NEWARK, N.J. — The New Jersey Devils rediscovered their home-ice edge Saturday night, pulling away for a 4–1 win over the Anaheim Ducks at Prudential Center to halt a frustrating five-game skid in Newark.
After opening the season with a dominant 9-0-1 mark at home, the Devils had struggled to protect their building. That drought ended behind a balanced offensive effort and a steady performance in net.
Stefan Noesen, Paul Cotter and Cody Glass all found the back of the net, while the Devils’ third line delivered the spark New Jersey needed. Cotter, Noesen and Juho Lammikko combined for two goals and three assists, controlling shifts and swinging momentum throughout the night. For Noesen, the goal marked his first in 22 games.
Anaheim struck first when Troy Terry finished a breakaway early in the opening period, giving the Ducks a 1–0 advantage. The Devils answered with sustained pressure and eventually took control in the second period.
Cotter continued his strong stretch, scoring for the third straight game at 5:52 of the middle frame to put New Jersey ahead 2–1. Late in the period, Glass extended the lead by burying a setup from Ondrej Palat, giving the Devils breathing room heading into the third.
New Jersey sealed the outcome with an empty-net goal from Connor Brown in the closing minutes, punctuating a disciplined, efficient performance that left little doubt down the stretch.
Between the pipes, Jake Allen turned aside 30 shots to earn his first win since Nov. 28 after dropping three straight decisions. At the other end, Lukas Dostal made 18 saves, but Anaheim came up empty on four power-play chances.
The Devils played without leading scorer Timo Meier, who missed his second consecutive game due to a family health matter. Head coach Sheldon Keefe reiterated before puck drop that the team is giving Meier as much time as he needs.
Anaheim, meanwhile, showed signs of fatigue while skating in its third game in five nights as part of a demanding road swing.
Up next:
The Ducks continue their trip Monday night against the New York Rangers, while the Devils remain home to host Vancouver on Sunday.
