Devils Fall to Senators as Controversial Call Ends Dougie Hamilton’s Point Streak-and Likely Their Playoff Hopes
Saturday night in Ottawa didn’t just bring another loss for the New Jersey Devils-it brought a gut punch that might've sealed their fate for the season. A 4-1 defeat to the Senators leaves the Devils stuck seven points behind the New York Islanders for the final playoff spot, and with the calendar just flipping to February, the runway is looking awfully short.
But beyond the final score, it was a night filled with frustration, missed opportunities, and a controversial call that left fans, players, and coaches shaking their heads.
The Turning Point: A Disallowed Goal and a Vanishing Streak
Late in the third period, with the Devils trailing 2-1, Connor Brown appeared to tie the game with under five minutes to play. The puck came off Dougie Hamilton’s stick, fluttered through the air, and Brown batted it home.
The celebration was short-lived. Officials reviewed the play and overturned the goal, citing a hand pass-despite no clear evidence of one.
The NHL’s rulebook leaves plenty of gray area around what qualifies as a hand pass, and this was one of those moments where the ambiguity worked against New Jersey. The goal would’ve been massive-not just for the scoreboard, but for the stat sheet too. Hamilton, who had already been riding a league-best 11-game point streak, would’ve picked up an assist on the play, extending that run to 12.
Instead, the goal came off the board, and so did Hamilton’s streak.
To make matters worse, there was already some confusion earlier in the game. Hamilton was initially credited with a secondary assist on Timo Meier’s first-period goal.
But later, that assist was reassigned to Connor Brown, wiping Hamilton off the scoresheet entirely. Two would-be points, both erased-one by a stat correction, the other by a controversial review.
A Season Slipping Away
This loss doesn’t just sting-it stings with finality. The Devils had a chance to pull within five points of the Islanders and keep the playoff dream alive.
Instead, they remain seven back, with time and games running out. The Olympic break is just around the corner, but the Devils may already be looking beyond it.
What’s most frustrating for New Jersey fans is that this team had pieces. They had momentum.
And for a stretch, they had Dougie Hamilton playing some of his best hockey of the year. Ever since being scratched earlier in the season-a move that raised plenty of eyebrows-Hamilton responded with fire.
That 11-game point streak wasn’t just a stat; it was a statement. He was leading by example, trying to drag this team back into contention.
Now, that streak is over. And the Devils’ playoff hopes may have gone with it.
What Comes Next?
With the postseason looking out of reach, the focus will inevitably shift to what’s next-and that likely means trades. Dougie Hamilton’s name is already circulating in league circles, and GM Tom Fitzgerald will be the one pulling the strings as the deadline approaches.
It’s a tough pill to swallow for a fanbase that’s been patient-maybe too patient. The energy in Newark has been waning, and if the team continues down this path, we may see more empty seats at Prudential Center.
There’s frustration in the air, and it’s not misplaced. The Devils haven’t taken that next step, and now they’re staring down another season of what-ifs.
There’s still time on the calendar, but after Saturday night, time feels like the Devils’ biggest enemy.