New Jersey Devils at Anaheim Ducks game preview

The New Jersey Devils travel to Southern California for their final West Coast road trip game, facing the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on Sunday evening. Coming off a workmanlike 4-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings less than 24 hours earlier, the Devils look to extend their impressive 9-3-0 start to the season. Meanwhile, the Ducks enter the contest riding momentum from a 5-2 Halloween victory over the Detroit Red Wings, improving their record to 6-3-1 and establishing themselves as one of the early season’s pleasant surprises.

This matchup represents a crucial test for both teams. The Devils aim to sweep their California road swing and maintain their position among the Eastern Conference elite, while the Ducks hope to prove their strong start isn’t a fluke by defeating a legitimate playoff contender. With key injuries affecting both lineups and the Devils facing back-to-back games, this New Jersey Devils at Anaheim Ducks game preview examines all the critical factors that will determine Sunday’s outcome.

Devils looking to manage back-to-back fatigue in New Jersey Devils at Anaheim Ducks game preview

The schedule presents perhaps the biggest challenge for New Jersey in this contest. Playing their second game in less than 24 hours, the Devils must manage fatigue while maintaining the defensive discipline that has characterized their successful season. Saturday night’s game against Los Angeles saw Jacob Markstrom face a barrage of 44 shots, forcing the Devils to spend extended periods in their own zone. While Markstrom was exceptional in securing the victory with 43 saves and a .977 save percentage, that defensive workload will have consequences for Sunday’s game.

Head coach Sheldon Keefe faces difficult lineup decisions with Connor Brown listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. Brown’s absence against the Kings forced lineup juggling that disrupted line chemistry, particularly on the second and third lines. Stefan Noesen moved up to play alongside Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt, a combination that produced offense while the Timo Meier-Nico Hischier combinations struggled to generate sustained pressure.

Jake Allen is expected to start in goal for New Jersey, making his second appearance since a 5-2 loss to the San Jose Sharks ended his perfect start to the season. Allen had been stellar prior to that setback, posting five wins with a 2.39 goals-against average and .906 save percentage. The veteran netminder will need to be sharp against a Ducks attack that has found surprising offensive success early in the campaign.

The Devils’ special teams prowess could prove decisive in this matchup. New Jersey leads the league with four shorthanded goals and ranks second in power-play efficiency, tied with Pittsburgh at 32.3%. However, they’ve received the second-fewest power-play opportunities in the NHL with just 31, raising questions about whether officials are allowing too much against them. Against an Anaheim penalty kill that has surrendered seven goals in 33 situations, the Devils must capitalize on any man-advantage opportunities that come their way.

Luke Hughes provides a storyline worth monitoring after recording his 100th NHL point with an assist on Nico Hischier’s goal against Los Angeles. The young defenseman has compiled seven assists through 12 games while anchoring the second defensive pair alongside Dougie Hamilton. His ability to transition the puck quickly and join the rush could be particularly valuable in this New Jersey Devils at Anaheim Ducks game preview scenario where fatigue might limit the forwards’ effectiveness.

Similar to recent matchups against Western Conference opponents, the Devils must find ways to generate offense without relying solely on their top line. The Meier-Hischier-Mercer combinations have sputtered recently, and rookie Arseny Gritsyuk needs more support to create consistent scoring chances against Anaheim’s middle-six forwards.

Ducks capitalizing on strong start to season

Anaheim has defied expectations through their opening 10 games, riding strong performances from young forwards and surprising goaltending consistency from Lukas Dostal. The 24-year-old Czech netminder has appeared in eight of the team’s 10 games, posting a 4-3-1 record with a 2.74 goals-against average and .909 save percentage. Dostal started three consecutive games leading into Sunday, suggesting he’ll receive a rare rest. However, with backup Petr Mrazek sporting a concerning 5.52 GAA and .831 save percentage in limited action, coach Greg Cronin may opt to ride his hot hand despite the quick turnaround from Friday’s game.

Leo Carlsson and Troy Terry lead the Ducks’ offensive surge with 15 and 13 points respectively through 10 games. Carlsson, the second overall pick in the 2023 draft, has demonstrated the playmaking ability that made him such a coveted prospect, recording 10 assists alongside his five goals. Terry’s resurgence after a disappointing 2023-24 campaign provides veteran leadership on a line that also features former Rangers winger Chris Kreider, who has already matched his goal total from half of last season with five tallies in just six games.

