The New Jersey Devils maintained their perfect home record in dramatic fashion on Thursday night, securing a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory against the Montreal Canadiens at the Prudential Center. Jesper Bratt’s breakaway goal just 1:33 into the extra period capped off a remarkable comeback after Timo Meier tied the game with only 1:10 remaining in regulation. The win improved the Devils to an impressive 10-4-0 on the season and extended their unblemished home record to 6-0-0, demonstrating their continued dominance on familiar ice.
The back-and-forth contest showcased both teams’ offensive capabilities while highlighting the resilience that has defined New Jersey’s early season success. For Montreal, the overtime loss marked their second consecutive defeat and snapped a four-game point streak, offering a reminder of the challenges facing young teams competing against established playoff contenders.
Devils’ perfect home record shines in New Jersey Devils overtime win over Montreal Canadiens 4-3
The Prudential Center has become a fortress for the Devils in the early stages of the 2025-26 season. With six consecutive victories on home ice, New Jersey has established one of the NHL’s most formidable home-ice advantages. The atmosphere in Newark has been electric, and the players have fed off that energy to deliver consistently strong performances in front of their faithful supporters.
Thursday’s victory was particularly significant as it came after a brief stumble in their otherwise dominant start to the campaign. The Devils had won eight straight games before dropping two of their previous four, raising questions about whether their hot start was sustainable. This overtime triumph against a competitive Canadiens squad provided the perfect response to any doubters.
Jacob Markstrom, who made 16 saves in the victory, has been instrumental in maintaining that home dominance. While his save total wasn’t overwhelming, he made the crucial stops when needed and gave his team a chance to mount their late comeback. The veteran goaltender’s experience and composure have been invaluable assets for a Devils team with championship aspirations.
The chemistry between the Devils’ offensive stars was on full display throughout the contest. Jack Hughes, though held off the scoresheet in terms of goals, contributed two assists and was a constant threat with his dynamic skating and playmaking ability. His presence on the ice creates space for teammates and forces opposing defenses to make difficult decisions.
Jesper Bratt’s heroics define the New Jersey Devils overtime win over Montreal Canadiens 4-3
Bratt’s overtime winner exemplified everything that makes him one of the NHL’s most dangerous offensive players. After stealing the puck in the neutral zone, the Swedish forward showcased his elite speed and skill, racing up the ice on a breakaway before calmly sliding a backhander through Jakub Dobes’ pads. The goal demonstrated not only his technical ability but also his composure in high-pressure moments.
The overtime winner wasn’t Bratt’s only contribution to the victory. He also recorded an assist earlier in the game, giving him a two-point night and continuing his productive start to the season. Bratt has become a cornerstone of New Jersey’s offensive attack, combining speed, vision, and finishing ability in a package that makes him nearly impossible to defend one-on-one.
According to NHL.com, Bratt’s breakaway goal was the culmination of a frantic final period that saw the momentum swing multiple times. His ability to capitalize on the opportunity when it presented itself speaks to his hockey IQ and his knack for being in the right place at the right time.
The Devils’ star forward has been developing into an elite two-way player, and his performance against Montreal reinforced that status. Beyond his offensive contributions, Bratt’s defensive awareness and willingness to backcheck create turnovers that translate into scoring chances. His steal in overtime that led to the game-winning goal was a perfect example of this complete game approach.
Dramatic late-game comeback secures New Jersey Devils overtime win over Montreal Canadiens 4-3
Few moments in hockey are more exhilarating than a late-game comeback, and the Devils delivered exactly that in the dying moments of regulation. Trailing 3-2 with time running out, head coach Sheldon Keefe pulled Markstrom for the extra attacker, a decision that paid immediate dividends. The gamble demonstrated the confidence the coaching staff has in their offensive weapons.
Timo Meier’s game-tying goal with 1:10 remaining came during a chaotic scramble in front of Dobes’ net. After sustained pressure in the Montreal zone, the puck eventually found its way to Meier at the right post, and he buried the opportunity to force overtime. The goal showcased the Devils’ ability to create havoc in tight spaces and capitalize on second and third chances.
