Jack Hughes secured a 2-1 victory for the New Jersey Devils over the Boston Bruins in overtime, ending a six-game losing streak against the Bruins. Hughes, who hadn’t scored in his previous three games, netted his sixth career overtime game-winner just under three minutes into overtime. This win marked the Devils’ seventh in nine games since their challenging stretch from Nov. 3-24.
The decisive play unfolded with Jesper Bratt speeding through the right side, eluding David Pastrnak, and passing to Hughes. Hughes capitalized on the opportunity, delivering a rising shot from the outer edge of the left circle that found the back of the net over goalie Jeremy Swayman’s right arm.
Dawson Mercer contributed to the Devils’ success by scoring early in the third period. Goalie Vitek Vanecek made 23 saves in regulation and played a role in the game-winning goal.
Morgan Geekie opened the scoring for the Bruins in the first period, but the Devils leveled the score in the third period through Mercer’s effort. Despite Swayman’s 33 saves, including the first five of overtime, he couldn’t stop Hughes’ game-winning shot. The Bruins now hold a 9-5-3 record since their strong 9-0-1 start to the season, with this loss breaking their previous five-game winning streak.