The trio of Cutter Gauthier, Mason McTavish, and Beckett Sennecke has emerged as Anaheim’s most-used combination, logging nearly 90 minutes together with a 59.90 Corsi-for percentage and 4-2 goal differential at five-on-five. Gauthier, acquired from Philadelphia in the controversial trade that sent Jamie Drysdale to the Flyers, has vindicated management’s faith with six goals and 10 points. His combination of size, speed, and finishing ability gives the Ducks a legitimate power-forward threat they’ve lacked in recent years.

Despite their impressive record, underlying metrics suggest the Ducks have benefited from significant luck. According to Natural Stat Trick, Anaheim maintains a respectable 50.60 Corsi-for percentage but gets outshot regularly, posting a 230-246 shot differential through 10 games. More concerning, they’re performing well above their expected goals, with a 21.76-27.13 expected goal differential at five-on-five (44.51%) compared to their actual 22-23 goal differential. Against Eastern Conference opponents specifically, the Ducks are 4-2-0 despite a paltry 36.25% expected goals-for percentage at five-on-five.

The Ducks will be without several key contributors for this contest. Captain Radko Gudas remains sidelined with a lower-body injury that has kept him out three games, with expectations he’ll miss approximately one week. Mikael Granlund, who recorded eight points in eight games before his injury, has missed two contests with a lower-body issue. Ryan Strome hasn’t played a game this season due to an upper-body injury. These absences weaken Anaheim’s depth considerably, particularly in their bottom six where they lack the veteran presence to match lines against a deep Devils roster.

Key matchups and tactical considerations in this New Jersey Devils at Anaheim Ducks game preview

The Devils’ top line of Noesen-Hughes-Bratt must continue the chemistry they displayed against Los Angeles. Hughes leads New Jersey with nine goals and 15 points through 12 games, demonstrating the elite offensive talent that makes him one of the league’s premier playmakers. Bratt’s nine assists rank him second on the team, and his ability to control possession in the offensive zone could prove crucial against Anaheim’s aggressive forecheck.

Matching the Carlsson-Terry-Kreider line presents New Jersey’s biggest defensive challenge. This trio has dominated possession when together, posting a 61.02 Corsi-for percentage through limited ice time as a unit. Jacob Trouba’s presence on the back end gives the Ducks a physical, experienced defender who has already equaled his point total from last season with the Rangers. Trouba’s pairing has performed well above expectations, generating an 11-4 on-ice goal differential despite a 50.73% expected goals-for percentage.

The battle of special teams could ultimately determine this game’s outcome. New Jersey’s league-leading penalty kill, which has allowed just two net goals after accounting for their four shorthanded tallies, faces an Anaheim power play that has converted eight times on 40 opportunities. The Ducks’ 20% conversion rate sits slightly below league average, making them vulnerable if the Devils can avoid taking undisciplined penalties.

New Jersey’s fourth line must provide energy and forechecking pressure to wear down Anaheim’s depleted bottom six. Paul Cotter, Luke Glendening, and Brian Halonen need to generate zone time and perhaps some offensive production against a unit centered by Jansen Harkins, who posted abysmal possession metrics (10.00 Corsi-for percentage) in his season debut. Frank Vatrano’s struggles (one point, 28.88% expected goals-for percentage) on that line suggest opportunities for the Devils to create turnovers and transition chances.

Defensively, the Devils must limit high-danger chances around Jake Allen. While the veteran has been solid overall, he faced just 23 shots against San Jose in his last start but allowed five goals. The Ducks generate offense through controlled zone entries and cycling, making gap control and defensive-zone coverage paramount. Jonas Siegenthaler and Brenden Dillon will likely draw the assignment of shutting down Anaheim’s top offensive weapons, while Luke Hughes and Dougie Hamilton provide offense from the back end.

The Ducks’ defensive structure and Devils’ offensive approach

Anaheim’s defensive system relies heavily on active sticks in passing lanes and quick transitions through the neutral zone. Jackson LaCombe and Olen Zellweger provide mobility on the back end, allowing the Ducks to support their forwards high in the offensive zone without getting caught on counterattacks. However, both young defensemen can be exploited physically, particularly against a Devils forecheck that has generated consistent pressure throughout their strong start.

