Devils Hold Off Stiff Challenge from Red Wings

It wasn't pretty, but the New Jersey Devils are off to a solid start to the 2023-24 season with a 4-3 win over the Detroit Red Wings at Prudential Center in Newark.

Coming off a record setting season that saw the club win the most regular season games in franchise history, 52, before dismantling the Rangers in the playoffs, the Devils had to sweat it out in the season opener.

The moment of the game came when Dougie Hamilton broke a two-all tie when he took a pass just outside the blue line and took his shot, as the puck spun through the air and into the back of the net to give the Devils a 3-2 lead.

Erick Haula would follow with an empty netter in the third period to help Jersey build a 4-2 advantage.

Leading the way for Jersey, of course, was Jack Hughes who scored a pair of goals, including one on a power play that knotted the game at one in the second period.

“Definitely not our ‘A game’ but a win is a win and come January, it’ll just be two points so we want to get off on the right foot," Hughes told reporters afterwards.

It certainly wasn't easy. The Devils were outshot by Detroit 35-27, and gave the puck away 17 times. Still it was a valiant effort by goalie Vitek Vanecek who was credited with 32 saves on 35 shots on goal.

The victory comes hours after head coach Lindy Ruff agreed to a long term contract extension.

The Devils (1-0-0) won't have much time to wait before their next contest. They play host to the Phoenix Coyotes on Friday night.