Jack Hughes Scores Twice in 45 Seconds as Devils Edge Oilers 4-3 in Shootout

NEWARK, N.J. — Jack Hughes scored twice in 45 seconds, Connor Hellebuyck won his first home start as a New Jersey Devil, and the Devils beat the Edmonton Oilers 4-3 in a shootout on Tuesday night at Prudential Center, ending Edmonton's three-game winning streak and handing the Oilers their first road loss of the season.

The result lifted New Jersey to 10-5-0 and extended a strong run in which the Devils have won six of their past seven games. Edmonton, still one of the NHL's best teams, fell to 11-2-3 but took a point from a night when it twice fought back from behind. Arseny Gritsyuk scored the shootout winner in the fourth round, after Jesper Bratt had also scored, while Hellebuyck stopped Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Kasperi Kapanen.

Key Points

• Jack Hughes scored at 14:50 and 15:35 of the second period, turning a 1-1 tie into a 3-1 Devils lead, and added an assist.
• Connor Hellebuyck made 19 saves in his first home start for New Jersey since his October 23 trade from Winnipeg, improving to 3-0-0 as a Devil.
• Arseny Gritsyuk scored the shootout winner in round four; Jesper Bratt also scored, and Connor McDavid scored for Edmonton.
• Ryan Nugent-Hopkins played his record-setting 1,038th game as an Oiler and scored, while Leon Draisaitl tied the game 3-3 early in the third period.
• Edmonton lost on the road for the first time this season, falling to 7-0-1 away from home, after ending a three-game winning streak.

What Happened

Evan Bouchard opened the scoring for Edmonton, but the Devils took control in the second period. Connor Brown, who spent two seasons with the Oilers and helped them reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2024 and 2025, tied the game 1-1 and added an assist on the night. Then Hughes took over. His first goal came on a one-timer from the right face-off circle at 14:50, and 45 seconds later he scored again at 15:35, this time on a backdoor play at the left post, to give New Jersey a 3-1 lead.

Edmonton refused to fold. Nugent-Hopkins, playing in his franchise-record 1,038th game as an Oiler, cut the deficit to 3-2 late in the second period. Then, one minute into the third period, Draisaitl tied the game 3-3 on a 5-on-3 power play, punishing a Devils team that had briefly been caught short-handed by two men. Neither side could find a winner in the rest of regulation or in overtime, setting up the shootout.

In the shootout, McDavid scored early for Edmonton and Bratt answered for New Jersey. The decisive moment came in the fourth round, when Gritsyuk beat Edmonton goaltender Tristan Jarry, and Hellebuyck then stopped Kapanen to seal the win. The Prudential Center crowd, which had chanted for the home team all night, celebrated a victory built on star power, timely goaltending and composure in the shootout.

Background/Context

The game carried extra meaning for Hellebuyck. Traded from the Winnipeg Jets on October 23, he had already won his first two starts as a Devil, but Tuesday was his first home start in New Jersey. Facing McDavid and Draisaitl, two of the most dangerous scorers in the league, was a stern test, and he passed it with 19 saves and three shootout stops. His calm in the shootout, when one mistake ends the night, stood out.

For Edmonton, the loss ended a perfect road start but did not change the broader picture. The Oilers arrived in Newark on a three-game winning streak, with McDavid leading the scoring race and a roster built to contend again. Losing 4-3 in a shootout, after twice coming back, still earned them a point, and their 11-2-3 record keeps them near the top of the standings. The concern, if any, will be how often they have needed late comebacks, even if that resilience is also a strength.

Jack Hughes Devils Oilers Shootout Win

Hughes's 45-second burst was the turning point, and it showed why he remains the Devils' most important player. His first goal was pure shooting skill, a one-timer struck cleanly from the circle. His second was about positioning and quick hands, arriving at the far post to finish a cross-crease pass. Together, they changed the game in less than a minute, forcing Edmonton to chase from behind for the rest of the night.

Reactions/Quotes

The home crowd made its feelings clear during the night, chanting in support of Hughes after his first goal, a nod to his starring role for the United States at the Olympics. For the Devils, the win was another sign that their early-season form is no fluke. They have now beaten one of the league's strongest road teams, and they did it without needing overtime heroics from Hughes alone, with Gritsyuk and Bratt delivering in the shootout.

For Edmonton, the reaction will be measured. A shootout loss after a comeback from 3-1 down is the kind of result good teams absorb, and Nugent-Hopkins's record night gave the evening a milestone even in defeat.

Why It Matters

This was more than a regular-season win for New Jersey. Beating Edmonton, ending the Oilers' road unbeaten run and their three-game winning streak, is a statement result. It shows the Devils can hold their nerve against elite opposition, protect a lead, recover when it disappears, and win the small, high-pressure moments that decide close games. Those are the qualities that matter in April, not just in November.

What Happens Next

New Jersey will look to extend its run with Hughes in form and Hellebuyck settled at home. Edmonton will try to start a new road winning streak, with McDavid, Draisaitl and Nugent-Hopkins still driving one of the league's most productive attacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score between the Devils and Oilers?
New Jersey won 4-3 in a shootout after the game was tied 3-3 at the end of regulation and overtime.

How fast did Jack Hughes score his two goals?
Hughes scored twice in 45 seconds in the second period, at 14:50 and 15:35, turning a 1-1 tie into a 3-1 Devils lead.

Who scored the shootout winner?
Arseny Gritsyuk scored in the fourth round of the shootout, after Jesper Bratt had also scored for New Jersey.

How did Connor Hellebuyck perform in his Devils home debut?
Hellebuyck made 19 saves and stopped three shooters in the shootout, improving to 3-0-0 since joining New Jersey.

What does the result mean for the standings?
New Jersey improved to 10-5-0, while Edmonton fell to 11-2-3 but still took a point, ending its 7-0-1 road start with its first road loss.

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