Newark, N.J. — The New Jersey Devils established control early and finished strong Thursday night, defeating the Anaheim Ducks 4-1 to earn their second consecutive victory.
Arseny Gritsyuk and captain Nico Hischier scored in the opening period, while goaltender Nico Daws turned aside 16 shots to help New Jersey improve to 6-4-0 on the season. The loss marked Anaheim’s fifth straight, dropping the Ducks to 4-6-0.
The Devils received insurance from Anthony Mantha late in the third period before Jack Hughes sealed the victory with an empty-net goal in the closing seconds.
Gritsyuk put New Jersey on the scoreboard at 4:38 of the first period, finishing a centering pass from Jesper Bratt from close range. Hughes also picked up an assist on the opening goal.
The Devils doubled their advantage with 41 seconds remaining in the period. Hischier capitalized on a power-play opportunity, putting home a rebound for his fifth goal of the season.
Bratt assisted on both first-period goals, giving him a hand in two of New Jersey’s biggest scoring plays of the night. Gritsyuk and Hischier each reached five goals on the season.
Anaheim attempted to get back into the contest in the third period. Tim Washe redirected a shot into the net at 8:20, cutting the Devils’ lead to 2-1 and giving the Ducks an opportunity to mount a comeback.
Mantha answered with 6:33 remaining, restoring New Jersey’s two-goal cushion and providing some breathing room for the home team.
With Anaheim searching for a late equalizer, Hughes scored into the empty net with just 6.1 seconds left to put the game away.
Daws finished with 16 saves in a steady performance for New Jersey. At the other end, Ville Husso stopped 25 shots for Anaheim, but the Ducks could not overcome their early deficit.
The victory gives the Devils momentum as they prepare for another home matchup, while Anaheim faces the challenge of ending its prolonged losing streak on the road.
UP NEXT:
Anaheim Ducks: Visit the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday.
New Jersey Devils: Host the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday.
