Devils' 5-4 Win vs. Islanders: Hughes Fuels Comeback

Thanks to Jack Hughes, the New Jersey Devils rallied with three unanswered third-period goals to defeat the New York Islanders 5-4.

Well, that was a thriller, wasn't it? With their backs against the wall and needing to get a result, the New Jersey Devils rallied with three unanswered goals in the third period to defeat the New York Islanders 5-4. It wasn't the prettiest win, but the two points are what matters. Here are three takeaways from the victory. 

Jack Hughes Sparked the Comeback

The Devils have rallied from multi-goal deficits a few times over the last season and a half, and last night was no different. Of course, it was none other than Jack Hughes who led the comeback, as he totaled one goal and two assists. 

Even before the rally started in the third period, Hughes made his presence known. He set up Dawson Mercer with a beautiful pass that Mercer made sure found the back of the net with a shot that went bar down on Ilya Sorokin. 

The Devils had some defensive lapses and poor goaltending that caused them to fall behind 4-2 in the second period (more on that in a bit). But Hughes was determined to make sure the Devils got a result out of last night's game. 

Hughes got off a wicked shot that beat Sorokin about five minutes into the third. Later in the period, Hughes fired a one-timer off Sorokin, leaving a juicy rebound for Nico Hischier, who put it away for a power-play goal to tie the game. 

Hughes finished last night's contest with a pretty wild stat line. He had nine shots on goal, 14 shot attempts, eight scoring chances, and two high-danger chances at all strengths. And not to mention, he has seven points in two games against the Islanders this season. 

The Islanders were a good spot for Hughes to get going. They've been leaky defensively, ranking in the bottom five of the NHL in expected goals and high-danger chances allowed per 60 minutes. He took advantage of it and helped the Devils to a much-needed win. 

Another Rough Outing for Vanecek, Defense