Jack Hughes delivered a standout performance with a goal and two assists, helping the New Jersey Devils secure a 5-3 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night. The win marked the Devils’ fourth in their last five games.
Jesper Bratt contributed two goals, including an empty-netter to seal the game, and added an assist. Ondrej Palat and defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler also scored as the Devils handed Montreal its fifth consecutive game without a win (0-4-1). Jacob Markstrom made 21 saves for New Jersey.
Alex Newhook scored twice for Montreal, and Brendan Gallagher added a goal. Sam Montembeault stopped 22 shots in the net.
The Devils took an early lead, with Hughes assisting on goals by Bratt and Palat in the first period for a quick 2-0 advantage.
Takeaways
Canadiens: Montreal’s young roster shows offensive potential but struggles with defensive zone coverage, leading to numerous scoring chances against them. The Canadiens have allowed 58 goals in 14 games.
Devils: Hughes appeared to be back to his best, skating with energy and control reminiscent of his form before last season’s shoulder and knee issues. His three points matched his season high.
Key Moment
With New Jersey holding a 3-2 lead, Markstrom made a series of critical saves to keep Montreal at bay before Hughes netted a goal off a sharp pass from Bratt. Markstrom also made a crucial stop before Bratt’s empty-net goal.
Key Stat
Bratt extended his point streak at home to eight games, tying the fourth-longest streak in Devils franchise history. The record of 11 games is shared by Kirk Muller (1990) and Pat Verbeek (1987).
Up Next
The Canadiens travel to Toronto to play the Maple Leafs on Saturday, while the Devils face the New York Islanders on the road.
