Devils' Jack Hughes Earns Praise from Rangers Fans After Team USA Win

The New Jersey Devils star scored a hat trick against the Rangers, earning cheers from the rival fanbase.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes had a standout performance against the New York Rangers, scoring three goals in a 6-3 victory. To Hughes' surprise, he even received praise from Rangers fans, who chanted "USA!" after his second goal. Hughes spoke about the unique experience of facing the Rangers and their passionate fanbase, noting that the rivalry has taken on a new dynamic since his Olympic success with Team USA.

Why it matters

The cross-town rivalry between the Devils and Rangers is one of the fiercest in the NHL, with fans on both sides typically showing little love for the other team. Hughes' ability to earn cheers from Rangers fans is a testament to his growing popularity and the unifying power of national pride, even among rival fanbases.

The details

Hughes scored his first goal of the game on the power play in the second period, making it 3-2 at the time. He then scored a second goal with just over three minutes left in the game, making it 5-3 for the Devils. After that goal, fans were chanting "USA!" Hughes completed his hat trick with an empty-net goal late in the third period.

  • Hughes scored his first goal of the game in the second period on the power play.
  • Hughes scored his second goal of the game with just over three minutes left in the third period.
  • Hughes completed his hat trick with an empty-net goal late in the third period.

The players

Jack Hughes

The star center for the New Jersey Devils who also plays for Team USA hockey.

Eli Manning

The former quarterback for the New York Giants who met with Hughes after the game.

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What they’re saying

“You know it's funny — after Olympics I got Ranger fans cheering for me and it's an unbelievable fan base, but in the past — they'll be like — say something nice and then be like 'Go Rangers'. Now it's like, we're all Americans. They're proud Americans. I think it's really cool that that happened and obviously it'll continue to happen with the Devils fan base.”

— Jack Hughes, New Jersey Devils Center (Daily Faceoff)

“When you look at the schedule, you're looking for the Rangers games. Devils and Rangers. … Great rivalry, great fan bases. It's fun to go into [Madison Square Garden] and it's fun here when there's a lot of Rangers fans and a lot of red too, Devils fans. I enjoy playing these games. It's a game you circle on the calendar and you want to be a part of.”

— Jack Hughes, New Jersey Devils Center (NHL.com)

What’s next

The Devils will look to build on their win over the Rangers when they host the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday night.

The takeaway

Jack Hughes' standout performance against the rival Rangers, including earning praise from their fans, showcases his growing popularity and the unifying power of national pride in sports, even among fierce rivals.