Jack Hughes lifts Devils past Islanders in 5-4 OT win

New York (AP) – In a thrilling overtime matchup, Jack Hughes led the New Jersey Devils to a 5-4 victory against the New York Islanders on Friday night. Hughes, who scored two goals and had two assists, proved to be the hero of the game.

Dougie Hamilton, Tyler Toffoli, and Luke Hughes also found the net for the Devils, snapping their two-game losing streak. Jesper Bratt contributed three assists, while Timo Meier and Akira Schmid provided two assists each. Schmid made 27 saves, securing his first win of the season.

Despite a valiant effort from the Islanders, with Brock Nelson and Bo Horvat both scoring twice and Kyle Palmieri earning three assists, their season-opening two-game win streak came to an end. Goaltender Ilya Sorokin made 33 saves.

In the thrilling overtime period, Jack Hughes made a spectacular play, maneuvering with the puck in the offensive zone before firing a shot past Islanders defenseman Ryan Pulock and into the net. Horvat had tied the game at 4-4 in the final minutes of the third period with a crafty goal, but Hughes sealed the deal for the Devils in overtime.

Ondrej Palat set up Hughes for the go-ahead goal on a power play in the third period, delivering a perfect pass across the crease for a tap-in. The game was filled with action, as both teams scored twice in a rapid six-minute stretch during the second period.

The Devils will face the Montreal Canadiens at home on Tuesday night, while the Islanders will play the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday night.

STRONG START

Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt have both started the season on fire. Hughes currently leads the NHL with 10 points (four goals, six assists), while Bratt is tied for second with eight points (three goals, five assists).