The Devils’ offensive approach must account for tired legs from Saturday’s game. Rather than relying on sustained offensive-zone pressure that requires significant energy expenditure, New Jersey should look to create off the rush and capitalize on Anaheim’s occasional defensive breakdowns. Quick transitions through the neutral zone, utilizing Hughes’s speed and playmaking from deep positions, could generate high-quality scoring chances without extended shifts.

Dawson Mercer’s eight goals and 13 points place him second on the Devils in scoring, and he may need to shoulder additional center responsibilities if Connor Brown remains unavailable. Mercer’s versatility allows him to play both center and wing effectively, though his faceoff percentage needs improvement to handle extended minutes at center. Against Anaheim’s middle-six centers, Mercer should find favorable matchups that allow him to create offense while maintaining defensive responsibility.

The physicality factor cannot be ignored in assessing this New Jersey Devils at Anaheim Ducks game preview. While Gudas remains sidelined, his absence removes Anaheim’s most punishing hitter and intimidating defensive presence. The Ducks captain has a lengthy history of questionable hits against Devils players, making his absence potentially significant from both a physical and psychological standpoint. Without Gudas patrolling the defensive zone, New Jersey’s skill players should face less physical intimidation when attacking the net.

Goaltending battle and special considerations

Allen versus Dostal represents an intriguing goaltending matchup with significant implications for both teams. Allen, at 33 years old, has revitalized his career as New Jersey’s backup after several mediocre seasons split between Montreal and New Jersey. His ability to steal games with acrobatic saves and solid positioning has given the Devils confidence when resting Markstrom. However, playing on short rest after Markstrom’s heavy workload Saturday could present challenges, particularly if the Devils struggle defensively.

Dostal’s emergence as a legitimate NHL starter gives Anaheim hope for sustained success beyond this season’s surprising start. The young Czech goaltender combines excellent positioning with quick reflexes and strong rebound control. His .909 save percentage might not seem elite, but it represents strong performance behind a team that regularly allows high-quality chances against. If Dostal starts on short rest, his fatigue could be more significant than Allen’s, as he’s less experienced managing heavy workloads.

The Ducks’ home-ice advantage at Honda Center shouldn’t be discounted. Anaheim has performed well at home early this season, and the crowd energy from Friday’s victory over Detroit could carry over to Sunday’s contest. However, the Devils have shown resilience on the road throughout their California swing, and their veteran leadership from players like Ondrej Palat, Timo Meier, and Dougie Hamilton provides stability in hostile environments.

As seen in their recent strong performances, New Jersey has found ways to win in various situations this season. Whether grinding out low-scoring defensive battles or engaging in high-scoring affairs, the Devils possess the depth and talent to match their opponents’ style. Against Anaheim’s uptempo approach, New Jersey must balance offensive aggression with defensive responsibility to avoid giving up odd-man rushes and quality chances against.

Projections and final thoughts for the Devils-Ducks showdown

This New Jersey Devils at Anaheim Ducks game preview reveals two teams trending in opposite directions from their preseason expectations. The Devils have validated their offseason acquisitions and coaching change, while the Ducks have surprised observers with their competitiveness despite a roster many predicted would finish near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Sunday’s contest should provide clarity about whether Anaheim’s success reflects genuine improvement or fortunate variance in early season results.

For New Jersey, securing four points from their California road trip would represent a successful West Coast swing heading into a homestand beginning Thursday against Montreal. The Devils’ depth has been their greatest strength this season, with contributions coming from throughout the lineup rather than relying solely on Hughes and the top line. Brian Halonen’s goal Saturday showcased the team’s ability to generate offense from unexpected sources, and similar contributions may be necessary against Anaheim on tired legs.

The Ducks face a different kind of test against New Jersey than they’ve encountered in most early season games. Rather than facing teams in transition or rebuilding squads, Anaheim hosts a legitimate playoff contender with Cup aspirations. How the young Ducks respond to this challenge—particularly their defensive commitment and composure in third-period situations—will reveal much about their long-term trajectory.

Ultimately, this game likely comes down to goaltending and special teams execution. Both factors have favored the Devils throughout their strong start, while the Ducks have relied more heavily on even-strength scoring and riding fortunate shooting percentages. If New Jersey can generate a power-play goal or two while Allen provides steady netminding, they should have enough to secure two points. However, if Anaheim’s young forwards continue their hot shooting and Dostal steals the game, the Ducks could extend their feel-good season with another quality victory. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET at Honda Center, with the Devils looking to close out their road trip on a high note before returning home to New Jersey.