Gray made four changes to the side that caved at Dens Park on Saturday, most notably replacing goalkeeper Josef Bursik with Jordan Smith, and switching to a back three.
It resulted in a solid first-half performance, as Gray seemingly encouraged his side to go back to basics. Hibs did not try anything too fancy, but harried Aberdeen at every opportunity, kept their high-flying opponents at arm's length and found a slice of luck they have sorely lacked this season, as Newell's strike flew in via two Aberdeen defenders.
Hibs started the second half in much the same vein, winning plenty of second balls and almost finding a second goal, again through Newell, who this time hit the base of the post.
However, after McGrath equalised, Hibs paid for a blunder - the seventh time this season they have conceded from an individual error. Smith came for a corner, but only succeeded in palming the ball straight to Devlin.
That moment was an enormous test of Gray's side's spirit and fight, but they did not go into their shells.
Cadden hit the bar before bending home a wonderful equaliser, and even after going behind again, they dug deep and found another goal from the most unlikely source.
Gray will take real heart from the way they fought right to the end, despite their league position. The celebrations that followed Bushiri's goal showed a togetherness they will need if they are to climb the table.