Devils rally past Blackhawks 5-3 behind Hughes' two goals

New Jersey scores twice late in third period to overcome Chicago

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:04am

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The New Jersey Devils rallied from a one-goal deficit in the third period, scoring twice in 19 seconds late to defeat the Chicago Blackhawks 5-3 on Sunday night. Jack Hughes scored two goals, including the game-winner, to lead the Devils' comeback effort.

Why it matters

The win keeps the Devils' slim playoff hopes alive as they try to catch the Columbus Blue Jackets for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. The loss extends the Blackhawks' postseason drought to six straight seasons.

The details

With the Blackhawks leading 3-2 in the third period, Dougie Hamilton and Jack Hughes scored 19 seconds apart to put the Devils ahead. Hughes then added an empty-net goal in the final minute to seal the victory. Jake Allen made 28 saves for New Jersey, while Spencer Knight stopped 35 shots for Chicago.

  • The game was played on Sunday, March 30, 2026.
  • Hamilton and Hughes scored the go-ahead goals at 14:32 and 14:51 of the third period, respectively.
  • Hughes scored the empty-net goal with 31 seconds remaining in the game.

The players

Jack Hughes

The 22-year-old center for the New Jersey Devils, who scored two goals in the comeback win.

Dougie Hamilton

The veteran defenseman for the New Jersey Devils, who scored the game-tying goal in the third period.

Jake Allen

The goaltender for the New Jersey Devils, who made 28 saves in the victory.

Frank Nazar

The 20-year-old forward for the Chicago Blackhawks, who scored two goals in the losing effort.

Connor Bedard

The 18-year-old forward for the Chicago Blackhawks, who recorded an assist on Nazar's second goal.

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What they’re saying

“We never gave up and kept fighting until the end. That's the kind of effort we need to make the playoffs.”

— Jack Hughes, Devils Center

“It's tough to lose another close one, but our young guys are getting valuable experience that will pay off down the road.”

— Luke Richardson, Blackhawks Head Coach

What’s next

The Devils will look to build on this comeback win when they visit the Rangers on Tuesday, while the Blackhawks will host the Winnipeg Jets in their next game.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the resilience of the Devils, who refused to give up despite trailing late, as well as the continued development of Chicago's young core, which is gaining valuable experience even as the team misses the playoffs again.