The sequence leading to Meier’s goal involved multiple Devils players battling for position and keeping the puck alive in the offensive zone. This type of determined play has become a hallmark of successful teams, and New Jersey’s willingness to fight for every inch of ice demonstrates their competitive character. The momentum shift was palpable as the Prudential Center erupted in celebration.
Much like the Montreal Canadiens’ own overtime heroics against Calgary, comebacks of this nature can define a season. They build confidence, create belief within the locker room, and send a message to opponents that this team will never quit. For a Devils squad with championship aspirations, these are the types of victories that can galvanize a team over the long NHL season.
Montreal’s resilience falls short in New Jersey Devils overtime win over Montreal Canadiens 4-3
Despite the disappointing result, the Canadiens showed considerable fight throughout the contest. After falling behind early, Montreal consistently answered and even took a late third-period lead through Oliver Kapanen’s backhanded rebound goal. The young Canadiens demonstrated the type of resilience that suggests a bright future, even as they navigate the challenges of rebuilding.
Jakub Dobes had been nothing short of sensational in his first six starts of the season, winning all of them with a remarkable 1.97 goals-against average. The young goaltender had made at least 30 saves in three of those contests and allowed two or fewer goals four times. While he finished with 24 saves in the loss to New Jersey, Dobes showed why he’s generated so much excitement within the organization.
The Canadiens’ offensive contributions came from throughout the lineup, showcasing the depth that has been developing in Montreal. Kirby Dach, who scored twice in the team’s previous game against Philadelphia, found the net again when Noah Dobson’s point shot deflected off him and past Markstrom. Jake Evans tied the game early in the third with a sharp-angle shot that snuck under Markstrom’s pad, demonstrating the opportunistic finishing that teams need to win close games.
ESPN’s game recap noted that Montreal’s two-game losing streak snapped a four-game point streak, a reminder of the progress this young team has made. While overtime losses are frustrating, earning a point on the road against one of the Eastern Conference’s top teams shows that the Canadiens are becoming increasingly competitive.
Key contributions throughout the lineup in New Jersey Devils overtime win over Montreal Canadiens 4-3
Cody Glass made an immediate impact in his return from a seven-game absence due to an upper-body injury. Just 1:53 into the first period, Glass capitalized on a Montreal turnover at the blue line, skating into the left circle and firing a snapshot past Dobes far side. The goal not only gave New Jersey an early lead but also demonstrated Glass’s importance to the team’s depth scoring.
Ondrej Palat’s first goal of the season came at a crucial moment in the second period, restoring New Jersey’s lead at 2-1. The veteran forward’s experience showed as he converted a brilliant no-look backhand pass from defenseman Simon Nemec from behind the goal line. Palat’s wrist shot from the slot gave Dobes no chance and exemplified the type of veteran savvy that championship teams require.
The loss of Dougie Hamilton early in the second period to an undisclosed injury could have derailed New Jersey’s defensive structure, but the Devils showed their depth by maintaining their composure. Hamilton’s absence required other defensemen to step up, and they responded admirably, limiting Montreal’s high-danger chances despite the forward firepower on display.
Noah Dobson’s two assists for Montreal highlighted his versatility and importance to the Canadiens’ blue line. His ability to contribute offensively while maintaining defensive responsibilities represents the type of modern defenseman that has become essential in today’s NHL. Though on the losing side, Dobson’s performance demonstrated why he’s considered one of Montreal’s most valuable players.
The New Jersey Devils’ 4-3 overtime victory over the Montreal Canadiens reinforced several important narratives about both franchises. For New Jersey, the perfect home record and ability to mount dramatic comebacks signal a team that has evolved into a legitimate contender. The offensive firepower led by Hughes and Bratt, combined with steady goaltending from Markstrom, gives the Devils multiple ways to win games.
For Montreal, the overtime loss stings but shouldn’t diminish the progress this young team continues to make. Competing toe-to-toe with one of the conference’s best teams on the road demonstrates growth and development. As both teams continue their seasons, Thursday night’s thrilling contest will be remembered as a showcase of skill, determination, and the unpredictable excitement that makes hockey the greatest game on ice.
Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.