NHL Game Preview: Anaheim Ducks (4-5-0) vs. New Jersey Devils (5-4-0)

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New Jersey Devils logo

Venue: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey
Scheduled puck drop is set for 7:00 PM ET
TV/Streaming: FOXLA+, Prime Video, MSGSN, ESPN+

This interconference matchup features a struggling Ducks team on a four-game losing streak against a Devils side that is playing better at home and coming off a strong win. New Jersey holds the edge in the early standings and home form, while Anaheim relies on young talent like Leo Carlsson to spark a turnaround.

Current Player Rosters

Anaheim Ducks (coach Joel Quenneville):
Forwards: Leo Carlsson (team-leading points producer with strong assist numbers), Beckett Sennecke (leading goal scorer), Mikael Granlund, Alex Killorn, Frank Vatrano, Cutter Gauthier, Tim Washe, Jeff Malott, A.J. Greer, and depth options.
Defense: Jackson LaCombe, Pavel Mintyukov, Drew Helleson, Noah Warren, Tristan Luneau, Tyson Hinds, and others.
Goaltending: Lukas Dostal (primary starter) and Ville Husso.

New Jersey Devils (coach Sheldon Keefe):
Forwards: Jack Hughes (top playmaker), Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, Arseny Gritsyuk, Luke Evangelista (recently productive on return), Timo Meier, Dawson Mercer, Connor Brown (recently returned), and supporting depth.
Defense: Luke Hughes, Dougie Hamilton, Jonas Siegenthaler, Brett Pesce, Declan Chisholm, and others.
Goaltending: Jake Allen and Nico Daws (rotation possible; Allen has seen more starts). Rosters reflect active contributors based on season-to-date stats and recent games; exact lines can shift.

Injury Reports

Ducks:

Troy Terry (RW) — Out (hip, long-term IR; expected return mid-to-late November).

Ryan Poehling (C) — Out (lower body/MCL sprain; 6-8 weeks, expected mid-to-late November).

Ian Moore (D) — Out (lower body; IR, expected early November).
Judd Caulfield has been listed day-to-day in some reports.

Devils:

Nick Bjugstad (C) — Out (pectoral, long-term IR; expected January).

Seamus Casey (D) — Out (knee; IR/non-roster, expected mid-to-late November).
Connor Brown and Luke Evangelista recently returned and contributed in the prior game.

Anaheim is missing key secondary scoring and depth; New Jersey’s absences are more long-term but the recent returns strengthen the forward group.

Key Player vs. Player Matchups

Leo Carlsson vs. Jack Hughes / Nico Hischier: Carlsson has been Anaheim’s top point producer (high assist volume and PP contributions). Hughes drives New Jersey’s offense with speed and vision; Hischier anchors the two-way center role. This matchup of young, skilled centers will influence possession and special teams.

Beckett Sennecke / top Ducks scorers vs. Devils defensive pairs (Luke Hughes, Dougie Hamilton, Brett Pesce): Sennecke leads Anaheim in goals; New Jersey’s mobile, skilled D corps will try to limit odd-man rushes and high-danger chances.

Jesper Bratt / Luke Evangelista vs. Anaheim’s blue line (Jackson LaCombe et al.): Devils’ skilled wingers against a young but improving Ducks defense.

Goaltending: Likely Lukas Dostal for Anaheim versus Jake Allen or Nico Daws for New Jersey. Both teams have posted mid-pack save percentages early; special teams favor Anaheim slightly on the power play, while New Jersey’s PK has struggled more.

Home ice gives the Devils last change for favorable matchups.

Recent Team Forms

Ducks: 4-5-0 overall, currently on a four-game losing streak (losses to Islanders 3-2, Rangers 5-2, Bruins, and Flames). They have shown the ability to score first early in the season but have faded in recent games. Road record is mixed (3-2-0 in some tallies). Offense relies heavily on Carlsson and Sennecke; defensive metrics and faceoff percentage rank poorly.

Devils: 5-4-0 overall and stronger at home (4-2-0). Coming off a 4-3 win over Colorado, with contributions from returning players Evangelista and Brown. They have scored well in recent home games and show more consistency. Shot volume has been higher, though both teams allow around 3+ goals per game early. Schedule note: Both teams had a day of rest after Tuesday games.

Series History

First meeting of the 2026-27 season (0-0). Recent head-to-head has been relatively even over the last several seasons, with split results and a mix of tight and higher-scoring games. Historical series has featured competitive contests; New Jersey has often held an edge at home in past meetings. Expect a structured but skilled game typical of these matchups.

Betting Trends

Devils have been solid at home early and cover better in some spots; Ducks have struggled ATS during the skid and as underdogs on the road. Totals lean toward the middle given both teams’ goal rates. New Jersey’s higher shot volume and home ice drive the pricing.

Game Odds

Anaheim Ducks                 6.5

New Jersey Devils            – 210

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, October 21, 2026

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