How it unfolded
On March 15, 2026, the New Jersey Devils hosted the Los Angeles Kings at their home arena in Newark, N.J. The atmosphere was electric as both teams were vying for crucial points in the NHL standings. The Kings were particularly motivated, battling for the last playoff berth in the Western Conference, while the Devils aimed to solidify their position in the playoff race.
The game started with a strong showing from the Devils, who took an early 2-0 lead. Cody Glass scored his career-best 15th goal, bringing the Kings back into contention at 2-1. However, the Devils quickly responded, and by the end of the first period, they maintained a 2-1 advantage.
As the second period unfolded, the Kings managed to tie the game at 2-2, showcasing their resilience. Anze Kopitar, who was having a standout season, scored two goals during the game, further establishing his franchise points record. His impressive career tally now stands at 450 goals and 858 assists, totaling 1,308 points.
The Kings briefly took the lead at 3-2, but the Devils were determined to reclaim control. Nico Hischier, who had an exceptional game with two goals and two assists, played a pivotal role in the Devils’ comeback. His second goal at 12:42 of the third period put New Jersey ahead, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure.
In a dramatic turn of events, the Devils scored four goals in the third period, solidifying their 6-4 victory. Jack Hughes scored the go-ahead goal with just 2:29 left in the game, sealing the outcome in favor of New Jersey. The Kings, despite their efforts and a strong performance from Kopitar, could not overcome the late surge from the Devils.
The game was not only significant for the standings but also highlighted the individual achievements of players. Anze Kopitar’s performance was praised by his coach, who noted, “Anze’s just so responsible, so even keel.” Kopitar himself reflected on the importance of the win, stating, “It’s a lot easier to do after a win than after a loss, but I appreciate all the battles that we’ve gone through with the guys.”
As the dust settled on this high-scoring affair, the Kings faced the reality of their playoff aspirations becoming more challenging. They will need to regroup quickly as they prepare to visit the New York Rangers on Monday night. Meanwhile, the Devils will look to build on their momentum as they host the Boston Bruins in their next matchup.
This game was a testament to the competitive nature of the NHL, where every point counts, and standout performances can shift the tide of a season. The Kings vs Devils matchup not only entertained fans but also set the stage for the remaining weeks of the regular season.
