Jack Hughes Scores Overtime Winner as Devils Beat Rangers 3-2 in Hudson River Rivalry

Jack Hughes delivered one of the most memorable moments of his young career on Sunday night, scoring with 1:47 remaining in overtime to lift the New Jersey Devils to a thrilling 3-2 victory over the New York Rangers at Prudential Center in Newark.

The 22-year-old center took a perfect pass from Erik Haula and buried a wrist shot past Igor Shesterkin's glove side to send the sellout crowd into a frenzy and give the Devils a crucial two points in the competitive Metropolitan Division race. Hughes' heroics capped off a back-and-forth affair that showcased why the Hudson River rivalry remains one of hockey's most intense.

"That was an incredible feeling," Hughes said after the game. "The crowd was electric all night, and to score the winner against the Rangers in a game this important is something I'll never forget. We needed these points badly, and everyone stepped up when it mattered most."

The Devils controlled much of the game's flow but found themselves trailing 2-1 entering the third period after goals from Chris Kreider and Artemi Panarin had given New York the advantage. However, New Jersey's persistence paid off when Jesper Bratt scored the equalizer with 8:42 remaining in regulation, setting up the dramatic overtime finish.

Nico Hischier also scored for the Devils, while Vitek Vanecek made 28 saves to earn the victory between the pipes. For the Rangers, the loss was particularly frustrating given their strong road record this season and their need for points to maintain their playoff position.

The victory moves New Jersey to 31-24-5 on the season and keeps them firmly in the wild card hunt, while the Rangers fall to 35-18-5 but maintain their hold on second place in the Metropolitan Division. Hughes' clutch performance demonstrates why he's considered one of the NHL's rising stars and provides the Devils with crucial momentum as they continue their playoff push in the season's final months.