By IHM Team | IHM News | November 2, 2025
Markstrom Turns Away 43 as Devils Silence Kings 4-1
Mercer scores twice shorthanded, Halonen nets first NHL goal, New Jersey perfect on the kill
LOS ANGELES. Jacob Markstrom was the difference. The New Jersey goalie stopped 43 shots and iced a 4-1 road win over the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena. The performance arrived one day after Markstrom signed a two-year, $12M extension that starts in 2026-27.
Dawson Mercer struck twice shorthanded in the third period, Nico Hischier opened the scoring on a Luke Hughes point shot, and Brian Halonen beat Darcy Kuemper glove side for his first NHL goal. New Jersey snapped a two-game skid and moved to 9-3-0. The Devils killed all four Kings power plays and turned the game with their penalty kill.
Los Angeles saw a seven-game point streak end. Andrei Kuzmenko scored their lone goal from the low slot off an Anze Kopitar feed. Kuemper finished with 18 saves. The Kings remain winless at home this season.
What decided it
- Goaltending: Markstrom’s 43 saves included multiple high-danger stops in the second and a clean OT-kill stand late.
- Special teams: New Jersey went 4-for-4 on the kill and scored twice shorthanded through Mercer.
- Starts and answers: Hischier’s redirect at 1:22 set the tone. When LA pushed, Mercer’s second closed the door into an empty net.
Milestones and notes
- Luke Hughes recorded his 100th NHL point on Hischier’s tip.
- Brian Halonen scored his first NHL goal and point in his 12th career game.
- The Kings fell to 0-3-2 at home.
Coach Mark: Markstrom owned the blue paint tonight. The kill was connected, sticks in lanes, quick exits, and Mercer read the ice like a veteran. That combination wins playoff games.