Jack Hughes hat trick powers Devils past Rangers 6-3

Takeaways from the Rangers' loss to the Devils

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes scored a hat trick and added an assist to lead his team to a 6-3 victory over the New York Rangers. Hughes continued his career-long dominance over the Rangers, now having 32 points in 24 games against them since entering the NHL in 2019. The Devils pulled away in the third period, scoring three unanswered goals to snap the Rangers' four-game point streak. Despite the loss, Rangers goaltender Jonathan Quick made several impressive saves, but the team's special teams struggled, allowing three power-play goals.

Why it matters

This game highlighted the ongoing rivalry between the two New York-area NHL teams, who are both currently sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. The result extends Hughes' personal success against the Rangers, raising questions about their ability to contain the young Devils star. The game also showcased the Rangers' continued special teams issues, an area they'll need to improve if they hope to make a late-season playoff push.

The details

The Devils opened the scoring just 1:06 into the game with a goal from Jesper Bratt. The Rangers responded with goals from defensemen Will Borgen and Vladislav Gavrikov to take a 2-1 lead, but the Devils tied it before the end of the first period. Jack Hughes then scored twice in the third period to break a 3-3 tie and complete his hat trick, with an empty-net goal sealing the 6-3 win for New Jersey. The Rangers struggled on special teams, going 0-for-4 on the power play and allowing three power-play goals to the Devils.

  • The Devils scored the opening goal just 1:06 into the game.
  • The Rangers tied the game at 1-1 at 6:26 of the first period.
  • The Rangers took a 2-1 lead at 8:36 of the first period.
  • The Devils tied the game at 2-2 with 12.4 seconds remaining in the first period.
  • Jack Hughes scored the game-winning goal for the Devils at 8:05 of the third period.

The players

Jack Hughes

A 24-year-old forward for the New Jersey Devils who scored a hat trick and added an assist in the game, continuing his career-long dominance over the Rangers.

Jonathan Quick

The 37-year-old goaltender for the New York Rangers who made several impressive saves despite allowing five goals in the game.

Nico Hischier

The 24-year-old captain of the New Jersey Devils who scored the eventual game-winning goal in the third period.

Will Borgen

A 25-year-old defenseman for the New York Rangers who scored a goal in the game.

Vladislav Gavrikov

A 27-year-old defenseman for the New York Rangers who scored a goal, extending his goal streak to three games and point streak to four games.

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What they’re saying

“A big part of the game is momentum and we didn't get any juice from our special teams today.”

— Mike Sullivan, Rangers coach (foreverblueshirts.com)

“I don't know. I was just happy for it all to be over with. It's a stressful waiting game whenever you're in talks like that. So for me, it was just a rollercoaster of emotions. Now that it's done with, for now, it's nice.”

— Vincent Trocheck (foreverblueshirts.com)

What’s next

The Rangers and Devils will play two more games against each other this month, with both contests taking place at Madison Square Garden. The renewed rivalry is expected to produce more intense and physical matchups between the two teams.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the Rangers' continued struggles with their special teams, an area they'll need to improve if they hope to make a late-season playoff push. It also showcased Jack Hughes' dominance over the Rangers, raising questions about the team's ability to contain the young Devils star. Despite the loss, the game was a spirited and entertaining contest between the two New York-area rivals.