Jack Hughes netted his third career hat trick, leading the New Jersey Devils to a decisive 5-2 victory over the struggling Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday, a performance that highlighted New Jersey’s offensive firepower and intensified concerns in Toronto.
The hockey world watched as New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes delivered a masterful performance, registering the third hat trick of his NHL career. His scoring spree spearheaded the Devils to a convincing 5-2 triumph over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, a result that sent ripples through both fan bases and solidified New Jersey’s impressive early-season form.
This stellar outing not only secured a crucial victory but also added another significant chapter to Hughes’ rapidly growing legacy. For Devils fans, it was a reaffirmation of the franchise’s bright future built around their dynamic young core. For Maple Leafs supporters, however, the loss—and the manner of it—fueled renewed anxieties about their team’s defensive structure and inconsistent play.
Hughes’ Hat Trick: A Display of Pure Skill
The Devils fell behind 1-0 after the first period, but Hughes, along with teammates Cody Glass and Brenden Dillon, ignited a furious comeback in the second. New Jersey scored three goals in a blistering three minutes and 27 seconds early in the frame. While Matias Maccelli temporarily narrowed the deficit for Toronto to 3-2, Hughes quickly restored the Devils’ two-goal lead before adding an empty-netter late in the third period to complete his hat trick.
New Jersey’s offensive onslaught was complemented by a solid performance from goaltender Jake Allen, who made 23 saves, while Jesper Bratt contributed significantly with three assists. The Maple Leafs’ Anthony Stolarz, who stopped 30 shots, had publicly criticized his team’s defensive effort after a recent overtime loss, making the defensive lapses in this game even more glaring.
Connecting the Dots: Hughes’ Evolution and Franchise Records
This latest hat trick serves as a powerful reminder of Hughes’ incredible journey and rapid ascent in the NHL. His first career hat trick came on November 26, 2022, against the Washington Capitals, a game where he showcased his flair for spectacular goals, including banking one off the goalie’s skate and another from the goal line. That night, New Jersey won 5-1, signaling the arrival of a true offensive force.
Hughes continued to build on that momentum, culminating in a historic 2022-23 season. He set a franchise record with 99 points, surpassing Patrik Elias’s mark of 96 set in 2000-01. Had he not missed four games due to injury, the 100-point barrier would have almost certainly fallen. As Hughes himself noted, “Even at the program (United States National Team Development Program), I never scored 43 goals and I was lighting the lamp there. I think that was impressive, getting hot in that stretch in January, February. Coming into the league I think everyone knew about my playmaking, but I don’t know if people expected me to score 40, and maybe not this fast.” His career statistics continue to impress, as detailed on Hockey-Reference.com.
Leafs’ Struggles: A Recurring Narrative?
For the Maple Leafs, the game highlighted several ongoing concerns. The early 1-0 lead quickly evaporated, giving way to a familiar pattern of defensive breakdowns. A critical moment occurred when Toronto challenged New Jersey’s first goal for goaltender interference, a challenge that failed and resulted in a delay-of-game penalty. Cody Glass capitalized on the ensuing power play, making it 2-1 for the Devils just moments after key defenseman Chris Tanev left the ice with an upper-body injury following a collision with Dawson Mercer.
This setback for Toronto also marked Sheldon Keefe’s second trip back to Scotiabank as the Devils’ head coach. Keefe, who compiled a strong 212-97-40 record with Toronto from 2019 through 2024 but secured only one postseason series win in six attempts, now finds himself on the opposing bench, further intensifying the rivalry. His coaching record can be reviewed on Hockey-Reference.com. Last season, the Leafs had a perfect 3-0-0 record against the Devils, making this early-season loss a stark contrast and a point of concern for fans.
Auston Matthews’ Uncharacteristic Night
Notably, Leafs captain Auston Matthews, who entered the game with an impressive 21 goals in 21 career games against the Devils—his highest percentage against any team—was unable to find the back of the net. While John Tavares and Matias Maccelli scored for Toronto, and William Nylander contributed two assists, the team’s overall performance left much to be desired, especially given Stolarz’s recent outspoken frustrations.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Teams?
The New Jersey Devils (5-1-0) will look to continue their strong start as they host the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday. This hat trick by Hughes, the third of his career, solidifies his status as one of the league’s most electrifying young talents and a foundational piece of the Devils’ future.
Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs (3-3-1) face a critical test as they visit the Buffalo Sabres on Friday. The pressure will be on the team to address their defensive vulnerabilities and find consistency, especially after an emotionally charged loss that has left their fan base seeking answers.
