Anaheim Ducks vs New Jersey Devils Picks and Predictions for Thursday, October 22, 2026

Four straight losses have left Anaheim searching for answers before Thursday's game against New Jersey. The Ducks haven't scored more than twice in any of those defeats, including Tuesday's 3-2 loss to the Islanders. Anaheim brings a 4-5-0 record into Prudential Center in Newark, where the puck drops at 7:00 pm ET on ESPN+. The Ducks are fifth in the Pacific Division with eight points. New Jersey, meanwhile, sits tied for fourth in the Metropolitan Division with 10 points and a 5-4-0 record. The Devils beat Colorado 4-3 on Tuesday and have won three of their last four. Check out more matchups in our free NHL picks.

Anaheim Trying to Find Some Offense

Anaheim hasn't had much luck turning its chances into goals lately. The Ducks lost 3-2 to the Islanders on Tuesday after falling 5-2 to the Rangers the previous night. Before heading east, they dropped consecutive 4-2 games against Boston and Calgary. Their last victory came October 10, also against Calgary. What's troubling is that Anaheim keeps running into the same problem regardless of the opponent. The Ducks are taking just 24.1 shots per game, and eight goals across four losses haven't been enough to keep them competitive.

Leo Carlsson has been Anaheim's busiest playmaker, picking up nine assists and two goals through nine appearances. Beckett Sennecke leads the club with five goals, while Mikael Granlund has contributed eight points in eight games. Jackson LaCombe has six assists from the blue line. Anaheim has also converted 22.6% of its power-play opportunities, scoring seven times. Goaltender Lukas Dostal has three wins but an .881 save percentage, while Ville Husso sits at .885. Both have goals-against averages above 3.00, leaving Anaheim needing stronger performances in net.

Injuries: Judd Caulfield is out. Ian Moore, Ryan Poehling and Troy Terry are on injured reserve.

New Jersey Keeps Creating Chances

New Jersey has been playing more entertaining hockey than its 5-4 record might suggest. The Devils beat Colorado 4-3 on Tuesday, lost 4-2 to Washington, and recorded a 7-1 win over the Rangers. They also edged Detroit 5-4 in overtime. Goals have come from different places, although the defense has been giving some back. New Jersey scores 3.22 goals per game and allows 3.33. The Devils take 35.7 shots per night, a number Anaheim hasn't come close to matching so far.

Jack Hughes has nine points and seven assists, with 35 shots in nine games. Nico Hischier and Arseny Gritsyuk have four goals apiece, and Jesper Bratt has seven points. Timo Meier has taken 38 shots but has scored only once. That's the kind of volume that can eventually put pressure on a goalie. New Jersey's goaltending hasn't been especially convincing, either. Jake Allen owns a 3.15 goals-against average and an .883 save percentage, while Nico Daws is at 3.38 and .857. The Devils are relying on their offense to cover mistakes.

Injuries: Nick Bjugstad and Seamus Casey are on injured reserve.

Key To The Game

New Jersey takes 35.7 shots a game; Anaheim manages 24.1. That difference puts pressure on Dostal or Husso, with Anaheim stuck on two goals per game lately. The Devils can take control by keeping play in Anaheim's end.

Anaheim vs New Jersey Game Pick

• New Jersey Devils

Anaheim has lost four straight, scoring only eight goals over that stretch. New Jersey has won three of four and just beat Colorado 4-3. Hughes keeps creating chances, and the Devils are averaging 35.7 shots per game, compared with Anaheim's 24.1. Neither club has received outstanding goaltending, but New Jersey has more ways to sustain pressure. The Devils will win at home and extend the Ducks' losing streak Thursday night.

Anaheim vs New Jersey Over/Under Pick

• Over 

New Jersey's last four games have featured seven, six, eight and nine combined goals. Anaheim has allowed at least four in three of its last four losses, while both teams have goaltenders with save percentages below .900. The Ducks haven't been scoring much lately, but New Jersey's defense still allows 3.33 goals per game. With the Devils generating plenty of shots, this contest will finish comfortably over the closing total.