New Jersey Devils (18-10-3) vs LA Kings (17-8-3)
December 12, 2024 at 07:00 PM EST
The Line: Betting Odds: New Jersey Devils -150 / LA Kings +125 — Over/Under: 5.5
The Los Angeles Kings and New Jersey Devils meet Thursday in NHL action at the Prudential Center. Here’s a LA Kings vs New Jersey Devils Prediction. This article will include an LA Kings vs New Jersey Devils Pick.
Los Angeles Kings Betting Preview
The Los Angeles Kings beat the Wild and Islanders, and they play the Rangers, Penguins, and Flyers next. The Los Angeles Kings are averaging 3.07 goals per game and are scoring 16.7 percent of their power play opportunities. Adrian Kempe leads Los Angeles with 14 goals, Anze Kopitar has 24 assists and Kevin Fiala has 74 shots on goal. Defensively, the Los Angeles Kings are allowing 2.54 goals per game and are killing 80.4 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Darcy Kuemper has given up 28 goals on 301 shots faced, while David Rittich has allowed 36 goals on 330 shots.
New Jersey Devils Betting Preview
The New Jersey Devils lost to the Avalanche and Maple Leafs, and they play the Blackhawks, Blues, and Blue Jackets next. The New Jersey Devils are averaging 3.32 goals per game and are scoring 31.3 percent of their power play opportunities. Nico Hischier leads New Jersey with 15 goals, Jack Hughes has 25 assists and Timo Meier has 99 shots on goal. Defensively, the New Jersey Devils are allowing 2.71 goals per game and are killing 81.1 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Jake Allen has allowed 27 goals on 270 shots faced, while Jacob Markstrom has given up 52 goals on 552 shots.
Why the Los Angeles Kings will win
- The Kings have won each of their last seven night games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The Devils have lost six of their last nine games as home favorites after coming off overtime.
- The Kings have covered the puck line in each of their last six night games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The Devils have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last five night games at Prudential Center.
New Jersey Devils Player Prop Facts
- Jack Hughes has recorded a point in each of the Devils’ last four games against the Kings at Prudential Center.
- Jack Hughes has recorded an assist in each of the Devils’ last four games against the Kings at Prudential Center.
Los Angeles Kings Player Prop Facts
- Adrian Kempe has scored a goal in three of the Kings’ last four night games.
- Anze Kopitar has recorded at least one point in nine of the Kings’ last 10 night games.
- Anze Kopitar has recorded at least one assist in seven of the Kings’ last eight games.
Matchup/League Facts
- The New Jersey Devils are one of six teams to rank in the top 10 for both goals scored and goals conceded per game this season.
- The New Jersey Devils rank 1st in the league for power-play goals this season (30).
- The Los Angeles Kings rank 1st in the league for shots against per game this season (24.1).
- The Los Angeles Kings rank 1st in the league for Period 1 goals allowed per game this season (0.54).
LA Kings vs New Jersey Devils Prediction
The New Jersey Devils are getting the benefit of the doubt because they’re at home, and they’re supposed to be one of the more talented teams in the league. However, we’re getting plus money with a Kings team that’s won 6 straight games and 8 of their last 10 games overall. The Kings have also won 5 of the last 7 games against the Devils. Also, the Devils have had more success on the road this season, where 11 of their 18 wins have come. I’ll ride the hot hand with the Kings and the more favorable price.