Devils Stun Rangers in OT Thriller, Punch Ticket to East Finals at Prudential

The Devils clinched their spot in the NHL playoffs' Eastern Conference Finals with a 3-2 overtime victory over the Rangers on Friday night at sold-out Prudential Center in Newark. Forward Jesper Bratt scored the game-winner 2:17 into overtime, capping a comeback from a 2-1 deficit. Goaltender Jacob Markstrom made 38 saves, including several highlight-reel stops in the extra frame, earning first star honors.

Jack Hughes led the offensive charge with a goal and an assist, continuing his postseason dominance with 12 points in 12 playoff games this spring. The victory avenges earlier season losses, including a 4-1 Rangers win at Madison Square Garden and a 6-3 Devils triumph on March 7 at the same venue where Hughes notched a hat trick. Bratt's tally, his third of the playoffs, came off a precise feed from Hughes, beating Rangers netminder Igor Shesterkin who stopped 29 of 32 shots.

Newark erupted as 18,000 red-clad fans chanted 'Sweet Caroline' post-whistle, a tradition at The Rock. This marks New Jersey's first conference finals appearance since 2012, boosting morale in a state where Devils-Rangers rivalry rivals boardwalk crowds at Seaside Heights. Coach Lindy Ruff praised the team's resilience: 'These guys never quit.' Up next: a showdown with the top-seeded team in a best-of-seven series starting Tuesday.