New Jersey Devils youngster Luke Hughes scored his first career goal Thursday night off a pass from his brother, Jack Hughes, and helped clinch the team’s playoff berth.
Hughes’ goal came with 26.4 seconds left in overtime against the Washington Capitals. He was initially denied his first shot, but he recovered the puck and slotted it into the back of the net in an attempt to turn around.
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New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes, right, celebrates with teammates after his game-winning goal in overtime against the Capitals, Thursday, April 13, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
New Jersey won the game 5-4.
Hughes’s goal came in the second game of his career. He also had an assist early in the game.
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New Jersey trailed three goals twice in the game. Washington led 3-0 in the first and led 4-1 in the second before the comeback began. Erika Haula scored two goals and Miles Wood and Dougie Hamilton each scored one.
New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes scores the game-winning goal in overtime against the Washington Capitals, Thursday, April 13, 2023. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The win marked the Devils’ 52nd win of the season, leading the team to 52-22-8 on the year. They finished behind the Carolina Hurricanes for the Metropolitan Division title.
The 52-win season sets a new franchise mark. The team won 51 games during the 2008-09 season under Bruce Sutter. However, New Jersey lost in the NHL Eastern Conference quarterfinals that year.
New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes and his brother Jack Hughes celebrate Thursday, April 13, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
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The Devils will play their rival across the Hudson River, the New York Rangers, in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.