The New Jersey Devils snapped a five-game home losing streak with a 4-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks at Prudential Center on Saturday. Jake Allen made 30 saves in net for New Jersey, while Stefan Noesen contributed a goal and an assist. Troy Terry scored the lone goal for Anaheim, with Lukas Dostal stopping 18 shots in his return from injury.
Game Overview
In a crucial matchup at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., the New Jersey Devils (18-13-1) hosted the Anaheim Ducks (19-12-1) on December 13, 2025. The Devils, looking to break a five-game home losing streak—their first home win since a 3-2 overtime victory against the St. Louis Blues on November 26—prevailed 4-1 behind strong goaltending and timely scoring.
Anaheim struck first when Troy Terry converted a snap shot from the right hashmarks off a lead pass from Leo Carlsson at 13:18 of the first period, giving the Ducks a 1-0 lead. The Devils responded quickly, tying the game at 1-1 just 2:51 later on Stefan Noesen's shot from the slot, assisted by a backhand pass from Juho Lammikko, who skated hard down the right wing.
Second Period Momentum
The second period saw New Jersey take control. Paul Cotter wristed a shot in the slot at 5:52 to make it 2-1, extending his goal streak to three games. "That one felt good," Cotter said. "I think we got back to how we know we can play. Playing with a little bit more swagger and confidence, which obviously helps."
Cody Glass extended the lead to 3-1 at 17:04 with a snap shot from the high slot, assisted by Ondrej Palat. The Devils' defensive structure limited Anaheim's chances, holding the Ducks' No. 2-ranked offense to minimal opportunities after the early goal.
Third Period and Final Notes
Allen was stellar in the third, making 14 saves, including a key pad stop on rookie Beckett Sennecke during a 6-on-5 advantage at 16:07 with Ducks goalie Lukas Dostal pulled. Connor Brown sealed the 4-1 win with an empty-net goal at 18:00.
"I liked the simplicity of the game, the shots, the tracking back, the reloads, the staying on the hunt and staying on the puck," Noesen said. Devils coach Sheldon Keefe praised the team's effort: "With great effort, you get better structure. With better structure, you're taking care of each other out there."
For Anaheim, Dostal returned after missing nine games with an upper-body injury. "I thought it was an up and down game," Dostal said. "I thought they really had a tight defensive zone today and we weren't able to break through but overall, I don't think our effort was bad."
Ducks coach Joel Quenneville noted offensive struggles: "We didn't battle in the hard areas, in the trenches, around their net, and we didn't get many loose pucks or second opportunities."
Notable performances included Lammikko and Palat each with two assists. The game marked Quenneville's 1,800th NHL coaching appearance. Injuries sidelined several Devils players, including Jack Hughes (finger) and Timo Meier (personal leave).
