The Hockey News' Derek Lee previews the Ducks' matchup against the New Jersey Devils.

In their final game of 2024, the Ducks will take on the New Jersey Devils. The Ducks are coming off a stellar comeback victory on Sunday against the Edmonton Oilers, a terrific response from their 3-1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers the previous day. The Devils come into town on three days' rest after falling 5-2 to the Carolina Hurricanes on Dec. 28.

In the previous matchup between the Ducks and the Devils in New Jersey, the latter got the best of the former. The Devils tacked on six goals in their Oct. 27 victory over the Ducks, who were on the second game of a back-to-back (SEGABABA).

Ducks forward Leo Carlsson emphasized how dangerous the Devils are because of their speed and that the Ducks' legs were "just not there" in that 6-2 loss.

"I think it's a different game when we play at Honda Center," Carlsson said. "We got a great win yesterday (against the Oilers) too. (We want to) build off of that."

After missing the last two games due to illness, John Gibson appears ready to return to game action. He was a full participant in today's practice and could potentially be in line to start tomorrow against the Devils after Lukáš Dostál worked both ends of the matinee back-to-back this past weekend.

Brock McGinn (lower-body) was placed on injured reserve before Sunday's game against the Oilers, leaving the Ducks without a healthy extra forward for the time being.

Ducks Projected Lines

Frank Vatrano - Ryan Strome - Troy Terry
Cutter Gauthier - Mason McTavish - Robby Fabbri
Alex Killorn - Leo Carlsson - Brett Leason
Ross Johnston - Isac Lundeström - Jansen Harkins

Jackson LaCombe - Radko Gudas
Brian Dumoulin - Jacob Trouba
Pavel Mintyukov - Drew Helleson

John Gibson (projected)

Devils Projected Lines

Ondrej Palát - Jack Hughes - Jesper Bratt
Timo Meier - Nico Hischier - Stefan Noesen
Paul Cotter - Erik Haula - Dawson Mercer
Kurtis MacDermid - Curtis Lazar - Nathan Bastian

Brendan Dillon - Dougie Hamilton
Jonas Siegenthaler - Johnathan Kovacevic
Luke Hughes - Brett Pesce

Jake Allen (projected)