Ducks Face Crucial Test Against Red-Hot Devils in Sunday Night Showdown
The Anaheim Ducks are riding a wave of momentum as they prepare to host the New Jersey Devils at Honda Center on Sunday night in what promises to be one of the most compelling matchups of the early NHL season. With both teams exceeding expectations and playing some of their best hockey in years, this contest between two franchises on the rise could provide valuable insights into their respective playoff credentials.
The Matchup
The puck drops at 8:00 PM EST (5:00 PM PST) at Honda Center in Anaheim, where the Ducks will look to continue their impressive home form against a Devils team that has emerged as one of the NHL’s most dangerous offensive squads. The game will be broadcast on Victory+, MSGSN, and KCOP-13, giving fans across the country a chance to witness what should be an electrifying display of skill and speed.
This marks the first meeting of the season between these two teams, with the season series currently tied at 0-0. The clubs will meet again on December 13 in what could be an even more significant matchup if both teams maintain their current trajectories. For the Ducks, this game represents an opportunity to make a statement against one of the Eastern Conference’s elite teams and prove that their strong start is no fluke.
The Ducks enter the contest with a solid 6-3-1 record, having won four of their last five games including an impressive 5-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Friday night. That win showcased everything that has made Anaheim one of the NHL’s most pleasant surprises this season: balanced scoring, strong goaltending, and the emergence of young stars who are finally fulfilling their immense potential.
Meanwhile, the Devils arrive in Southern California sporting a formidable 9-3-0 record and winners of eight of their last ten games. New Jersey has been one of the league’s most dominant teams through the season’s opening weeks, leading the entire NHL in goals per game at 3.75 while also maintaining respectable defensive numbers. This is a team that can beat you in multiple ways, and they present perhaps the stiffest test the Ducks have faced all season.
Recent Form
The Ducks’ recent performance has been nothing short of impressive, particularly when considering the low expectations that surrounded this team entering the season. Under first-year head coach Joel Quenneville, Anaheim has transformed from a perennial lottery team into a legitimate playoff contender, playing with a structure and confidence that was sorely lacking in recent years.
Friday’s victory over Detroit perfectly encapsulated the Ducks’ newfound identity. Troy Terry continued his torrid pace with two goals and an assist, extending his point streak to six games during which he has accumulated an astounding 10 points. The 26-year-old winger has been everything the Ducks could have hoped for and more, providing veteran leadership while playing the best hockey of his career. His short-handed goal against the Red Wings demonstrated his complete game, as he raced away on a partial breakaway and buried a top-corner shot while holding off a defender.
Even more encouraging has been the breakout performance of 20-year-old Leo Carlsson, the second overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. The young Swedish center has been sensational, recording 15 points in just 10 games this season and establishing himself as a legitimate frontline player. His four-point performance against Detroit tied a career high and extended his point streak to five games, the longest of his young career. With three goals and six assists during that stretch, Carlsson is showing why the Ducks were so excited to select him near the top of the draft.
The goaltending has also been solid, with Lukas Dostal emerging as a reliable presence between the pipes. In the last five games, Dostal has posted a 4-3-1 record with a 2.74 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage. Those numbers might not jump off the page, but they represent steady, dependable netminding that gives the Ducks a chance to win every night.
The Devils, meanwhile, have been even more impressive, rolling through the early part of the schedule with a combination of elite offensive talent and improved defensive structure. Their 8-2-0 record in the last ten games speaks to a team that has found its identity and is executing at a high level on both ends of the ice.
Much of New Jersey’s success can be attributed to the spectacular play of Jack Hughes, who has returned from shoulder surgery looking like one of the NHL’s elite superstars. With nine goals in just 11 games, Hughes ranks ninth in the league in offensive rating and has been described by NHL scouts as “bordering on superstardom.” His ability to take over games with his speed and skill makes him a constant threat, and he’s been doing more away from the puck than ever before, contributing to a more well-rounded Devils team.
Players to Watch
For the Ducks, all eyes will be on Troy Terry and Leo Carlsson, the dynamic duo that has carried the offense throughout the early season. Terry’s six-game point streak has him playing with supreme confidence, and his ability to score in all situations makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing coaches. Whether he’s killing penalties, working the power play, or playing at even strength, Terry finds ways to impact the game.
Carlsson represents the future of the franchise, and his rapid development has been one of the season’s most pleasant surprises. At just 20 years old, he’s playing with a poise and maturity that belies his age, making smart plays with the puck and using his size and skill to create opportunities for himself and his linemates. If he can continue this level of play against the Devils’ strong defensive corps, it will be another sign that he’s ready to be a true number-one center in this league.
Mason McTavish and Chris Kreider round out the Ducks’ key offensive contributors, with both players capable of changing the game with a single shift. McTavish’s goal against Detroit showed his ability to create space and finish from difficult angles, while Kreider’s power-play marker demonstrated the veteran’s knack for being in the right place at the right time.
