In a heart-pounding comeback that had fans on the edge of their seats, the New Jersey Devils stormed back from a two-goal hole in the third period to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on Wednesday. And this is the part most people miss – how a team on a losing streak managed to flip the script so dramatically, proving that resilience can turn the tide in the blink of an eye.
Luke Hughes nets go-ahead tally and adds assist as Devils snap four-game losing streak.
NJD at CBJ | Recap
By Craig Merz
NHL.com Independent Correspondent
January 01, 2026
COLUMBUS -- Luke Hughes delivered the pivotal go-ahead goal at 4:45 into the third frame, propelling the New Jersey Devils to a dramatic rally from a two-goal deficit in their 3-2 triumph over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Hughes wasn't just the hero of the moment; he also chipped in with an assist, while Nico Hischier and Arseny Gritsyuk found the back of the net for the Devils (21-17-2). This win shattered a four-game skid (0-3-1), including a rough 4-0 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs just the day before. Goaltender Jake Allen stood tall, stopping 33 shots to keep New Jersey in the hunt.
"We've been struggling lately, and nothing's been going our way," admitted New Jersey coach Sheldon Keefe in a post-game debrief. "Playing back-to-back games can tempt players to just cruise through the final period, but we emphasized pushing hard. We believed that if we scored once, we'd find a way to get more."
NJD@CBJ: Devils ignite rally with three goals in just 1:56
For the Blue Jackets (17-16-6), goals from Mason Marchment and Charlie Coyle kept them ahead early, but their three-game winning run came to an abrupt halt. Netminder Jet Greaves faced 30 shots but couldn't hold off the onslaught.
"I genuinely feel we played well enough to earn a better outcome," reflected Columbus defenseman Dante Fabbro. "We absolutely need to start picking up points, and letting in three goals in under five minutes? That's just not okay. At some point, we've got to stem the tide and fight back harder."
"We dominated much of the game and controlled the play," Fabbro added. "But ultimately, results are what count."
The Devils unleashed a blistering sequence, netting three markers in a mere 1:56 span during the third period to seize control. For hockey newcomers, imagine a power-play goal as a special advantage when the opposing team has a player in the penalty box for infractions like tripping or hooking, giving the team more room to attack – it's like having an extra player on a football field for a short time.
"This victory was crucial for our team spirit," Hughes shared afterward. "We've been struggling to light the lamp offensively, so pulling together as a unit to score three times in the third is a massive boost for morale. Fingers crossed, we carry this momentum into 2026."
Hischier narrowed the gap to 2-1 at 2:49 of the third on a power-play tally, positioning himself near the goal and deflecting a shot from the point by Hughes. Just 55 seconds later, at 3:44, Gritsyuk evened the score at 2-2, accepting a feed from Timo Meier and firing a wrist shot from above the right face-off circle – that's the area just outside the crease where players line up for puck drops, adding precision to the play.
Hughes then put New Jersey in front 3-2 at 4:45. Connor Brown battled for the puck in the right corner and threaded a backhand pass to Hughes, who whipped a wrist shot past Greaves from the edge of the left circle – a spot on the rink's perimeter that allows for angled, high-percentage shots.
"Our middle period lacked energy and wasn't up to par," Allen acknowledged. "But credit to the team for regrouping before the third; this is a critical stretch, and they stepped up. Well done to them."
Marchment opened the scoring at 6:18 of the first period, flipping a rebound off Kirill Marchenko's shot past Allen from close range.
In his debut stint with Columbus after a trade from the Seattle Kraken on December 19, Marchment has racked up six points (four goals, two assists) in just five games, building on his 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in 29 contests with Seattle.
NJD@CBJ: Marchment capitalizes on rebound to break the deadlock
Coyle extended the lead to 2-0 at 13:41 of the second. Cole Sillinger unleashed a slap shot that ricocheted off Boone Jenner toward Coyle near the crease. Devils defenseman Colton White nudged Jenner into Allen, and amid the chaos, Coyle lofted the puck over Allen into the net.
"Losing like this is really frustrating," Coyle lamented. "It feels like we eased off the pedal, which is a tough admission. We might have let up, and they ramped it up – a double-edged sword that cost us."
But here's where it gets controversial – was this a case of the Devils' sheer grit turning things around, or did the Blue Jackets simply gift-wrap opportunities with defensive lapses? Some might argue that such a quick concession of goals points to a lack of focus or even questionable coaching decisions, like not rotating players effectively in back-to-back games. What do you think? Did Columbus deserve better, or was New Jersey's comeback a testament to superior teamwork?
NOTES: This marked the Devils' first multigoal comeback victory since November 29, 2024 (a 5-4 win over the Detroit Red Wings). Their three goals were their quickest burst since February 6, 2023 (in just 0:50). … Marchment broke records for Blue Jackets skaters, surpassing Zach Werenski's four-game point streak in 2016-17 and Antoine Vermette's in 2008-09 to claim the longest initial point run for a newcomer. … Columbus forward Miles Wood exited with a lower-body injury at 8:25 of the first after an awkward collision with the boards. "It doesn't look promising," said coach Dean Evason.
What stands out to you in this game – the comeback or the missed chances? Do you side with the coaches on their post-game assessments, or see a different narrative? Is a streak-ending rally like this a sign of true championship potential, or just a fluke? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let's discuss!
