The Los Angeles Kings and New Jersey Devils combined for four power-play goals Saturday night at Prudential Center, and that statistic tells you everything about how this 6-4 New Jersey victory unfolded. In a game where both teams found success with the man advantage, the difference came down to execution in the moments that mattered most. Nico Hischier scored twice and added two assists, including a crucial power-play goal late in the third period, while Jack Hughes capped the scoring with another power-play marker to seal a wild finish that showcased why special teams remain the great equalizer in March hockey.
The Story
New Jersey jumped ahead 2-0 in the first period on goals from Cody Glass at 7:58, assisted by Arseni Gritsyuk, and Nico Hischier at 11:04, with helpers from Timo Meier and Luke Hughes. The second period belonged entirely to Los Angeles. Anze Kopitar opened the Kings' account at 4:15 with a power-play goal, assisted by Brandt Clarke and Artemi Panarin. Artemi Panarin followed at 6:03 with a goal assisted by Joel Edmundson and Adrian Kempe, then Taylor Ward completed the period's scoring at 11:43, with assists from Brandt Clarke and Samuel Helenius, to give LA a 3-2 advantage heading into the final frame.
The third period turned into a showcase that exposed both teams' special teams depth. Arseni Gritsyuk tied it just 25 seconds into the period, assisted by Lenni Hämeenaho and Dougie Hamilton. The real drama came in the final eight minutes. Hischier scored his second goal of the night at 12:42 on the power play, with Connor Brown and Jesper Bratt providing the assists. Kopitar answered immediately on the ensuing power play at 13:42, with Artemi Panarin and Brandt Clarke assisting on his second goal of the game. Hughes delivered the knockout punch at 17:31, converting a Nico Hischier and Dougie Hamilton setup on the power play.
Systems & Structure
This game lived and died by special teams execution, with power plays proving decisive throughout the contest. The Devils' power play showed the kind of movement and patience that has made them dangerous this season. Hamilton's point shot created chaos in front, while Hischier and Hughes found soft spots in the Kings' penalty kill structure that allowed for clean looks from the slot.
Los Angeles countered with a power play that relied heavily on Kopitar's net-front presence and Clarke's vision from the point. Both of the Kings' power-play goals came with Kopitar finding space in traffic, showing the veteran instincts that have defined his career. The captain's ability to find space in traffic remains elite, even as his overall production continues to be crucial for the Kings' success.
The 5-on-5 play told a more complex story. Los Angeles outshot New Jersey 31-28, suggesting the Kings were efficient with their possessions and created quality looks throughout the game. The Devils' early 2-0 lead came from capitalizing on transition opportunities, with Glass and Hischier both scoring off quick strikes that caught LA's defense in transition.
The penalty kill units struggled on both sides, which isn't surprising given the compressed schedule and physical nature of late-season hockey. Neither team could establish the aggressive forechecking that typically defines successful penalty kills, instead falling into formations that allowed the opposing power plays to establish rhythm and create cross-seam passing lanes.
The Players Who Mattered
Nico Hischier delivered the kind of complete performance that justifies his role as New Jersey's captain. His four-point night (2G-2A) provided the offensive leadership that allowed the Devils to control play for long stretches. His power-play goal at 12:42 of the third period showed elite hockey IQ, as he found the soft spot between LA's penalty killers and converted the Brown and Bratt setup with perfect timing.
Brandt Clarke continues to emerge as a legitimate offensive weapon from the blue line for Los Angeles. His three assists gave the Kings a dimension they've relied on heavily this season. At just 22 years old, Clarke is developing into the kind of puck-moving defenseman that championship teams require, even as the Kings' overall defensive structure remains inconsistent.
Artemi Panarin looked comfortable in his role, recording a goal and two assists while contributing to both power-play units. The veteran winger's ability to create space in traffic was evident on both of his assists, including the primary helper on Kopitar's first power-play goal. Panarin has provided the kind of playmaking presence that transforms good players into great ones.
Jack Hughes made every shift count, capping his night with the insurance goal that sealed New Jersey's victory. His power-play marker at 17:31 showcased the elite shot release that makes him one of the league's most dangerous finishers when given time and space.
What the Numbers Say
• Four power-play goals combined between both teams decided the game's outcome
• Los Angeles outshot New Jersey 31-28 but couldn't overcome the Devils' special teams execution
• Nico Hischier's 2 goals and 2 assists led all players in the contest
• Brandt Clarke's 3 assists continued his emergence as LA's primary offensive defenseman
• Anton Forsberg made 22 saves on 27 shots for Los Angeles while Jake Allen stopped 27 of 31 for New Jersey
• Both teams were assessed 3 penalties each, creating multiple special teams opportunities
• Los Angeles delivered 22 hits compared to New Jersey's 16, showing their physical commitment
• Arseni Gritsyuk contributed 1 goal and 1 assist in a strong two-way performance for the Devils
Looking Ahead
This result crystallizes the playoff picture for both teams in different ways. New Jersey needed this kind of offensive explosion to build momentum, and the Devils' special teams execution showcased why they remain dangerous opponents. The power-play success provides a template for future games, with Hischier and Hughes forming a dynamic duo that can change games quickly.
Los Angeles faces concerns despite the offensive output. The Kings' special teams showed they can compete with anyone when clicking, but allowing six goals suggests defensive issues that need addressing. The power-play success for both teams provides a template for future success, but the defensive breakdowns that allowed 10 total goals suggest areas for improvement.
The power-play execution from both sides highlighted the skill level available when players get time and space. For New Jersey, games like this represent the potential of their core group when everything clicks. For Los Angeles, they highlight both the offensive capability and the defensive fragility of a team still working to find consistency with the playoffs approaching.
What They Said
The Kings' recent surge under interim head coach D.J. Smith has created a palpable shift in the locker room, with players embracing a newfound belief in their playoff push.
"Yeah, I think we're starting to believe that we're a team that can make some plays. We can hold on to pucks. Some guys are scoring that maybe haven't scored. We're blocking shots. There's a lot of desperation in our game," Smith said, highlighting the identity change since taking over behind the bench.
That desperation was evident throughout a tightly contested battle that showcased playoff-level intensity from both sides. Smith acknowledged the quality of opposition while crediting his team's resilience under pressure.
"Yeah, there was composure, but give them credit. They had all kinds of chances in the third, Kuemps, the shot blocks. I mean, if you look at Schaefer and Barzal and what they created in the third period, and how much zone time they had, we were under siege there, but that's part of it," Smith said.
The players have bought into the new system, understanding the urgency of their situation. "For sure. I think everyone is feeling pretty good. We know where we're at in the standings and it's not exactly where we want to be at, but I think we've been playing the right way pretty consistently the last couple games," one Kings player said. "100 percent, we've got to get on a roll here and we know that. Every game is important."