The New Jersey Devils secured a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night at Prudential Center, powered by a stellar three-point performance from Jack Hughes. Hughes scored the game-winning goal and contributed two assists, while Ondrej Palat and Brett Pesce added goals for the Devils. The team’s strong defensive play limited the Kings to just 12 shots on goal, marking a defensive performance similar to their recent matchup against Toronto. The win ended Los Angeles’ six-game winning streak, with the Kings’ lone goal coming from Jordan Spence.
The Kings struck first late in the second period when Spence capitalized on a counterattack after intercepting a Hughes pass. However, Hughes quickly responded less than two minutes later, setting up Palat’s goal with a shot toward the net that Palat redirected through the five-hole of Kings’ goalie David Rittich. Head coach Sheldon Keefe praised Hughes for taking control of the moment and answering back with a crucial play to tie the game. The equalizer came just before the period ended, helping the Devils carry momentum into the final frame.
In the third period, Hughes scored the go-ahead goal, his 12th of the season, with a pinpoint shot set up by a precise pass from Palat. Later, Brett Pesce sealed the victory with his first goal as a Devil, a shorthanded tally off a rebound from Hughes’ shot. The goal also marked Pesce’s 200th career point, a personal milestone that added to the game’s significance. Hughes’ contribution on the penalty kill showed the coaches’ growing trust in his defensive abilities, with Keefe emphasizing the importance of giving Hughes opportunities to develop in that role.
The Devils’ defensive dominance stood out again as they held the Kings to just one shot in the first period, replicating their success from the Toronto game earlier in the week. Brenden Dillon’s penalty on Alex Turcotte’s breakaway led to a penalty shot, but Turcotte missed high, preserving the Devils’ strong defensive effort. Hughes noted the team’s improvement in starting games with energy and putting opponents on their heels early, a key factor in their recent success.
The game also saw physical intensity, particularly involving Paul Cotter and Kevin Fiala, who clashed repeatedly throughout the contest. Additionally, Dawson Mercer left the game in the third period after being struck in the mouth by a shot, requiring several stitches. Though Mercer attempted to return, Keefe did not provide a clear update on his status postgame. The Devils’ ability to respond to adversity and maintain strong defensive play proved decisive in their hard-fought victory.
