“I had so many looks tonight. … I had breakaways, 2-on-1’s, and that goal was more for me,” said Jack Hughes after the New Jersey Devils secured a decisive 6-3 victory over the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on March 18, 2026. Hughes, who scored his 18th goal of the season during the match, played a pivotal role in leading his team to victory.
The game was a significant one for both teams, with the Devils looking to close the gap in the Eastern Conference wild-card race. Despite the win, New Jersey remains 10 points behind Boston and Detroit for the two wild-card spots. Hughes’ performance, alongside Connor Brown, who also contributed with a goal and two assists, was crucial in the Devils’ success against their long-time rivals.
In addition to Hughes and Brown, Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt each added a goal and an assist, further solidifying the Devils’ offensive prowess. Bratt capped the scoring with 3:38 left in the game, marking a significant milestone as he became the fifth player to reach 500 points for the Devils. This achievement was celebrated not just by his teammates but by the passionate crowd at Madison Square Garden.
Hughes’ recent form has been impressive, with 18 points (six goals, 12 assists) in his past 11 games since returning from the 2026 Winter Olympics. His ability to find the net and create opportunities has made him a standout player in the league. “The building was starting to rock when they scored that third goal and it’s a crazy crowd,” Hughes remarked, reflecting on the electrifying atmosphere that surrounded the game.
On the other side, the Rangers faced a setback, having lost two straight games after a four-game winning streak. Jonathan Quick, the Rangers’ goaltender, stopped 33 shots but could not prevent the Devils from dominating the scoreboard. The Rangers will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next game against Columbus on Thursday night.
Jacob Markstrom made 14 saves for the Devils, showcasing a solid defensive effort that complemented their offensive firepower. The Devils have now gone 5-0-1 in their past six regular-season games against the Rangers, a streak that underscores their recent dominance in this rivalry.
As the season progresses, the Devils will look to build on this momentum when they face Washington on Friday night. With their sights set on the playoffs, every game is crucial, and the team is eager to continue their strong performance.
As the rivalry continues, fans can expect more thrilling encounters between these two teams, each vying for supremacy in the league. The excitement surrounding the Devils vs Rangers matchup remains a highlight of the NHL season, and both teams will be looking to make their mark in the coming weeks.