For the Devils, Jack Hughes is obviously the player to watch, but he doesn’t operate in a vacuum. Playing alongside Ondřej Palát and Jesper Bratt, Hughes has formed one of the NHL’s most dangerous lines. Dawson Mercer has also been excellent, scoring five goals in his last five games and providing secondary scoring that makes New Jersey nearly impossible to defend.
The Devils’ defensive corps, while not as flashy as their forwards, has been solid and responsible, allowing the team to maintain its offensive aggressiveness without getting caught out of position. Their ability to transition the puck quickly and efficiently has been a key component of New Jersey’s success.
Keys to Victory
For the Ducks to emerge victorious, they’ll need to find a way to slow down Jack Hughes without compromising their own offensive structure. That’s easier said than done against a player of Hughes’ caliber, but Anaheim has shown good defensive discipline under Quenneville, and they’ll need every bit of it on Sunday night.
The special teams battle will be crucial. The Devils boast the NHL’s second-ranked power play at 32.3%, while the Ducks check in at a respectable 20%. On the penalty kill, New Jersey holds a significant advantage at 86% compared to Anaheim’s 78.8%. The Ducks simply cannot afford to spend extended time in the penalty box against a power play this lethal.
Goaltending could be the great equalizer. While the Devils have been dominant offensively, their goaltending numbers over the last five games (4.17 GAA, .875 SV%) suggest some vulnerability. If Dostal can build on his recent strong play and give the Ducks a chance to win, Anaheim’s balanced attack should be able to generate enough offense to stay in the game.
Face-offs will also matter, particularly in the defensive zone. Neither team has been particularly strong in the circle this season (Devils 47.9%, Ducks 46.4%), but winning draws in the defensive zone will be critical to limiting the Devils’ offensive zone time and preventing their skilled forwards from getting set up in dangerous areas.
The Quenneville Factor
One cannot discuss the Ducks’ resurgence without acknowledging the impact of Joel Quenneville, who was hired as the team’s 12th head coach in franchise history on May 8, 2025. The 67-year-old coaching legend, who ranks second in NHL history in coaching victories behind only Scotty Bowman, has brought a winning pedigree and championship experience to a young Ducks team that desperately needed both.
Quenneville’s three Stanley Cup championships with the Chicago Blackhawks speak to his ability to get the most out of talented rosters, and while this Ducks team may not yet be at that level, the early returns suggest he knows how to develop young players and create a winning culture. His 25 seasons of NHL coaching experience have given him a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in this league, and he’s implementing those lessons with a Ducks team hungry to return to relevance.
The fact that Anaheim has started 6-3-1 under a first-year coach speaks to both Quenneville’s abilities and the players’ willingness to buy into his system. This game against the Devils will be another test of how far this team has come under his guidance.
Special Event: Día de Muertos Celebration
Adding to the atmosphere at Honda Center will be the Ducks’ Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration, honoring the rich cultural traditions of the Mexican and Latin American communities in Southern California. This special event will feature themed decorations, entertainment, and activities throughout the arena, creating a festive atmosphere for what promises to be an exciting hockey game.
The Ducks have made community engagement and cultural celebration a priority, and events like this help strengthen the bond between the team and the diverse fanbase that supports them. It’s another example of how the organization is building something special both on and off the ice.
Prediction
This game has all the makings of a high-scoring affair between two teams that like to play fast and attack with speed. The Devils enter as favorites given their superior record and offensive firepower, but the Ducks have shown they can compete with anyone when they’re playing their best hockey.
The home ice advantage could be significant, as the Ducks have been solid at Honda Center with a 2-1-0 record this season. The crowd will be energized by the Día de Muertos celebration and the team’s recent strong play, creating an atmosphere that could give Anaheim an extra boost.
Ultimately, this game will likely come down to special teams and goaltending. If the Ducks can stay out of the penalty box and get strong play from Dostal, they have a legitimate chance to pull off the upset. However, the Devils’ offensive firepower and overall depth give them a slight edge.
Prediction: Devils 4, Ducks 3 in a thrilling back-and-forth contest that showcases the best of what both teams have to offer.
Regardless of the outcome, this game represents another step forward for a Ducks franchise that is clearly on the rise. With young stars emerging, a Hall of Fame coach at the helm, and a renewed sense of purpose, the future looks bright in Anaheim. Sunday night’s showdown against the Devils will provide another measuring stick for where this team stands and how far they still have to go.
For Ducks fans who have endured several difficult seasons, this is the kind of meaningful November hockey they’ve been waiting for. Whether you’re watching at Honda Center or tuning in from home, make sure to catch this one. And don’t forget to check out our show LA Sports Weekly on our YouTube channel for in-depth analysis and coverage of all your favorite local teams. It’s going to be a can’t-miss night of hockey in Anaheim!
