Ryan Strome scored the game-winning goal with 3:24 remaining, lifting the Anaheim Ducks to a 3-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday. Despite blowing a two-goal lead in the third period, the Ducks managed to secure back-to-back wins for only the second time in six weeks.
Strome had a goal and an assist, while Troy Terry and Robby Fabbri also found the back of the net. Lukas Dostal stood tall with 32 saves for Anaheim.
Timo Meier scored the tying goal for the Devils with 6:40 left, and Jonas Siegenthaler added another. Jacob Markstrom made 23 saves in a losing effort as New Jersey dropped its second straight game, losing the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
Terry opened the scoring in the first period, capitalizing on a turnover he forced in the neutral zone. His 11th goal of the season came off a setup from Strome. Fabbri extended the Ducks’ lead in the third, finishing a 2-on-1 rush with Cutter Gauthier.
New Jersey responded quickly. Siegenthaler scored just 1:34 later with a long shot through traffic, his first goal since November 7. Dougie Hamilton then set Meier up the slot for his 14th goal, tying the game.
Strome broke the deadlock late in the game, receiving the puck after a series of passes in New Jersey’s zone. His precise shot threaded through screens set by Radko Gudas and Frank Vatrano, beating Markstrom for the decisive goal.
Takeaways
Devils: New Jersey’s first two periods lacked energy as they began a four-game West Coast swing. However, they showed resilience in the third period to make it a close contest.
Ducks: Anaheim displayed a rare feisty edge, with several physical battles throughout the game. Despite a challenging season, they’ve now defeated both conference leaders at home in the last two weeks.
Key Moment
Strome’s game-winner came after a sustained offensive sequence in the Devils’ zone. His perfectly placed shot capped a strong effort from Anaheim in the closing minutes.
Key Stat
Jack and Luke Hughes combined for 11 shots on goal for New Jersey, but Dostal was up to the challenge, delivering a standout performance.
Up Next
The Devils head to Los Angeles to face the Kings on Wednesday, while the Ducks travel to Winnipeg to take on the Jets on Thursday.
