DETROIT — The New Jersey Devils capitalized on the NHL’s worst penalty kill from the Detroit Red Wings, securing a 5-4 win thanks to power-play goals from Dougie Hamilton, Timo Meier, and Jack Hughes on Friday night.

New Jersey showcased their offensive prowess, converting on 3 out of 4 power-play opportunities, while Detroit struggled, managing to stop only 60% of penalties, the lowest in the league (39 of 65). Although the Red Wings had previously won their last two games, they faced a tough challenge against a rising Devils team.

In addition to the power-play goals, the Devils received contributions from Stefan Noesen and Nico Hischier, who also found the back of the net. Meanwhile, Detroit responded with goals from Lucas Raymond, Vladimir Tarasenko, Justin Holl, and Tyler Motte.

Both goaltenders played admirably, with Jacob Markstrom making 25 saves for the Devils and Cam Talbot also recording 25 stops for the Red Wings.

Key Takeaways:
For the Devils, it’s noteworthy that they have an impressive 5-1 record in their last six away games. Hischier has been on a scoring streak, netting four goals in the last three matches, while Hamilton has added three goals in five games. The Devils have also excelled in scoring during the second period, leading the NHL with 36 goals.

On the Red Wings’ side, Talbot celebrated his milestone 500th NHL game. The goals from Motte and Holl were significant as they marked their first of the season, contributing to the team’s increasing goal tally. It’s worth mentioning that key players like Patrick Kane, suffering from an upper-body injury, and goaltender Alex Lyon, also with an upper-body ailment, missed the game.

Turning Point:
The key moment of the game occurred late in the first period when Hamilton scored on a power play, cutting into Detroit’s 2-0 lead. The Red Wings attempted and failed to challenge for goalie interference, and with a bench minor handed to them for the unsuccessful challenge, Meier quickly followed up with another power-play goal to tie things up at 2-2.

Stat of the Night:
Raymond’s goal marked his fifth consecutive game with a score. Last season, he also enjoyed a five-game scoring streak, making him the only player from Detroit to achieve this feat in the last 16 years. Johan Franzen was the last Red Wings player to score in five straight games back in the 2007-08 season.

Upcoming Games:
The Devils will be facing the Washington Capitals at home on Saturday, while the Red Wings are set to host the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday.