tom Wilson scored early in the second period. Schmid, recalled from the minors, stopped all 20 shots he faced, giving the Devils a chance to rally.
Darcy Kuemper, at the other end, made several key saves among his 29 but allowed two goals in the third period and Hughes’ OT winner with 26.4 seconds left. Luke Hughes was playing his second pro game after finishing his final season at the University of Michigan, and his first goal was assisted by his brother Jack Hughes, who reached his 99th point of the season.
“Your first goal is unforgettable,” Luke Hughes said. “It was amazing to score with Jackie assisting. It was pretty cool.”
Despite having no playoff stakes, Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin returned after missing three games due to an undisclosed injury.
“I felt good playing,” Ovechkin said. We decided I would be in the lineup.”
The Capitals missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2013-14 season, ending an eight-year streak tied with Nashville for the second-longest in the league. Pittsburgh’s 16-year streak also ended.
UP NEXT
- Devils: They open the playoffs next week against the Rangers.
- Capitals: They face an uncertain offseason that may include a coaching change.
