Jack Hughes' hat trick helps Devils double up Rangers

Olympic hero scores three goals to lift New Jersey to 6-3 victory over New York

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Jack Hughes recorded his fourth career hat trick and second this season, lifting the New Jersey Devils to a 6-3 victory over the New York Rangers on Saturday. Hughes scored one of the Devils' three power-play goals and added an empty-net tally to complete the hat trick. Jesper Bratt collected a goal and two assists, and Nico Hischier and Dawson Mercer also scored for New Jersey, which rode a 3-for-3 performance on the power play to their fourth straight win.

Why it matters

The Devils' victory over their division rival Rangers is an important win as they continue to battle for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Hughes' hat trick performance highlights his continued growth as a star player in the NHL.

The details

Hughes scored the go-ahead goal with 4:08 remaining in the second period to give the Devils a 3-2 lead. The Rangers' Will Cuylle tied the game 61 seconds later, but Hischier's goal in the third period put New Jersey back on top. Hughes then sealed the win with an empty-net goal in the final minute. New Jersey's power play was the difference, going 3-for-3 on the night.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
  • Hughes scored the go-ahead goal with 4:08 remaining in the second period.
  • Cuylle tied the game 61 seconds after Hughes' go-ahead goal.
  • Hischier scored the game-winning goal in the third period.
  • Hughes scored an empty-net goal with 32 seconds left to complete the hat trick.

The players

Jack Hughes

A star forward for the New Jersey Devils who recorded his fourth career hat trick and second this season.

Jesper Bratt

A Devils forward who collected a goal and two assists in the win.

Nico Hischier

The Devils' captain who scored the game-winning goal in the third period.

Will Cuylle

A Rangers forward who scored a goal to tie the game in the second period.

Jonathan Quick

The Rangers' goaltender who made 29 saves in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This game highlights Jack Hughes' continued development into one of the NHL's elite players, as his hat trick performance led the Devils to an important divisional win over the struggling Rangers. The Devils' strong power play also played a key role in the victory.