NEWARK, N.J. — Nico Hischier delivered in the clutch Thursday night, scoring just 42 seconds into overtime to lift the New Jersey Devils to a 3–2 victory over the Nashville Predators at Prudential Center, despite the early loss of star forward Jack Hughes.
Hischier’s game-winner came on a blistering slap shot from the left circle that sailed past goaltender Justus Annunen on the glove side. Dawson Mercer earned the assist on the play, which marked Hischier’s eighth career overtime goal. The Devils’ captain continues to pace the team offensively with 18 goals and 23 assists through 54 games.
New Jersey erased a third-period deficit to force overtime, with Jesper Bratt tying the contest midway through the final frame. Dougie Hamilton also found the back of the net for the Devils, who snapped a two-game losing streak behind a steady 27-save performance from Jacob Markstrom.
The win came under challenging circumstances for New Jersey after Hughes exited the game early in the first period following just three shifts. Head coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed Hughes suffered a lower-body injury and will be re-evaluated Friday, adding that he does not believe the injury is serious. Hughes’ status draws added attention with the Milan Cortina Olympics less than two weeks away, where he is slated to compete as a first-time Olympian alongside his brother, Quinn.
Nashville built an early advantage when Michael McCarron opened the scoring five minutes into the game. Hamilton answered midway through the second period, extending his personal point streak to nine games. Filip Forsberg restored the Predators’ lead early in the third, netting his 338th career NHL goal to move into sixth place among Swedish-born goal scorers.
Bratt capitalized on a Nashville turnover to knot the game at 2–2, lifting a shot over Annunen for his 13th goal of the season and setting the stage for overtime.
Annunen finished with 32 saves for the Predators, who dropped their third straight game. Nashville was unable to generate offense in overtime, as New Jersey wasted little time ending the contest.
Up Next:
The Predators head to Long Island to face the New York Islanders on Saturday. The Devils travel north to take on the Ottawa Senators on Saturday.
