Devils Snap Home Losing Streak with a 4-1 Victory Over Ducks

NEWARK, N.J. – The New Jersey Devils defeated the Anaheim Ducks 4-1 on Saturday, ending a five-game home losing streak. Stefan Noesen, Paul Cotter, Cody Glass, and Connor Brown all scored for the Devils in the victory at the Prudential Center. Goaltender Jake Allen made 30 saves on 31 shots, securing his first win since November 28.

The Ducks took an early lead when Troy Terry scored on a breakaway at 13:18 of the first period, his third goal in as many games. Leo Carlsson assisted on the play. Anaheim, however, was unable to maintain the momentum.

New Jersey responded quickly, tying the game at 1-1 at 16:09 of the first period. Juho Lammikko drove into the Anaheim zone and passed to Stefan Noesen, who fired the puck into the net. It was Noesen's first goal in 22 games.

Paul Cotter gave the Devils a 2-1 lead at 5:52 of the second period, scoring his third straight goal. Colton White's shot deflected off Ducks defenseman Drew Helleson, and Cotter capitalized on the loose puck. Cody Glass extended the lead to 3-1 late in the second period with a wrist shot from the right hash marks, assisted by Ondrej Palat and Colton White. Glass also won 12 of 14 faceoffs.

Connor Brown sealed the win with an empty-net goal with two minutes remaining in the game, his seventh of the season.

The Devils played a strong defensive game, limiting the Ducks, who are the NHL's second-best offensive team, to just one goal. They managed the puck effectively and prevented Anaheim from creating odd-man rushes. Coach Sheldon Keefe noted the team's improved puck management and aggressive play. "They played fast, they played hard and they played to the win," Keefe said.

Jake Allen's performance in goal was also a key factor in the victory. He made several key saves to keep the Ducks from mounting a comeback.

The Devils were without key players, including leading goal scorer Timo Meier, who was absent due to a family health matter. Defenseman Simon Nemec was also out with an injury sustained during Friday's practice.

The Ducks' goalie, Lukas Dostal, making his return after missing nine games due to an upper-body injury, made 18 saves. Anaheim struggled on the power play, failing to convert on four opportunities.

With the win, the Devils snapped their five-game home losing streak and improved their record. The Devils will host Vancouver on Sunday. The Ducks will visit the New York Rangers on Monday night as part of a five-game road trip.