Newark, N.J. — Jack Hughes capped the New Jersey Devils’ season opener with an overtime winner, then sent his stick flying into the crowd, where a fan from North Caldwell, New Jersey, named Zach made the grab. The Devils beat the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 on Thursday, with Hughes scoring the decider with 1:37 left in overtime.
Zach, wearing a Hughes USA jersey, left with a rare souvenir: the very stick used on the winning play. While many fans go home with a T-shirt, puck, or photo, he ended the night with something far more memorable.
Hughes’ Memorable Celebration and Winning Strategy
The postgoal stick toss revived a celebration Hughes has used before. He first pulled off the move after an overtime victory against the Chicago Blackhawks on October 15, 2021. He said this time he simply hurled the stick without picking a target and later noticed who caught it, adding that it felt good to bring the move back.
Devils coach Sheldon Keefe said he missed the toss because he was reviewing the goal, but noted the celebration has become a recognizable flourish for Hughes. Keefe focused on the sequence leading to the winner, which started in New Jersey’s zone, and said he wondered if Hughes and Jesper Bratt would have the stamina to break free from end to end. They did, and the finish sealed two points.
Hughes called it a strong first win and credited the home crowd’s energy. The Devils got the victory, Hughes got the clincher, and Zach went home with the stick. This thrilling encounter marks the beginning of what fans hope will be a promising season for the New Jersey Devils.