Devils Bounce Back From Rough Outing With 4-1 Win Over Ducks

Published: Saturday, December 13, 2025

by Ryan Fox

NEWARK, N.J. - The New Jersey Devils (18-13-1) faced off against the Anaheim Ducks (19-12-1) Saturday afternoon at home, and bounced back with a 4-1 victory. The Devils entered this matchup after coming off a rough 8-4 loss against the Tampa Bay Lightning this past Thursday.

Anaheim’s netminder, Lukáš Dostál took his first start after a nine game absence due to an upper-body injury. In New Jersey’s crease, Jake Allen took role between the pipes, giving Jacob Markström the afternoon off.

In the first period, the first 20 minutes of play opened up with some serious physical play by both parties. Anaheim has remained a threat this entire season with their young, talented core, as Dostál, Leo Carlsson, and Troy Terry have proved themselves to have strong and fast presences on the ice. 

Speaking of Terry, he broke the ice first, just a tad over 14 minutes in, beating Allen on a breakaway, with Carlsson grabbing the assist.  About 3 minutes later, Stefan Noesen managed to net one past Dostál with a beautiful assist from Juho Lammikko, his first point of the season. 

Nearing the end of the first, Dougie Hamilton was sent to the box for a high-sticking penalty where the Devils were able to show off their impressive penalty kill, silencing the man advantage. The first period of play wrapped up with an even 1-1 score, where the Devils looked to gain some momentum going into the second.

In the second, the Devils were eager to take their first lead of the game against the Ducks. Jonas Siegenthaler was called for a hooking call just 18 seconds into play, sending Anaheim to an early power play. New Jersey flaunted their power play unit once again, obtaining their second successful kill. 

Ducks Ryan Strome and Alex Killorn were called for hooking penalties just a minute apart, giving the Devils a 5-on-3 man advantage, where they failed to capitalize. 

Just under six minutes in, Paul Cotter gave the Devils their first lead of the game, which they would hang on for the rest of the afternoon, while Juho Lammikko picked up his second helper of the night while Colton White got credit for the secondary assist. 

Nearing the end of the second, Cody Glass sniped one past Dostál extending New Jersey's lead to two, handing Ondřej Palát and Colton White the assists. The second period ended with the Devils leading 3-1.

In the final period of play, Anaheim was looking to get back in the fight after an explosive period from New Jersey. The Devils played an extremely conservative third period, running down the clock to eliminate as many chances for Anaheim as possible. 

Ducks head coach, Joel Quenneville, pulled Dostál with four minutes left, but this did not change their fortune, as Connor Brown was able to come through with the empty netter to add to New Jersey’s lead at 4-1.

The Devils were at a disadvantage going into this game, down about half their starting roster out due to injuries or personal matters. 

When asked about tonight's win, Devils Head Coach, Sheldon Keefe stated, “Yeah, it was a tremendous team effort right from the start of the game all the way through. That great effort, with great effort, you get better structure, with better structure you’re taking care of each other out there, it’s an easier game for everybody.”

The New Jersey Devils were able to secure the 4-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks on this chilly Saturday afternoon, and will look to extend their win streak to two on Sunday afternoon with a 12:30 p.m. puck drop against the Vancouver Canucks.

Ryan Fox can be reached at ryan.fox@student.shu.edu.

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