NEWARK, N.J. — Jesper Bratt was instrumental in the New Jersey Devils’ 4-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night, contributing two goals and an assist. Jack Hughes also had a notable performance, notching three assists during the game. The turning point came when Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton scored midway through the third period, giving New Jersey a 3-2 advantage after Carolina’s Andrei Svechnikov had quickly equalized just 12 seconds into the final frame. Bratt then sealed the game with his second goal on a power play with just under six minutes remaining, marking his 10th of the season.

Carolina’s scoring began with Jack Roslovic, who opened the game at 8:43 of the first period. However, Bratt quickly responded, leveling the score at 1-1 with just over five minutes left in the first period. New Jersey then took a 2-1 lead early in the second, as Stefan Noesen scored on a power play just 46 seconds in.

Roslovic, who had a modest season last year with nine goals in 59 games, has now significantly ramped up his scoring pace, boasting 11 goals in just 19 appearances for the Hurricanes this season. In net, Jacob Markstrom turned aside 20 shots for the Devils, while Spencer Martin recorded 17 saves for the Hurricanes.

From this game, one notable takeaway is Jack Hughes’s impressive start, as he now ranks second on the Devils with 25 points, including eight goals. On a concerning note for the Hurricanes, they shared news that veteran goaltender Frederik Andersen would undergo knee surgery, sidelining him for approximately 8 to 12 weeks. This season, Andersen has a record of 3-1-0, while Martin’s record slipped to 1-2-0 with this matchup.

A crucial moment in the game came in the second period when Markstrom successfully kept the Hurricanes at bay, making saves on all seven shots fired at him, ensuring the Devils maintained their slim lead.

With this win, New Jersey improved its home record to 5-3-2, while continuing their strong road performance at 8-4-0 so far this season. Looking ahead, the Devils will face off against the Washington Capitals on Saturday, while the Hurricanes will take on the Columbus Blue Jackets on the same day.