Imagine a hockey game so intense that it’s decided in overtime by a breakaway goal—a moment that leaves fans on the edge of their seats. That’s exactly what happened on January 14, 2026, when the New Jersey Devils edged out the Seattle Kraken 3-2 in a thrilling matchup. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: Nico Hischier, the Devils’ captain, scored not just once, but twice, including the game-winning goal in overtime that sealed the deal. And this is the part most people miss—his overtime goal wasn’t just a lucky shot; it was a masterful display of skill as he shielded Seattle’s Matty Beniers with his backhand before slipping the puck past goalie Philipp Grubauer.
Hischier’s heroics came after a back-and-forth battle that kept the crowd in Newark, N.J., on their toes. The game opened with Cody Glass giving the Devils an early lead just 54 seconds into the first period, capitalizing on a rebound from Dougie Hamilton’s shot. But the Kraken didn’t back down—Adam Larsson quickly tied it up at 8:55 with a precise shot from between the circles. The second period saw Hischier strike first on a power play, only for Jared McCann to answer back just 1:33 later with a power-play goal of his own, knotting the score at 2-2. From there, it was anyone’s game.
Here’s where it gets controversial: While Hischier’s overtime goal stole the spotlight, some fans are debating whether the Kraken’s defense could have done more to stop the breakaway. Was it a lapse in coverage, or was Hischier simply unstoppable in that moment? Let us know what you think in the comments.
Jacob Markstrom held strong in net for the Devils, making 15 saves, while Grubauer turned aside 23 shots for the Kraken. The win was a much-needed boost for New Jersey, coming off a 5-2 victory in Minnesota that snapped a four-game losing streak. Meanwhile, Seattle continues a challenging road trip that began with a loss in Carolina and a win over the New York Rangers.
Looking ahead, the Kraken face the Bruins in Boston on Thursday night, while the Devils host the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday. Will the Devils keep their momentum going, or will the Kraken bounce back? One thing’s for sure—this game was a reminder of why hockey is the ultimate drama on ice. What’s your take on Hischier’s overtime goal? Was it pure skill, or could the Kraken have prevented it? Share your thoughts below!
