Hughes scores winner as Devils outlast Kings 6-4; Kopitar sets LA franchise points record

Anze Kopitar becomes the Kings' all-time leading scorer in a high-scoring affair between New Jersey and Los Angeles.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 2:03am

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Jack Hughes scored the go-ahead goal with 2:29 remaining to lift the New Jersey Devils to a 6-4 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. Anze Kopitar scored twice for the Kings, setting the franchise's all-time points record with 1,308 points. The game featured a back-and-forth battle with the Devils overcoming an early 2-0 deficit before the Kings tied it late, only for Hughes to net the winner for New Jersey.

Why it matters

This was a crucial game for both teams as they jockey for playoff positioning. The Kings are battling for the final Western Conference wild card spot, while the Devils are looking to solidify their position in the Eastern Conference. Kopitar's record-setting performance was a bright spot for the Kings, but ultimately they came up short against the resilient Devils.

The details

Jack Hughes scored the go-ahead goal on the power play with 2:29 remaining to give the Devils a 5-4 lead. Nico Hischier scored twice for New Jersey, while Cody Glass, Arseny Gritsyuk and Timo Meier (with an empty-netter) also found the back of the net. For the Kings, Anze Kopitar scored twice to set the franchise's all-time points record with 1,308, surpassing Marcel Dionne. Artemi Panarin and Taylor Ward also scored for Los Angeles.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
  • Kopitar's record-setting goal came at 4:15 of the second period.
  • Hughes scored the game-winning goal with 2:29 remaining in the third period.

The players

Jack Hughes

The 24-year-old center for the New Jersey Devils scored the game-winning goal to lift his team to victory.

Anze Kopitar

The 38-year-old captain of the Los Angeles Kings scored twice in the game, setting the franchise's all-time points record with 1,308 points.

Jake Allen

The goaltender for the New Jersey Devils made 27 saves to help his team secure the win.

Nico Hischier

The 27-year-old center for the New Jersey Devils scored two goals in the game.

Artemi Panarin

The 34-year-old left wing for the Los Angeles Kings scored a goal in the game after being acquired from the New York Rangers on February 4.

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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 continue their five-game road trip with a visit to the New York Rangers on Monday night, while the Devils will host the Boston Bruins on the same evening.

The takeaway

This game showcased the high-powered offenses of both teams, with the Devils ultimately prevailing thanks to a late goal from their young star Jack Hughes. Kopitar's record-setting performance was a bright spot for the Kings, but they were unable to secure the two points as they fight for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.