The New York Rangers overcame a one-goal third period deficit to come back and beat the New Jersey Devils 5-3 on Saturday night in Newark. On goals from Artemi Panarin and Jimmy Vesey, they spoiled the return of Devils superstar Jack Hughes.

If the first of four regular season meetings was any indication, the Hudson rivalry should heat up. Even with the teams playing without key stars, it lived up to the expectations. There were big goals, key saves, and pivotal moments during an action-packed game.

Hughes Scores In Return for Devils

The biggest storyline for the Devils was Hughes, making his return to the lineup. He hadn’t played since tumbling into the boards against the St. Louis Blues on Nov. 3. True to form, Hughes played well by scoring in his return. He also set up an Erik Haula goal that gave the Devils a 3-2 lead in the third period.

If they missed their best player, the Devils got a boost from the explosive Hughes. He didn’t miss a beat. Flying all over the ice during shifts, he was dangerous throughout the game, finishing with eight shots-on-goal in 22:40 of ice time.

Shesterkin Battles Rust for Rangers in Victory

On the flip side, the Rangers finally got starting goalie Igor Shesterkin back. In his first game since experiencing soreness following a win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Nov. 2, Shesterkin battled rust in the victory for the Rangers.

After Panarin scored a power-play goal to put the Rangers ahead at 8:37 of the first period, Shesterkin gave it back when he was unable to hold onto a Hughes shot from a sharp angle 48 seconds later. Initially, there was confusion due to the refs blowing the whistle as Hughes’ shot appeared to be covered by Shesterkin.

However, the puck squeezed through his pads into the net. As the Devils started to celebrate, the officials got together and talked it over with Toronto. The original call was a goal on the ice due to continuation. After a quick confirmation of the video review, the goal stood to tie the score.

Despite the whistle blowing, Shesterkin never had the puck, which is why Hughes’ goal counted. It wasn’t one he should’ve had. He also allowed a late power play goal to the Devils’ Ondrej Palat in the final minute of the period to tie the score again. It was another shot he could’ve had.

The good news is Shesterkin got better as the game went on. He finished with 30 saves on 33 shots. The biggest save came when he denied the Devils’ Jesper Bratt on a breakaway with the Rangers trailing 3-2 in the third period. If Bratt converts there, it could’ve been lights out. The clutch stop kept the Rangers alive to rally late.

Panarin Sets Rangers’ Franchise Record to Start Season

Six days removed from matching Rod Gilbert’s franchise record of 14 straight games with a point to start a season, Panarin set a new Rangers’ franchise record by extending his point streak to the first 15 games in 2023-24.

With the Rangers on an early power play, Panarin was the recipient of a great pass from Vincent Trocheck to score into an open net for his ninth goal of the season. Panarin moved the puck up top to Erik Gustafsson, who then got it to Trocheck. He then found a wide open Panarin for the game’s first goal.

Panarin would later add to his team record by scoring a clutch game-tying goal off a Trocheck faceoff win with under nine minutes left in the third period. For the season, he’s up to 10 goals and 16 assists for 26 points to lead the Rangers in scoring.

He continues his excellent start to the season by dominating games. It’s the best hockey he’s played as a Ranger. If he can keep it up, Panarin could find himself in the Hart discussion.

Vesey Delivers A Big Game

On a night when the first line centered by Mika Zibanejad was nonexistent, the Rangers got a big game out of Vesey. He delivered by scoring twice, including the clutch game-winner with 2:49 left in regulation.

Earlier in the game, he converted a rebound of a Braden Schneider shot to beat Devils’ goalie Vitek Vanecek for a 2-1 lead. On the play, Vesey put himself in the right position to score his first goal since Nov. 4.

With the game tied late in regulation, Vesey drove to the Devils’ net and put in a backhand rebound of a Tyler Pitlick shot to give the Rangers a 4-3 lead with 2:49 remaining. It was another example of the 30-year-old veteran being in the right spot at the right time.

Although they haven’t gotten much production, the fourth line has been good this season. They find ways to contribute by forechecking and playing solid defensively. It was a nice reward for Vesey, who earned the game’s third star.

Trouba’s Big Hit ends Nosek’s Night

During a shift in the first period, Rangers’ captain Jacob Trouba delivered a big hit that left Devils forward Tomas Nosek down on the ice. After turning over the puck in his zone, Trouba recovered to finish a check on Nosek in front of the Rangers’ net.

With Nosek in pain, he was helped off the ice. He left the game with 6:09 left in the first period. In a game where they dressed 11 forwards and seven defensemen, the Nosek injury forced the Devils to play 10 forwards for the remainder of the night.

Trouba finished a few other checks, leading to boos from the Devils crowd at The Prudential Center. He had another strong defensive game – recording four hits and three blocked shots in 21:40 of ice time. Since Adam Fox went down, it’s been the steady play of Trouba that’s led the way.

Jones and Schneider Contribute in Win

The Rangers got contributions from their third pair of Zac Jones and Schneider in the win. With the game tied in the first period, Jones passed across for a pinching Schneider, whose shot went off Vanecek right to Vesey for a goal that made it 2-1 with 5:49 left.

Each had good games. Schneider made a good defensive play to stop Hughes on a rush. Jones made an outlet pass up for Trocheck that led to Vesey’s winner. Each defenseman had an assist while logging over 14 minutes.

Trocheck Faceoff Win leads to Panarin’s Tying Goal

In a game where he wasn’t required to take many faceoffs, Trocheck won a crucial one that led to Panarin’s tying goal. He won an offensive draw back to Panarin for a quick shot that beat Vanecek to tie the score at three with 8:56 left in regulation.

For the game, Trocheck went 5-for-9 on faceoffs. He had three assists, including a secondary helper that helped lead to Vesey’s game-winner.

Trocheck has four goals and 10 assists for 14 points on the season. It’s been his consistent play that’s helped the Rangers win games without getting much from Zibanejad. Without Filip Chytil, Trocheck had fit in well playing with Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere on the Rangers’ best line. He should remain there if Chytil returns.

Wheeler Seals It

With the Devils lifting Vanecek for an extra skater, Blake Wheeler sealed it by scoring into an open net with 1:33 remaining. It was his second goal of the season.

Although he hasn’t produced much, Wheeler has played solid for the Rangers. He can be trusted in late game situations to help protect leads. He’s been a steady presence on the forecheck and defensively.

Rangers Continue Road Trip

The Rangers continue their four-game road trip when they visit the Dallas Stars on Monday, Nov. 20. They’ll then take on the Pittsburgh Penguins on Nov. 22 before Thanksgiving. They’ll conclude the trip by visiting the Philadelphia Flyers on Black Friday, Nov. 24.