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Game Preview New Jersey Devils @ Anaheim Ducks
The New Jersey Devils travel west to Honda Center on Saturday, December 13, 2025, to take on the Anaheim Ducks in a cross‑conference contest that pits a high‑powered Metropolitan Division offense against a rebuilding Pacific Division club. New Jersey enters this game with playoff aspirations and deep scoring balance, while Anaheim continues to focus on development and defensive improvement under a youthful roster.
This game presents multiple betting angles and trends to monitor, including offensive efficiency, special teams performance, and recent form. With New Jersey trending in the right direction and Anaheim showing flashes of competitive promise at home, this matchup is intriguing for both moneyline and totals markets. For up‑to‑the‑minute odds, public betting splits, and line movement, visit the NHL scores and odds page, where bettors can track market shifts leading up to puck drop.
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Odds and Key Information
Oddsmakers are showing confidence in New Jersey’s road potential, with the Devils listed as favorites on the moneyline, often around ‑160 to ‑170 at many sportsbooks. Anaheim comes in as the underdog at roughly +140 to +150, reflecting both the Ducks’ rebuilding status and New Jersey’s stronger recent performance. The total goals projection is set near 6.0, with action slightly leaning toward the over based on New Jersey’s offensive efficiency and Anaheim’s defensive inconsistencies. Puck line options show Anaheim +1.5 near ‑220 and Devils ‑1.5 in the +180 range, offering possible value depending on game script.
Scheduled puck drop is at 10:00 PM ET (7:00 PM local) at Honda Center. Bettors should monitor late scratches, goalie confirmations, and line combinations, as these can shift projections and value quickly.
New Jersey Devils Outlook
The Devils have quietly built one of the more balanced rosters in the NHL’s Eastern Conference heading into mid‑December. New Jersey’s record sits comfortably above .500, and they’ve collected quality wins against both divisional and cross‑conference opponents. Their offensive depth is a key strength, with talents like Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Elias Lindholm driving consistent scoring across all situations.
New Jersey ranks among the league’s top units in scoring efficiency, averaging more than three goals per game at even strength, and their power play is one of the most efficient in the league. They’ve scored on a high percentage of man‑advantage opportunities thanks to quick puck movement and strong net presences that keep opposing penalty killers scrambling. Their penalty kill also hovers near the league average, giving them balance in special teams play and minimizing easy goals against.
Defensively, the Devils have been stout against transition offenses and in maintaining gap control, though they have slipped occasionally against elite puck possession teams. Goaltending has been a strength with a stable starter posting solid save percentages and limiting high‑danger opportunities. Their road form has been reliable: New Jersey plays with structure in the neutral zone and limits odd‑man rushes even when away from home.
For a broader look at how the Devils’ playoff chances stack against division rivals, you can visit the NHL conference odds page, which highlights current trends, standings, and longer‑term value.
Anaheim Ducks Outlook
The Ducks sit near the bottom of the Pacific Division standings and continue to build with a young core that has shown flashes of both offense and resilience. Anaheim’s record reflects a rebuilding team still finding consistent ways to win, but they’ve been more competitive than earlier projections suggested. Their offensive output has increased in recent weeks, paced by budding forwards who are beginning to assert themselves on the scoresheet.
Despite this offensive growth, Anaheim’s defense and goaltending metrics lag behind league average, and they’ve allowed more high‑danger chances than most teams. Their penalty kill ranks in the lower portion of the NHL and has surrendered power play goals in multiple recent games. The Ducks’ own power play shows promise but lacks the consistency to shift momentum in close contests unless they sustain early possession.
Goalie performance has been variable, with Anaheim rotating netminders in search of stability. Some starts have shown solid rebound control and competitive save percentages, while others have leaned toward high shot totals allowed and vulnerable coverage on breakdowns. Their home record shows competitive energy in the first period but fewer wins in the third frame when games tighten.
To explore Anaheim’s divisional outlook and odds trends, check the NHL Pacific Division odds blog, which breaks down recent performance across the West.
Key Matchup
The matchup that may decide this game hinges on New Jersey’s top unit pressure versus Anaheim’s neutral‑zone coverage. The Devils’ ability to control possession and create sustained offensive zone time often forces opposing defensemen into reactive play, creating openings for quick strikes off the rush or structured cycle play.
Special teams also tilt toward New Jersey. Their power play movement and setup have consistently generated high‑danger looks, while Anaheim’s penalty kill has struggled to contain cross‑ice puck movement and net‑front awareness. If the Ducks allow multiple man‑advantage opportunities, the Devils could build a multi‑goal lead early and change the flow of the game.
Even‑strength shot suppression will be another deciding factor. New Jersey’s forwards and defensemen excel at limiting high‑danger chances, forcing teams to settle for low‑percentage perimeter shots. Anaheim’s young defense is still adapting to this pressure, and puck management in transition could be costly if they are forced into repeated defensive zone shifts.
For data‑driven matchup breakdowns and tactical insights, consult the NHL expert betting guide, which highlights how special teams and transitional play impact betting edges.
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Betting Trends
New Jersey has been strong in recent games, winning more often and covering the puck line in multiple outings. Their offense has scored at least three goals in a significant portion of their recent matchups, particularly when controlling possession early. On the road, the Devils have demonstrated discipline by limiting penalties and keeping games within manageable scoring ranges.
Anaheim’s trend lines are more variable, with both highs and lows. The Ducks have shown they can generate offense, especially at home, but defensive lapses have led to multi‑goal deficits in the third period. Home totals involving Anaheim have leaned toward the over in several recent games because of this defensive inconsistency.
Head‑to‑head trends between these teams are limited due to fewer meetings, but in recent showings, New Jersey has used quick transitions and strong special teams to pull ahead. When totals have been posted near the league average, games have occasionally gone over due to defensive holes on the Ducks’ end, particularly late in periods when pressure increases.
For updated patterns and nuanced statistical splits, see the NHL picks and predictions section, where analysts break down trends and sharp angles for each matchup.
Prediction
This game favors New Jersey across multiple categories: depth scoring, special teams, disciplined defense, and consistent goaltending. Anaheim may generate chances, especially early at home, but unless they convert efficiently and limit defensive breakdowns, the Ducks are likely to trail by the second period.
A disciplined Devils squad with strong neutral zone execution should control pace and limit high‑danger chances against. Anaheim’s offense might keep things competitive through a period or to a late surge, but New Jersey’s balance and structure give them the edge.
Final score prediction: New Jersey Devils 4, Anaheim Ducks 2
Top play: Devils moneyline
Lean: Over 6.0 goals if Anaheim’s defensive lapses continue late
Why You Need Expert Picks
Games with cross‑conference matchups like this often offer hidden value in alternate lines, props, and live betting adjustments. Knowing goalie confirmations, special teams setups, and late scratches can swing value more than pre‑game lines suggest. Expert insight helps bettors anticipate line movement, adjust totals expectations, and target prop value.
Get full breakdowns, trend insights, and model‑based picks in our daily NHL picks hub. For deeper future outlook and long‑term plays, explore the Stanley Cup predictions and track the top performers on the Handicappers Leaderboard.
