New Jersey Devils vs LA Kings Prediction 12-12-24 NHL Picks

In this article, we will formulate a New Jersey Devils vs LA Kings prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, December 12th at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup. 

New Jersey Devils Betting Preview

The New Jersey Devils are 18-10-3 this year after they lost to Toronto by a score of 2-1 in overtime. New Jersey blew a 1-0 lead on a shorthanded goal in the third and ended up losing in overtime. The Devils outshot Toronto by a total of 39-17, won 50.8% of the face-offs, and went 0-4 on the power play in the game. New Jersey got their lone goal from Palat, while Markstrom stopped 15 out of 17 shots in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Devils lost to Colorado by a score of 4-0, but did beat the Kraken and Rangers before that. New Jersey has scored 3.32 goals per game and they have allowed 2.71 goals against per game, while also going 31.3% on the power play and 81.1% on the penalty kill this season. Jesper Bratt has led New Jersey with 13 goals, 25 assists, and 79 shots on goal, while Jacob Markstrom is 13-6-2 with a 2.48 goals against average and a .906 save percentage this year. 

LA Kings Betting Preview

The Los Angeles Kings are 17-8-3 this season after they defeated the Islanders by a score of 3-1 in their last game. Los Angeles had their lead cut to 2-1 in the second period, but they added an empty net goal to pull away in the third. The Kings outshot New York by a total of 30-20, won 52.6% of the face-offs, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. Los Angeles got goals from Fiala, Kempe, and Anderson, while Kuemper stopped 19 out of 20 shots in the win. 

Prior to that game, the Kings won five games in a row against the Wild, Stars, Senators, Ducks, and Jets. Los Angeles has scored 3.07 goals per game and they have allowed 2.54 goals against per game, while also going 16.7% on the power play and 80.4% on the penalty kill this season. Anze Kopitar has led LA with eight goals, 24 assists, and 33 shots on goal, while David Rittich is 10-6-0 with a 2.45 goals-against average and a .891 save percentage this year. 

Why the Kings will beat the Devils

• The Kings have won each of their last nine games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• The Devils have lost four of their last five games as home favorites.
• The Kings have covered the puck line in each of their last seven games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• The Devils have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last five games at Prudential Center.
• The Kings have won the third period in each of their last seven games against Metropolitan Division opponents.

Total Goals Facts

• Eight of the Kings’ last nine night games against Metropolitan Division opponents have gone UNDER the total goals line.
• Seven of the Devils’ last eight games against Pacific Division opponents have gone UNDER the total goals line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in nine of the Devils’ last 10 games.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Kings’ last six road games against opponents on a losing streak.

New Jersey Devils Player Prop Facts

• Jack Hughes has recorded a point in each of the Devils’ last four home games against the Kings.
• Jack Hughes has recorded an assist in each of the Devils’ last four home games against the Kings.
• Timo Meier has scored a goal in three of his last four appearances against the Kings.

Los Angeles Kings Player Prop Facts

• Adrian Kempe has scored a goal in three of the Kings’ last four games.
• Adrian Kempe has recorded at least one point in each of his last six appearances against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• Anze Kopitar has recorded at least one assist in nine of the Kings’ last 10 night games.

Matchup/League Facts

• The New Jersey Devils rank 1st in the league in power play percentage this season (31.25%).
• The New Jersey Devils rank 6th in the league for goals against per game this season (2.71).
• The Los Angeles Kings rank 3rd in the league for goals against per game this season (2.54).
• The Los Angeles Kings rank 28th in the league in power play percentage this season (16.67%).

New Jersey Devils vs LA Kings Prediction 

Los Angeles comes into this matchup trying to extend their winning streak, and they are one of the best defensive teams in the NHL. The Kings are 7-6-2 on the road this year, while the Devils are 7-6-3 at home. New Jersey has lost two games in a row and they have only scored a total of one goal in those two losses. LA has allowed two goals or fewer in six straight games and I don’t want to go against that defense right now. Take the Kings to win.