Newark, NJ. — The New Jersey Devils continued their impressive run Thursday night, overcoming a late collapse before Jesper Bratt delivered the decisive goal in overtime to secure a 5-4 victory over the St. Louis Blues at Prudential Center.
Bratt finished the game with his fourth career overtime goal, beating the Blues on a breakaway after receiving a pass from Dougie Hamilton. The victory extended New Jersey’s winning streak at home to six games and improved its record to 8-2 over its last 10 contests.
The Devils appeared to have the game under control after building a three-goal advantage through two periods. However, St. Louis mounted a remarkable third-period comeback, scoring three times in just over three minutes to force overtime.
Mason McTavish started the Blues’ rally, followed by Philip Broberg and Dalibor Dvorsky. Broberg and Dvorsky scored just 18 seconds apart with 5:06 remaining in regulation, erasing New Jersey’s 4-1 advantage and bringing St. Louis even at 4-4.
Despite surrendering the lead, the Devils regrouped in overtime and found a way to finish the night with two points.
Anthony Mantha led New Jersey’s offensive production with two goals and an assist. Luke Hughes also contributed a goal and an assist, while Jack Hughes recorded two assists. Jack Hughes has collected eight points over his last five games and leads the Devils with 21 points.
Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck continued his strong start with New Jersey, turning aside 28 shots to improve to 4-0-0 since joining the Devils in a late-October trade with Winnipeg.
The Devils controlled the opening period, outshooting St. Louis 16-4. Luke Hughes opened the scoring with his sixth goal of the season and third in his last five games, giving New Jersey an early 1-0 advantage.
New Jersey continued applying pressure in the second period, eventually creating separation with two goals just 19 seconds apart late in the frame.
Jesper Boqvist found the back of the net off assists from Luke Hughes and Mantha. Moments later, Mantha struck again, beating Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington with a backhand shot after receiving passes from Brett Pesce and Evan Rodrigues.
The quick scoring sequence pushed the Devils’ lead to 4-1 and appeared to put them firmly in control.
Binnington finished with 31 saves for St. Louis, but the Devils’ offensive pressure and strong first two periods gave New Jersey the advantage heading into the final 20 minutes.
The Blues, however, refused to go quietly. Their three-goal outburst changed the complexion of the contest and forced the Devils to find another answer.
Bratt provided that answer in overtime, completing the breakaway opportunity and sending the Prudential Center crowd home with another victory to celebrate.
New Jersey has positioned itself near the top of the Metropolitan Division, sitting in second place after missing the playoffs in each of the previous two seasons. Its recent success at home has been an important part of that early-season progress.
For St. Louis, the defeat closed a six-game stretch against Eastern Conference opponents. The Blues finished that run with a 2-4 record.
Up Next:
The Blues conclude a four-game road trip Saturday against the Nashville Predators.
The Devils travel to face the New York Islanders on Saturday as they look to extend their winning momentum.
