The Devils are fifth in the Metropolitan Division with a record of 15-11-1.
The New Jersey Devils defeated the Boston Bruins in overtime at Prudential Center on Wednesday night, 2-1. Morgan Geekie scored the lone goal for Boston, while Dawson Mercer and Jack Hughes found the back of the net for New Jersey. Vitek Vanecek made 23 saves on 24 shots for New Jersey.
The Devils beat the Bruins for the first time since May 4, 2021, which was also an overtime victory in Newark. Per the media notes, New Jersey's record in overtime this season is 3-0-0.
"Whenever you get put out there three-on-three, you want to play smart but also take advantage of their mistakes," Mercer said. "You want to go out there and have the puck the full time. You don't want to give them any breaks."
Jack Hughes called the game 2:47 seconds into overtime after receiving the puck from Jesper Bratt and shooting it past Jeremy Swayman. The first overall pick was on the ice for most of the overtime (1:57) and, per the media notes, had one shift that was a little over a minute long.
"We gave him about 20 seconds off," head coach Lindy Ruff said Hughes' ice time. "He's got incredible glide in his skating, so he can recover in a short period of time. He had a couple breathers but we knew he was ready to go. The opportunity was there, and he put it in the back of the net for us."
Five Things
1. Jack Hughes Scores Game Winner
Hughes was held to zero shots on goal in regulation versus the Bruins but fired five shots at Swayman in overtime.
Per the media notes, Wednesday night was Hughes' sixth career overtime winner and second OT winner this season. He is one of five players this season with two or more overtime goals. Per the media notes, Montreal Canadiens forward Cole Caulfield leads all NHL skaters with three overtime winners this season.
It marked the first time Hughes has scored in three games, with his prior being in Vancouver.
.2. The Haula - Mercer - Holtz Line
Erik Haula returned to action after missing the team's last game versus the Edmonton Oilers and played on a line with Mercer and Alexander Holtz. The trio scored the game-tying goal in the third period.
Mercer scored his seventh of the season, with Haula and Holtz collecting the assists.
"We always talk about playing with speed, making smart plays, and communication," Mercer said of his linemates. "I think we did that here (versus Boston). We generated some good shifts to create offense, and it paid off for us just going to the net."
3. Timo Meier
Timo Meier finished the game with a team-leading six shots on goal.
The power forward began the game on a line with Hughes and Tyler Toffoli, but halfway through the middle frame, the coaching staff moved him to Nico Hischier's line.
During his postgame press conference, Ruff said he thought Meier had a pretty good night and was in on several opportunities.
4. Vanecek Caps Off Impressive Night with Assist
"He only gave up one and stood on his head tonight," Jack Hughes said. "(Vanecek) played a great game tonight. He deserves to have the crowd on his side, as they should be."
Vanecek limited the Bruins to one goal on Wednesday night. He made the timely saves that the team has been searching for all season, including an impressive save on Bruins forward David Pastrnak.
"That was the type of save that gives you a chance to win the hockey game. That was a huge save by (Vanecek)."
Per the media notes, he passed Craig Billington for ninth place all-time in franchise history for wins by a Devils goaltender (44).
5. Lindy Ruff Ties Hitchcock
With his team's win over the Bruins, Ruff has tied Ken Hitchcock for fourth-all-time in wins with 849 victories.