4 Takeaways From Devils 3-2 OT Home Opener Victory Over Flyers

On Thursday, Oct. 1, the New Jersey Devils hosted the Philadelphia Flyers for their home and season opener of the 2026-27 season. The Flyers had just played the previous day, losing 7-0 to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Flyers came out strong to begin with, scoring the first goal of the game and their season on a delayed penalty in the first 20 minutes. A late goal in the second from the Devils helped tie the game, leading to a tense third period.

The Flyers scored less than a minute into the third to put themselves back in front. However, the Devils weren’t done yet and scored halfway into the third, forcing another tie. The score remained the same, and the two teams went to overtime to decide the winner.

Three minutes into overtime, the Devils netted the game-winning goal to take a 3-2 victory in their home opener.

Hamilton Nets the Devils’ First Goal of the Season

Every time a new season comes around, there’s always the question of which player on the team will score the first goal. In the second period, that question was answered. Late into the middle frame, Dougie Hamilton took a shot by the Devils’ blue line, but the puck banked off Matvei Michkov. Hamilton gained control of the puck again, and his second shot banked off the post and into the net.

Even though he is a defenseman, Hamilton is showing his offensive skills early. Last season, Hamilton scored 12 goals. He is already off to a strong start this season with an unassisted goal.

Although the Devils’ defense showed up offensively, their primary job needed some work. The defense was all over the place in this game, allowing the Flyers to take an early lead and a secondary one.

Power Play Showing Early Signs of Struggles

The Devils and the Flyers got a little chippy, with the Devils taking one penalty and the Flyers taking four. Although the Devils had four extra-man opportunities, they failed to convert on these early opportunities.

The Devils had no shortage of shots throughout the entire game, outshooting Philadelphia 44 to 25. The Devils had plenty of chances to score, both on the extra-man advantage and at five-on-five. Joseph Woll was constantly denying the Devils shots throughout the game, which didn’t help their chances. However, the Devils need to work on their special teams, because they can’t let these extra-man opportunities get away from them the rest of the season.

Evangelista Records His First Point as a Devil

For Luke Evangelista, he played in his first regular-season game with the Devils, and he has already notched his first point with the team. Luke Hughes stole the puck from Christian Dvorak off of his own turnover. He sent it up the ice for Evangelista, who carried it into the Devils’ offensive zone. Evangelista passed it back to Hughes, who took a shot through the face-off circles and scored.

In speaking to the media after the game, head coach Sheldon Keefe commented on Evangelista’s performance, stating, “Great play by Evangelista on the entry; that’s what we need him to do: be that fourth man in and have a great finish.”

The Devils acquired Evangelista in the beginning of September from the Nashville Predators. Last season, he recorded 56 points in 81 games. New Jersey picked him up because they believed in his offensive abilities. Evangelista is already showing the Devils they were right.

Jack Hughes Calls Game

With two goals apiece, the Devils and Flyers headed to overtime to decide the winner. Three minutes into overtime, Jack Hughes stole the puck from Travis Sanheim and skated up to the Devils’ offensive zone with Jesper Bratt at his wing. As they got closer to the net, Hughes passed the puck to Bratt, who sent it right back to Hughes. The pass to Bratt made Woll hug the post, giving Hughes an open opportunity to take a shot and score the game-winning goal.

After a tough 2025-26 season, Hughes is back in his strong offensive form. Scoring the game-winning goal must have been the relief Hughes needed to start the 2026-27 season off on the right foot. This goal was just one of many goals we’ll see from Hughes this season; it’s great to be back.

Devils Hit the Road

The Devils will be back on the ice on Saturday, Oct. 3, when they take on the New York Islanders at UBS Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET.