Jack Hughes Records Hat Trick in Devils' Win Over Rangers

New Jersey's star center tallies three goals in rivalry matchup at Prudential Center.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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The New Jersey Devils defeated their Hudson River rival New York Rangers 5-3, with star center Jack Hughes recording a hat trick. Hughes scored three goals, including a power play tally and an empty-netter, to lead the Devils to their fourth straight win. Teammate Dawson Mercer also hit a career milestone, recording his 200th NHL point with a goal in the first period.

Why it matters

The Devils-Rangers rivalry is one of the most storied in the NHL, and this win extends New Jersey's winning streak as they battle for playoff positioning in the Metropolitan Division. Hughes' hat trick performance also comes on the heels of his game-winning goal for Team USA in the gold medal game at the recent Winter Olympics.

The details

The Devils went a perfect 3-for-3 on the power play, with Hughes tallying one of those power play goals. His other two goals came on a breakaway and an empty-netter late in the third period. Mercer's milestone point came on a goal assisted by defenseman Luke Hughes, Jack's younger brother.

  • The game was played on March 7, 2026.
  • The Devils and Rangers will meet again on March 18 at Madison Square Garden.

The players

Jack Hughes

The star center for the New Jersey Devils, who recorded a hat trick in the win over the Rangers. Hughes recently won a gold medal with Team USA at the Winter Olympics.

Dawson Mercer

A Devils teammate of Jack Hughes, Mercer recorded his 200th career NHL point with a goal in the first period.

Luke Hughes

The younger brother of Jack Hughes, Luke is a defenseman for the Devils and recorded an assist on Dawson Mercer's goal.

Tom Fitzgerald

The general manager of the New Jersey Devils, who made headlines for not making any trades at the NHL trade deadline.

Will Borgen

A Rangers player who scored one of the team's three goals in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“My focus was purely on the future of this organization moving forward and trying to add to the current a group, a player or two that could grow with this group.”

— Tom Fitzgerald, New Jersey Devils General Manager (NHL.com)

What’s next

The Devils and Rangers will meet again on March 18 at Madison Square Garden, the first of two meetings between the two teams in the next 24 days.

The takeaway

Jack Hughes' hat trick performance in the Devils' win over their Hudson River rival Rangers showcases his elite talent and the team's potential as they battle for playoff positioning. The rivalry between these two Metropolitan Division foes remains one of the most compelling in the NHL.