Welcome back to another edition of NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey 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 2025–26 season.
NHL Predictions: Anaheim Ducks vs New Jersey Devils
2025–26 Season Series: Ducks lead 1–0
Time: 12:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST); 9:30 a.m. Pacific Time (PT)
How to Watch U.S. TV: NHLN, Victory+, MSG, KCOP-13 Canada TV: SN, SN+
Setting the Stage
The Anaheim Ducks (19–11–1) travel to Newark looking to complete a season sweep of the New Jersey Devils (17–13–1) after a convincing 4–1 win in the first meeting on November 2nd. That result came during a stretch where Anaheim’s finishing talent consistently outpaced its underlying numbers, a theme that has followed them through the first quarter of the season. 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 5–2 loss, Anaheim continued to generate offence through speed and finishing, with Leo Carlsson and Troy Terry again driving scoring chances off the rush.
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 8–4 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’s efficiency and New Jersey’s volume-driven profile, with the Devils favoured to flip the script despite trailing the season series.
Anaheim Ducks Storyline
Anaheim remains one of the league’s most aggressive transition teams. Carlsson’s line continues to tilt the ice through controlled entries, while Beckett Sennecke’s finishing has turned limited touches into tangible results. 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 is expected to start, and his steadiness becomes crucial against a Devils team that generates volume through the middle of the ice. Anaheim’s success hinges on pace. When the Ducks dictate tempo, they force defenders into early pivots and create seams before structure can reset.
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
— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) 2025-12-12T01:29:02.216750Z
New Jersey Devils Storyline
New Jersey’s underlying numbers still suggest a stronger team than recent results indicate. The Devils sit above 50 percent in most share metrics, driven by Nico Hischier’s two-way presence. Yet finishing has deserted them. Their goal share lags well behind expected results, and defensive breakdowns have magnified goaltending inconsistency. Jacob Markstrom is the likely starter after a rough outing against Tampa Bay, while Jake Allen remains a viable alternative if needed. At home, the Devils still generate extended offensive-zone time, but turnovers at the blue line have punished them in transition. Structure remains intact. Confidence does not.
New Jersey goal!Scored by Paul Cotter with 04:32 remaining in the 3rd period.Assisted by Cody Glass and Luke Hughes.New Jersey: 4Tampa Bay: 7#TBLvsNJD #NJDevils #GoBolts
— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) 2025-12-12T02:44:33.794512Z
The Model
The blended model simulates this matchup 10,000 times using four evenly weighted inputs. The in-house projection gives New Jersey 54.5 percent, reflecting their puck-control edge despite recent losses. MoneyPuck lists the Devils at 53.2 percent. Advanced Hockey Stats assigns New Jersey a 56 percent home win probability. The market also leans toward the Devils with the latest line settling near −125. Anaheim receives a modest bump from finishing efficiency and rush creation, but New Jersey’s territorial edge keeps the balance tilted. Across all simulations, the Devils land at 54.8 percent with fair odds near −121. Anaheim sits at 45.2 percent with fair odds near +121.
NHL Prediction
New Jersey holds the cleaner profile on paper, especially in controlled five-on-five play. However, Anaheim’s speed presents a matchup challenge for a Devils defence that has struggled to recover off broken structure. If the Ducks can force early turnovers and create odd-man looks, they can keep this game within one score deep into the third. Still, New Jersey’s ability to sustain pressure at home and generate volume through the slot gives them the edge in a game that likely hinges on second-chance chances rather than rush goals.
Prediction: Devils win 4–3 (54.8% probability)
2025–26 Season Prediction Record: 5–7
Prop Bets of the Night
This prop card leans into usage rather than game script. Leo Carlsson over 2.5 shots (+130) remains appealing given his consistent volume and top-unit power-play role against a Devils penalty kill that allows clean looks from the flanks. On the New Jersey side, Jesper Bratt over 0.5 points (-190) stands out with Jack Hughes unavailable. Bratt’s role expands in both transition and power-play creation, and he remains the Devils’ most consistent play driver. His assist equity rises when New Jersey leans more heavily on puck movement rather than rush dominance.
2025–26 Season Betting Record: 15–12 (+6.00 units)
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The post NHL Predictions: December 13th Anaheim Ducks vs New Jersey Devils appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.