Nico Hischier delivers OT winner, Devils power past Predators

New Jersey's captain scores decisive goal 42 seconds into overtime to defeat Nashville

Jan. 30, 2026 at 2:31am

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Nico Hischier scored the overtime winner just 42 seconds into the extra period to lift the New Jersey Devils to a 3-2 victory over the Nashville Predators on Thursday night. Dougie Hamilton and Jesper Bratt also scored for the Devils, while Jacob Markstrom made 27 saves. Filip Forsberg and Michael McCarron found the back of the net for the Predators, and Justus Annunen stopped 32 shots in the losing effort.

Why it matters

The win was crucial for the Devils, who are battling for a playoff spot in the highly competitive Eastern Conference. Hischier's heroics provided a much-needed two points and kept New Jersey in the hunt. For the Predators, the loss was a missed opportunity to gain ground in the tight Western Conference playoff race.

The details

The Predators struck first as Michael McCarron deflected in a rebound to make it 1-0 early in the opening period. The Devils responded in the second with a rocket from Dougie Hamilton to tie it at 1-1. Filip Forsberg put Nashville back on top in the third, but Jesper Bratt knotted the score at 2-2 late in regulation to force overtime. That's when Nico Hischier came through with the game-winning goal just 42 seconds into the extra session.

  • The game-winning goal was scored 42 seconds into overtime on January 30, 2026.
  • Dougie Hamilton's goal came with 9:59 left in the second period.
  • Filip Forsberg's go-ahead goal was scored 1:34 into the third period.
  • Jesper Bratt's tying goal was scored with 9:18 remaining in the third period.

The players

Nico Hischier

The captain of the New Jersey Devils who scored the overtime winner to defeat the Nashville Predators.

Dougie Hamilton

The Devils defenseman who scored a goal to tie the game in the second period, extending his point streak to 10 games.

Jesper Bratt

The Devils winger who scored the game-tying goal late in the third period to force overtime.

Jacob Markstrom

The Devils goaltender who made 27 saves to earn the victory.

Filip Forsberg

The Predators forward who scored the go-ahead goal in the third period, his 20th of the season.

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What they’re saying

“We’ve been through a lot of injuries this season, but the guys just keep battling. Nico came up huge for us in overtime to get these two crucial points.”

— Lindy Ruff, Devils Head Coach

What’s next

The Devils will look to build on this overtime victory when they host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday. The Predators, meanwhile, will try to bounce back when they travel to face the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday.

The takeaway

Nico Hischier's heroics in overtime showcased the Devils’ resilience in the face of mounting injuries this season. The win keeps New Jersey firmly in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, while the Predators missed an opportunity to gain ground in the West. Both teams will look to carry the momentum from this hard-fought game into their next matchups.