{"id":479892,"date":"2025-12-13T07:55:40","date_gmt":"2025-12-13T12:55:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=479892"},"modified":"2025-12-12T21:42:51","modified_gmt":"2025-12-13T02:42:51","slug":"nhl-predictions-december-13th-anaheim-ducks-vs-new-jersey-devils","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/13\/nhl-predictions-december-13th-anaheim-ducks-vs-new-jersey-devils\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: December 13th Anaheim Ducks vs New Jersey Devils"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome back to another edition of NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey<\/em> examine the schedule and provide game-level analysis rooted in form, structure, and data. This NHL Prediction focuses on a cross-conference matchup in Newark, where the Anaheim Ducks continue their road swing against a New Jersey Devils in the much anticipated rematch of the 2003 Stanley Cup Finals. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions throughout the 2025\u201326 season.<\/p>\n

NHL Predictions: Anaheim Ducks vs New Jersey Devils<\/h2>\n

2025\u201326 Season Series<\/strong>: Ducks lead 1\u20130<\/p>\n

Time:<\/strong> 12:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST); 9:30 a.m. Pacific Time (PT)<\/p>\n

How to Watch<\/a> U.S. TV:<\/strong> NHLN, Victory+, MSG, KCOP-13\u00a0Canada TV:<\/strong> SN, SN+<\/h3>\n

Setting the Stage<\/h3>\n

The Anaheim Ducks (19\u201311\u20131) travel to Newark looking to complete a season sweep of the New Jersey Devils (17\u201313\u20131) after a convincing 4\u20131 win in the first meeting on November 2nd. That result came during a stretch where Anaheim\u2019s finishing talent consistently outpaced its underlying numbers, a theme that has followed them through the first quarter of the season<\/a>. Since then, the Ducks have continued to win close games, leaning on elite top-six scoring and timely goaltending. On Thursday, the Ducks saw their three-game winning streak snapped by the New York Islanders. Despite the 5\u20132 loss, Anaheim continued to generate offence through speed and finishing, with Leo Carlsson<\/a> and Troy Terry<\/a> again driving scoring chances off the rush.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the Devils are searching for stability after a difficult stretch. New Jersey has dropped six of its past seven games and was overwhelmed early in an 8\u20134 loss to Tampa Bay on Thursday. Defensive coverage breakdowns and inconsistent goaltending have crept into their game, even as their underlying possession metrics remain strong. This matchup sets up as a contrast between Anaheim\u2019s efficiency and New Jersey\u2019s volume-driven profile, with the Devils favoured to flip the script despite trailing the season series.<\/p>\n

Anaheim Ducks Storyline<\/h3>\n

Anaheim remains one of the league\u2019s most aggressive transition teams. Carlsson\u2019s line continues to tilt the ice through controlled entries, while Beckett Sennecke<\/a>\u2019s finishing has turned limited touches into tangible results<\/a>. At five-on-five, the Ducks hover near break-even in expected goals, but their shooting efficiency remains a strength. However, defensive lapses persist. Their high-danger share remains below 50 percent, and penalty-kill structure continues to wobble under sustained pressure. Ville Husso<\/a> is expected to start, and his steadiness becomes crucial against a Devils team that generates volume through the middle of the ice. Anaheim\u2019s success hinges on pace. When the Ducks dictate tempo, they force defenders into early pivots and create seams before structure can reset.<\/p>\n

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Anaheim goal!Scored by Leo Carlsson with 14:26 remaining in the 2nd period.Assisted by Troy Terry and Olen Zellweger.New York: 3Anaheim: 1#ANAvsNYI #Isles #FlyTogether<\/p>\n

— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social)<\/a> 2025-12-12T01:29:02.216750Z<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n