Devils rally late to spoil Kopitar's Kings milestone

Jack Hughes scores go-ahead goal as New Jersey comes back to beat Los Angeles 6-4

Mar. 15, 2026 at 5:56am

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Anze Kopitar scored twice to become the Los Angeles Kings' all-time points leader, but the New Jersey Devils rallied with four goals in the third period to defeat the Kings 6-4. Jack Hughes scored the go-ahead goal late in the third to lift the Devils, who snapped a two-game losing skid. Nico Hischier had a four-point game for New Jersey, while Artemi Panarin and Taylor Ward scored for Los Angeles.

Why it matters

Kopitar's milestone was overshadowed by the Devils' comeback victory, which kept the Kings' playoff hopes in jeopardy as they battle for the final Western Conference wild-card spot. The win was an important one for New Jersey, who are all but eliminated from postseason contention.

The details

Kopitar scored his 1,308th career point to surpass Marcel Dionne as the Kings' all-time points leader. However, the Devils rallied from a 4-2 deficit in the third period, with Nico Hischier scoring twice and Jack Hughes netting the go-ahead goal on the power play with 2:29 remaining. Timo Meier added an empty-net goal to seal the victory for New Jersey.

  • Kopitar broke the Kings' all-time points record in the second period.
  • Hughes scored the go-ahead goal for the Devils with 2:29 left in the third period.
  • The game was played on Saturday, March 15, 2026.

The players

Anze Kopitar

The longtime captain of the Los Angeles Kings, who announced this will be his final NHL season after 20 years with the franchise.

Jack Hughes

The Devils' young star who scored the game-winning goal late in the third period to lift New Jersey to victory.

Nico Hischier

The Devils' captain who had a four-point night, including two goals, to lead New Jersey's comeback.

Anton Forsberg

The Kings' goaltender who made 22 saves in the losing effort.

Jake Allen

The Devils' goaltender who made 27 saves to earn the win for New Jersey.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Kings will look to bounce back and keep their playoff hopes alive in their next game, while the Devils will try to build on this comeback victory despite being out of the postseason picture.

The takeaway

Kopitar's historic achievement was overshadowed by the Devils' thrilling comeback, which showcased the resilience of New Jersey's young core and the continued challenges facing the Kings as they fight for a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference.