Devils Edge Bruins with Last-Second OT Magic

Paul Cotter's overtime winner caps a thrilling comeback for New Jersey

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:38am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the chaotic final moments of a hockey game, with players' bodies and the puck breaking apart into sharp, overlapping planes of color and form.The final seconds of a thrilling overtime battle between the Devils and Bruins, captured in a cubist deconstruction of the game's climactic moments.Boston Today

In a tightly contested matchup between the Devils and Bruins, the game was decided in dramatic fashion as Paul Cotter scored the game-winning goal for New Jersey with just 7 seconds left in overtime, capping off a comeback victory for the home team.

Why it matters

This game highlighted the growing depth and resilience of the Devils, who are emerging as a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the loss exposed some vulnerabilities in the Bruins' road performance, suggesting the playoff race may be tighter than expected.

The details

The Bruins jumped out to an early 2-0 lead thanks to a pair of goals from star winger David Pastrnak. However, the Devils battled back, getting goals from Jesper Bratt, Connor Brown, and Jack Hughes to tie the game and force overtime. In the extra session, Cotter's last-second heroics sealed the victory for New Jersey.

  • The Bruins took a 2-0 lead in the first period.
  • The Devils scored three unanswered goals to tie the game in the second and third periods.
  • Paul Cotter scored the game-winning goal for New Jersey with just 7 seconds left in overtime.

The players

Paul Cotter

A 24-year-old forward for the New Jersey Devils who scored the game-winning goal in overtime.

Jack Hughes

The 24-year-old star center for the New Jersey Devils who recorded 3 assists in the game, reaching a career milestone of 400 points.

David Pastrnak

The 30-year-old star winger for the Boston Bruins who scored two goals in the game, extending his point streak to six games.

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What they’re saying

“We never quit, that's what this team is all about. Cotter stepped up big time and that's what makes this group special.”

— Jack Hughes, Center, New Jersey Devils

“We let our foot off the gas a bit and they took advantage. We need to be better at closing out games on the road.”

— David Pastrnak, Winger, Boston Bruins

What’s next

The Devils will look to build on this momentum as they continue their homestand, while the Bruins will aim to shore up their road performance ahead of the playoffs.

The takeaway

This thrilling overtime victory showcases the Devils' growing depth and resilience, challenging the traditional narrative of star power being the key to playoff success. Meanwhile, the Bruins' struggles on the road suggest the race for postseason positioning may be tighter than expected in the Eastern Conference.