What observers say
“I had so many looks tonight. … I had breakaways, 2-on-1’s, and that goal was more for me,” said Jack Hughes following the New Jersey Devils’ 6-3 victory over the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on March 18, 2026. Hughes’ performance was pivotal, as he contributed a goal and two assists to lead his team to success in a heated rivalry matchup.
The Devils’ win was marked by a strong offensive display, with Hughes scoring his 18th goal of the season. Alongside him, Connor Brown also had a goal and two assists, while Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt each added a goal and an assist. Bratt’s goal capped the scoring with just 3:38 left in the game, solidifying the Devils’ dominance.
In goal, Jacob Markstrom made 14 saves for the Devils, while Jonathan Quick faced a barrage of shots, stopping 33 attempts from the Rangers. The victory comes as the Devils continue to chase a playoff spot, currently sitting 10 points behind Boston and Detroit for the two Eastern Conference wild-card spots.
The Rangers, on the other hand, have hit a rough patch, losing two straight games after a four-game winning streak. This loss to the Devils marks a challenging moment for the team as they look to regain their form. Hughes noted the atmosphere in the arena, stating, “The building was starting to rock when they scored that third goal and it’s a crazy crowd,” highlighting the intensity of the rivalry.
Historically, the Devils have had the upper hand in recent encounters, boasting a 5-0-1 record in their past six regular-season games against the Rangers. Hughes has been particularly effective against New York, accumulating 35 points (20 goals, 15 assists) in just 25 career games against them. This victory adds to the momentum the Devils have built in their rivalry with the Rangers.
Bratt’s goal also marked a significant milestone, as he became the fifth player in franchise history to reach 500 points. His contributions have been crucial for the Devils, who are looking to build on their recent successes as they prepare for upcoming games.
Looking ahead, the Devils will face the Washington Capitals on Friday night, while the Rangers will travel to Columbus for their next matchup on Thursday night. Both teams will be eager to turn their fortunes around as the season progresses.
