The New Jersey Devils suffered a 3-1 defeat against the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday night, January 4, 2026, at the Prudential Center. Here are three takeaways from the game:

1. Self-Inflicted Wounds Hurt the Devils

The Devils struggled with self-inflicted errors throughout the game, which ultimately contributed to their loss. According to NHL.com, the Devils "surrendered not one, not two, but three self-inflicted goals". Luke Hughes, in particular, had a tough night, being involved in two of the Hurricanes' goals. He accidentally directed the puck into his own net early in the first period, giving the Hurricanes a 1-0 lead. Later, in the second period, Taylor Hall stole the puck from Hughes in front of the net and scored, increasing Carolina's lead to 2-1. Goaltender Jake Allen also had an unfortunate moment, losing the puck behind his own net, which led to Logan Stankoven's insurance goal in the third period. Allen acknowledged his mistake, stating, "It's one of those games. Some unlucky bounce, obviously a mistake by myself, and that's the nature of the beast". Coach Sheldon Keefe alluded to the need for the team to make more plays and win battles to overcome the forechecking pressure.

2. Dawson Mercer's Goal Snaps Drought, Penalty Kill Shines

Despite the loss, there were some positive takeaways for the Devils. Dawson Mercer scored the team's only goal, ending a 16-game goalless drought. Mercer's goal came after Arseni Gritsyuk retrieved the puck behind the net and passed it to him in front, tying the game 1-1 in the first period. In addition to Mercer's offensive contribution, the Devils' penalty kill was a standout. They successfully killed off three penalties, including an early hooking penalty by Mercer, preventing the Hurricanes from extending their lead. According to Adam Gold on Canes Corner podcast, Carolina had three penalties at the end of the second and two more in the third. He also stated that it was hairy especially for a penalty kill that has not been good at all. The Hurricanes went 0-for-5 on the power play.

3. Taylor Hall Haunts His Former Team

Taylor Hall, the former Hart Trophy winner for the Devils, had a significant impact on the game, this time playing for the Carolina Hurricanes. Hall scored a goal and assisted on another, contributing to two of the Hurricanes' three goals. He pressured Luke Hughes, leading to his own goal in the second period. Hall also stole the puck from Jake Allen behind the net and passed it to Logan Stankoven for the insurance goal. Hall's performance against his former team helped the Hurricanes snap their three-game losing streak.

The Hurricanes' Brandon Bussi made 28 saves, while the Devils' Jake Allen stopped 26 shots. The Devils will look to bounce back as they head on the road to face the New York Islanders on Tuesday night.