The New Jersey Devils begin 2025 with a New Year’s Day showdown against the Los Angeles Kings at the Crypto.com Arena, with puck drop scheduled for 6 p.m. ET. After a tough 3-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks the previous evening, the Devils are seeking to get back on track during the second game of their five-game road trip. New Jersey, which was playing some of its best hockey before the holiday break, has struggled to find its rhythm since returning to action.
Devils’ Key Players and Performance
Leading the charge for the Devils is Jesper Bratt, who has been outstanding this season with 33 assists and 47 points—both career highs. Alongside him, Jack Hughes is close behind with 46 points (15 goals and 31 assists), continuing to be a force on the ice. Captain Nico Hischier also stands out with a team-high 18 goals, and the Devils boast five players who have reached double digits in goals so far this season.
While the team has shown flashes of brilliance, their recent road trip has been rocky, losing their first two matchups. Goaltender Jake Allen, who is expected to start against the Kings, has a 5-6-1 record on the season, with a 2.89 goals-against average and .900 save percentage. New Jersey will need a strong performance from Allen to halt the skid and gain some momentum on the road.
Kings’ Recent Form and Leadership
The Kings, who are currently holding down the No. 2 spot in the Pacific Division behind the Vegas Golden Knights, are entering the game in solid form. They closed out 2024 with back-to-back victories over Edmonton (4-3 in overtime) and Philadelphia (5-4), adding to the momentum gained from a seven-game, 15-day road trip earlier in the month where they posted a 3-2-2 record.
Los Angeles is led by future Hall of Famer Anze Kopitar, who, at 37 years old, is still playing at an elite level. Kopitar leads the team with 27 assists and 39 points, showcasing his skill and leadership in his 19th NHL season. Adrian Kempe, with 17 goals, is the Kings’ top scorer, while goalies David Rittich and Darcy Kuemper have shared the crease. Kuemper has posted the stronger numbers on the season and may get the start against the Devils.
However, the Kings have been missing a major piece in defenseman Drew Doughty, who is recovering from a fractured ankle. While Doughty has begun skating again, he remains sidelined for now.
Who’s Hot
- Devils: Forward Stefan Noesen has been on fire, already setting a career-high with 16 goals this season. Over the past seven games, he has notched three goals and two assists, continuing his strong campaign.
- Kings: Quinton Byfield, the 22-year-old No. 2 overall pick from the 2020 NHL Draft, has been heating up with five goals and eight points in his last seven games. His two-goal, three-point performance, including an overtime winner against Edmonton, has showcased his growing confidence.
Injuries
- Devils: The Devils are dealing with the absence of defenseman Nikita Hatakka, who is on injured reserve due to a shoulder injury.
- Kings: The Kings are missing forwards Trevor Moore (upper body) and Brendan Leipsic (lower body), along with defenseman Drew Doughty (ankle), who has been sidelined all season.
Previous Matchup
The Devils and Kings met earlier in the season on December 12 in New Jersey, where the Devils earned a 3-1 victory. In that game, Jack Hughes was the standout performer with three points, including a game-winning third-period goal. Goaltender Jacob Markstrom was solid, stopping 13 of 14 shots, including an important penalty shot from the Kings’ Alex Turcotte.
Game Notes
- This is the second and final meeting between the Devils and Kings this season, and the only game to take place in California.
- The Kings have been dominant at home, winning seven consecutive games. They boast a stellar 12-2-1 record at Crypto.com Arena, making them a tough opponent on their home ice.
As the Devils look to turn their road trip around and the Kings aim to maintain their strong standing in the Pacific Division, this New Year’s Day contest promises to be an exciting and hard-fought battle. Will the Devils bounce back from their recent losses, or will the Kings extend their home dominance? Tune in to find out.
