A Classic Rivalry: Hughes Comeback, Devils Win In Overtime Thriller vs Rangers
NEWARK N.J- As the New Year rolls through the New Jersey Devils (24-12-3 & 51 PTS) had an impressive start to the 2022-23 season winning 13 games in a roll (ties franchise record) and led the Metropolitan Division a long period of time.
However, heading into the month of December a bump in a road caused the Devils to be in a major stretch of games. Since December 1st against losing to Nashville up to now, the Devils were 5-11 on that 16-game stretch trending in a spiral position. A six-game losing streak was part of that 16-game stretch as well.
The Devils currently sit in second place in the Metropolitan right behind the Carolina Hurricanes, but with teams like the Rangers and Capitals creeping up behind them.
An Instant Classic as we like to call it, a historic rivalry for many years. The New Jersey Devils are set this afternoon to host cross river rival the famous Blue Shirts New York Rangers.
In the last two previous meetings between both teams its tied at one with the Rangers winning 4-3 in overtime at the Garden.
In 22 home games this year the Devils are 10-10-2 but call them the road warriors they are a high 14-2-1 on the road this year. For New Jersey they need to find a way to win more at home and take advantage of home ice.
Huge new for New Jersey is Ondrej Palat is back with the teamand he played in the lost against the Blues. Jack Hughes has been nothing but a superstar this season, and he’s shown why: in 39 games he has 24 goals and 22 assists and was named a 2023 All Star this year. The Captain Nico Hischier in the last 10 games has five goals and three assists.
AN OLD FRIEND RETURNS
At the of the first 20 minutes New Jersey find themselves down 1-0 to the visiting Rangers. The irony of the Rangers first goal was scored by former Devil Jimmy Vesey who was able to beat Vitek Vanecek.
In just five minutes into the game the Devils had already put 10 shots on goal but had a hard time finishing.
Later in the period the Devils get the first Power Play of the game, with Braden Schneider heading to the box for interference, with seconds only coming off the Power Play, Ranger Adam Fox is sent to the box for hooking. The Devils had the 5 on 3-man advantage but came up empty at the end of it.
Igor Shesterkin played lights out in the first period stopping everything in his path and closing out the first period with 19 Saves.
Hamilton, Hughes, and Bratt played all 5 minutes of their Power Play.
The Devils outshot the Rangers 19-8 at the end of one.
FRUSTRATION BOILS
Both teams finished with 13 shots on goal, and the Devils finished with 33 Shots on goal in two periods. In just 33 shots they only have produced one goal coming from All Star Jack Hughes in the middle of the second period, his 25th of the season.
Hughes goal put the Devils finally on the board to cut the Rangers lead 2-1. Julien Gauthier scored early in the second that gave the Rangers a 2-0 lead.
The Rangers were on the Power Play for the first time all game,but the Devils PK team did a well job limiting any shots on Vitek.
Four minutes after Hughes goal the Rangers extent their lead to two goals. Veteran Chris Kreider puts one into the net off a rebound for his 19th goal of the season, and the Rangers lead 3-1.
For the Devils once more another frustrating period with many opportunities to score but not being able to finish.
HUGHES TAKEOVER
The New York Rangers were able to get on the Power Play early with Dougie Hamilton heading to the box for hooking. Once more the PK team with a splendid job eliminating any chance at the Power Play.
Once Dougie came out the box Kappo Kakko gets called for slashing and puts the Devils on their second Power Play of the afternoon.
A beautiful design of passes by Nico and Hughes to set up a one timer for Jesper Bratt to put one passed Shesterkin to be within one.
A few moments later, who else could it be for New Jersey? Jack Hughes scores his second of the game and the Rock is livid, and that made it his 26th of the season on his 10th shot of the game making it a new career high. Hughes ability to be in open space and find great shot selection is what makes his play so good and a reason he carries this offense.
A Hughes moment for New Jersey to bring the Devils back to tie it 3-3 in Newark.
The third period came to an end, and the Rock was electric and shaking as the Devils head into overtime.
Over time was ended with only a few minutes into the game, the Rangers had a variety of shots to end the game but were saved beautifully by Vitek.
At the end of the night the Devils make the big comeback win to defeat the Rangers 4-3 in over time. The Rangers were coming down on the offensive end, but Damon Severson poke check the puck that gets loose was attended to Lafreniere but Sharangovich collides with him.
The collision allows Damon Severson to take the puck to go down the right side on a 2 on 1 fast break and shoots it passed the right side of Igor.
Severson and the Devils take home the OT win in third meeting between both teams.
NJ Had 43 shots on goal nine more than the Rangers and were able to make the ultimate comeback with Jack Hughes clutch goals.
Vitek Vanecek finished with 31 saves, and Jack Hughes has eight goals in the last 5 games.
For the Devils 25 wins after 40 games played from the start of a season ranks as the 3rd most in franchise history.
The Devils will be on a 3 game road stretch, they will play again on January 10, against the division rival and 1st place of the Metro Carolina Hurricanes, with a 7pm ET Puck Drop.