Devils hold off winless Coyotes

When the Devils were consistently one of the NHL’s elite franchises, one of their trademarks was a near-unwavering belief that they could defeat any opponent.

It’s a trait their modern-day descendants appear to be developing.

“When you find ways to win, it does build a belief that you can do it,” Devils coach John Hynes said after a 4-3 victory Saturday night at Prudential Center over the winless Coyotes, who became the second NHL team to start a season with 11 consecutive losses.

Jesper Bratt’s tiebreaking goal on a power play with 4:13 left was the winner and capped a game in which the Devils rallied from 1-0 and 3-2 deficits.

“Credit to the guys,” Hynes said. “They found ways to stay with it and have executed at key times to come back in games. That’s something we haven’t been able to do the past couple years, so it’s certainly an improvement.”

Taylor Hall scored twice and Bratt had two assists as New Jersey improved to 8- 2-0 with its fifth win in six games. Brian Gibbons added a goal on a short-handed penalty shot for the Devils.

Cory Schneider made 34 saves after missing two games due to a lower-body injury and the birth of his daughter.

“It’s a really exciting time for my wife and I and my son,” Schneider said. “You get a little extra inspiration and motivation to play for them.”

Arizona fell to 0-10-1 and joined the 1943-44 Rangers (0-11) as the only clubs in NHL history to open a season with 11 straight defeats.