Jack Hughes Scores Twice as Devils Earn Fourth Straight Win Over Oilers

On Saturday, October 18, 2025, the New Jersey Devils defeated the Edmonton Oilers 5–3 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Forward Jack Hughes recorded two goals and one assist for a total of three points, including the game-winning goal. The 24-year-old’s performance helped the Devils extend their winning streak to four games, giving the team a 4–1 record to start the 2025–26 NHL season — the Devils’ first four-game win streak in 1,006 days and their best season start in nearly three years.

One of Hughes’ goals came from a play started by defenseman Brett Pesce. After a bouncing puck came his way, Pesce gained control and sent a quick pass to Hughes in the neutral zone. Hughes accelerated, moved between two defenders, and scored with a clean finish. The sequence was fast and precise, and both players contributed key elements to the play. After the game, Pesce said he saw Hughes “flying” up the ice and noticed “two guys cheating,” so he tried to pass it to him right away. Hughes described Pesce’s pass as “a great pass in the neutral zone,” saying that giving it up quickly “keeps that seam open” for him to move through the middle of the ice.

Hughes’ second goal resulted from a defensive sequence he created by forcing a turnover and converting the ensuing rush. His backcheck set up the play, showing how his all-ice effort directly contributed to the Devils’ win over the previous season’s Western Conference champions.

After the game, Hughes spoke with reporter Rachel Herzog about the crowd at Prudential Center. He said, “It’s the best feeling coming out and there’s a ton of jerseys out here,” referring to the large number of fans wearing his No. 86 jersey in the stands.

Defenseman Brett Pesce also commented on the team’s milestone. When told that the Devils had not won four straight games in 1,006 days, he said, “That’s a crazy stat. Probably should have figured that out last year… No matter what happens, we’re not going to get rattled.”

The Devils’ victory over Edmonton finished a demanding week against three strong opponents. They opened the week with a road win against the Tampa Bay Lightning, followed by a home victory against the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, and concluded with the win over the Oilers. Each of those victories came by two-goal margins.

Through five games, Hughes has three goals and three assists. Last season, he recorded 70 points in 62 games before missing time with an injury. The Devils selected Hughes first overall in the 2019 NHL Draft.

The team’s offensive depth has been another key to their early success. The line centered by captain Nico Hischier with Dawson Mercer and Timo Meier has produced eight goals and eight assists. Forward Connor Brown has scored three goals, including one against his former team, the Oilers. Arseny Gritsyuk has added three assists in his first season.

On defense, the Devils have allowed only nine goals in their last four games. Their 2–1 win against the Panthers showed a strong defensive effort against one of the league’s top offensive teams. Goaltender Jake Allen has filled in for injured starter Jacob Markstrom. Allen has posted a .934 save percentage and a 1.87 goals-against average on 76 shots, with 2.7 goals saved above average.

Sportsbooks have updated their odds ahead of New Jersey’s next matchup. DraftKings lists the Toronto Maple Leafs as slight favorites at -122 on the moneyline, with the Devils at +102 and the total between 5.5 and 6 goals. Dimers and Action Network show nearly identical lines, giving Toronto a narrow edge going into the game.

In future markets, New Jersey’s Stanley Cup odds have improved following their four-game winning streak. BetMGM has the Devils at about +1400, up from +1800 earlier in the season. Toronto’s current odds stand near +1600. Sports Illustrated lists New Jersey at +1300 and Toronto at +2000. BetMGM’s Eastern Conference board places the Devils at +900 and the Maple Leafs at +850, while Presidents’ Trophy odds show New Jersey at +1500 and Toronto at +1800.

Jack Hughes’ individual odds have also moved with his strong start. His Hart Trophy (MVP) odds are +2800 on DraftKings and +2700 on Covers. For the October 21 game, his anytime-goalscorer odds range from +175 to +190.

Lineup updates are also influencing markets. Jacob Markstrom remains unavailable, and Jake Allen is expected to start against Toronto. Forward Stefan Noesen’s return has been delayed.

Data from FanDuel’s numberFire model gives Toronto a win probability slightly above 60 percent with a total of 5.5 goals. Dimers’ model lists Toronto’s win probability at 54 percent with a projected total near six.