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The Devils’ Triumph:

In a spectacular display of skill, Jack Hughes celebrated a goal and two assists, propelling the New Jersey Devils to a 5-3 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. This Thursday night victory marked the Devils’ fourth win in the span of five games. Jesper Bratt also showcased his prowess with two goals, the final one sealing the victory into an empty net, and an assist. Additional scorers included Ondrej Palat and defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler. The Devils managed to extend the Canadiens’ losing streak to a disappointing five games (0-4-1).

Goalkeeping Highlights:

Jacob Markstrom secured the Devils’ net with 21 saves, while Alex Newhook was on the scoring front for Montreal with two goals. Brendan Gallagher also contributed a goal for the Canadiens, while goalie Sam Montembeault managed 22 saves. The Devils managed to maintain their lead throughout the game, thanks to Hughes’ setups for Bratt and Palat in the opening period giving them a 2-0 lead.

Canadiens’ Performance:

The Canadiens have a young and dynamic team that creates scoring opportunities, despite their defense struggling to clear their zone. Defensive weaknesses have resulted in the Canadiens conceding 58 goals in their last 14 games.

Hughes’ Performance:

Hughes appeared to be in top form, reminiscent of his performance in the previous season before a shoulder and knee injury slowed him. His three points in this game equaled his season’s best.

Game-Changing Moment:

With a 3-2 lead for the Devils, Markstrom made three pivotal saves, preventing the Canadiens from equalizing. This was followed by a goal from Hughes courtesy of an excellent setup by Bratt. Bratt’s second goal also came after a crucial stop by Markstrom.

Noteworthy Stat:

Bratt has maintained his point streak at home since the beginning of the season, tying for the fourth-longest in franchise history with eight games. The record of 11 games is jointly held by Kirk Muller (1990) and Pat Verbeek (1987).

What’s Next:

The Canadiens are set to visit Toronto on Saturday, while the Devils will take on the New York Islanders. Stay tuned for more exciting NHL action.

Richard Hayes is the go-to writer for all things soccer at 21Sports.com. His international perspective and in-depth knowledge of the game have made him a trusted voice in the industry. Richard’s experience covering major leagues around the world allows him to offer unique insights that resonate with both casual fans and die-hard enthusiasts. When not covering matches, Richard enjoys coaching youth soccer in his community.