The Devils are in the fifth wild card spot in the Eastern Conference with a record of 30-26-4.

"Disappointing. We have to find a way to put the puck in the back of the net. We gave up too much again. We should win that game 3-1, 3-2." 

New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier knows there were positives from his team's 4-3 loss to the Anaheim Ducks but understands time is running out for his team. With every game being critical in a push for the postseason, the Devils fell short and left Anaheim without two crucial points.

For the 44th time this season, the Devils surrendered the game's opening goal. Frank Vatrano scored his team-leading 28th goal of the season. Mason McTavish collected the lone assist.

Timo Meier's 12th goal of the season would tie the game with 2:36 remaining in the period. Jack Hughes earned the primary assist to extend his point streak to three games. Tyler Toffoli earned the secondary assist.

It took 51 seconds for the Ducks to regain the lead. Ex-Devil Adam Henrique scored his 18th of the season. Max Jones was credited with the lone assist.

New Jersey had a 19-7 shot advantage after 20 minutes but trailed their opponent 2-1 after the opening frame.

Max Jones extended Anaheim's lead to 3-1 with his fifth of the season 13 minutes into the second period.

Jack Hughes beat Lukas Dostal on the power play to pull his team within one. His brother Luke Hughes and Jesper Bratt collected the helpers. It was Bratt's 40th assist of the season.

Vatrano celebrated his second goal of the game two minutes later. Troy Terry, who was a game-time decision, collected an assist along with Radko Gudas, who was one goal away from a Gordie Howe hat trick after dropping the gloves with Curtis Lazar in the first period.

Devils head coach Lindy Ruff made a goaltending change to start the third period, putting in Akira Schmid. Nico Daws made 10 saves on 14 shots, finishing the night with a .714 save percentage.

Toffoli scored his team-leading 26th goal of the season on the power play with three minutes remaining in regulation to pull his team back within one. With 2.1 seconds remaining, New Jersey was awarded a penalty shot after Vatrano was called for delay of game. Jack Hughes had the game on his stick but lost control of the puck before he could get off a shot.

After 60 minutes, the Devils fired 55 shots at Dostal but fell in regulation, 4-3. It was the second-most shots on goal that the team earned in a single game in franchise history. For a second straight game, Jack Hughes collected three points. 

UP NEXT: The Devils will face the LA Kings on Sunday, March 3.

LINES:

Timo Meier - Nico Hischier - Jesper Bratt

Ondrej Palat - Jack Hughes - Curtis Lazar

Tyler Toffoli - Erik Haula - Dawson Mercer

Chris Tierney - Alexander Holtz

Kevin Bahl - John Marino

Luke Hughes - Brendan Smith

Jonas Siegenthaler - Simon Nemec

Colin Miller

Nico Daws

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