Hischier Scores in OT to Lift Devils Past Predators

New Jersey forward wins it 42 seconds into extra period after Jack Hughes leaves with injury

Jan. 29, 2026 at 9:31pm

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Nico Hischier scored 42 seconds into overtime to give the New Jersey Devils a 3-2 win against the Nashville Predators on Thursday. Dougie Hamilton and Jesper Bratt also scored for the Devils, who had lost two straight after winning five of six. New Jersey center Jack Hughes, who is on the Team USA roster for the upcoming Olympics, left the game with an undisclosed injury after a short shift in the first period. Filip Forsberg and Michael McCarron scored for the Predators, who are 1-3-2 in their past six games.

Why it matters

The game-winning goal by Hischier in overtime provided a much-needed boost for the Devils, who are fighting to stay in the playoff race in the Eastern Conference. The injury to Hughes, one of the team's top players, is also a significant concern as the Olympics approach.

The details

Hischier won the game with a slap shot from the top of the left face-off circle just 42 seconds into overtime. Hamilton extended his point streak to nine games with a goal in the second period, while Bratt tied the game at 2-2 in the third period with an unassisted goal. McCarron gave the Predators an early 1-0 lead, and Forsberg put them back in front 2-1 in the third before Bratt's tying goal.

  • The game was played on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
  • Hischier scored the game-winning goal 42 seconds into overtime.
  • Hughes left the game with an injury after a 56-second shift at 8:27 of the first period.
  • McCarron scored to give the Predators a 1-0 lead at 5:07 of the first period.
  • Hamilton tied the game 1-1 at 10:01 of the second period.

The players

Nico Hischier

The New Jersey Devils forward scored the game-winning goal in overtime.

Jack Hughes

The New Jersey Devils center, who is on the Team USA roster for the upcoming Olympics, left the game with an undisclosed injury after a short shift in the first period.

Dougie Hamilton

The New Jersey Devils defenseman scored a goal to extend his point streak to nine games.

Filip Forsberg

The Nashville Predators forward scored a goal to give his team a 2-1 lead in the third period.

Michael McCarron

The Nashville Predators forward scored the opening goal of the game in the first period.

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What they’re saying

“We must find a way to overcome the loss of Jack and keep pushing for a playoff spot. Nico's goal was huge for us.”

— Lindy Ruff, Devils Head Coach

“It's frustrating to let this one slip away in overtime, but we'll regroup and try to get back on track.”

— John Hynes, Predators Head Coach

What’s next

The Devils will have to wait and see the extent of Jack Hughes' injury and whether he will be able to play in the upcoming Olympic Games. The Predators will look to bounce back in their next game as they try to climb back into the playoff race in the Western Conference.

The takeaway

This back-and-forth game highlighted the importance of key players like Hischier and Hughes to the Devils' success, as well as the tight playoff race in both conferences. The injury to Hughes is a significant concern for New Jersey as they push for a postseason berth.