New Jersey vs Los Angeles Prediction 24 October 2026
🔊 Los Angeles finally have something to cheer about. After dropping six straight games, the Kings bounced back with wins over Washington and the Islanders, though they still remain stuck near the bottom of the Western Conference. In Newark, they face a Devils side that has stumbled just once in their last five outings. New Jersey are finding the net far more consistently than they did at the start of the season and have already claimed victory in both games of their current homestand. For the Kings, this road trip will be a real test: are they truly turning the corner, or were those recent wins just a brief respite from their struggles?
Not even Kopitar’s record-setting performance was enough to rescue the Kings.
📊 Last season, New Jersey came out on top in both head-to-head clashes, though each game played out very differently. In Los Angeles, the Devils secured a 4-1 win, with Jakub Markstrom turning aside 43 shots. Dawson Mercer netted twice shorthanded in that contest. Back in Newark, the hosts’ defense looked far less convincing: the Kings struck four times, with Anze Kopitar bagging a brace to become the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. Still, it was Jack Hughes who had the final say, scoring the game-winner with just 2:29 left on the clock to seal a 6-4 victory for New Jersey.
Head-to-head statistics New Jersey - Los Angeles
They’ve remembered how to win
New Jersey are steadily recovering from their rough start to the season. Sheldon Keefe’s side have claimed four wins in their last five outings, including a notable victory over Colorado. In that clash, the Devils edged their opponents in expected goals (3.2 to 3.1), but crucially, they made their chances count. There were still some setbacks-against Washington, the Devils fell 2-4 after a promising start, losing control in the second period. However, things are looking up in Newark, with the offense hitting an impressive stride over the past five games. Defenseman Seamus Casey will miss out due to injury.
The recent matchup against Anaheim highlighted where the Devils can still raise their game. Previously, New Jersey controlled possession and fired plenty of shots, but often settled for efforts from the perimeter. This time, they crashed the crease with purpose-netting three goals from close range. Arseniy Gritsyuk opened the scoring, extending his point streak to four games, while Nico Hischier capitalized on a rebound during a power play. Late on, Anthony Mantha added to the lead before Jack Hughes sealed it with an empty-netter. The 4-1 win marked their second straight home victory, though they benefited from an overturned Anaheim goal in the opening period due to a penalty. Off the ice, New Jersey made headlines by acquiring Connor Hellebuyck from Winnipeg, sending Dawson Mercer, Nick Bjugstad, Nico Daws, Alexander Kommand, and several draft picks the other way. The three-time Vezina Trophy winner is expected to provide a significant boost between the pipes.
Match Results: New Jersey Devils
Panarin wakes up the Kings
Six straight defeats had sent Los Angeles tumbling down the Western Conference standings. Their turnaround came thanks to Artemi Panarin, who emerged as the driving force behind their last two victories. The Russian forward racked up three points against Washington, leading the Kings' comeback after a rough opening period. In the end, Peter Laviolette's side claimed a 5-2 win, overturning an early deficit to the Capitals. Now, the Californians are riding a two-game winning streak, but injuries continue to plague the roster: Kevin Fiala and Alex Turcotte remain sidelined, while Quinton Byfield's availability is still in doubt.
Panarin was at the heart of the action again versus the Islanders. He opened the scoring off a feed from Alex Laferriere, then doubled his tally late in the first period by pouncing on a rebound after a blocked shot. However, the Kings couldn't hold onto their two-goal cushion. Viktor Ekland converted on the power play before Matthew Schaefer leveled things up. That forced overtime, where the visitors seized control. Brandt Clarke netted the game-winner off an Adrian Kempe assist, sealing a 3-2 victory for Los Angeles. Still, even with such a promising start, the Kings had to survive a tense finish to secure both points.
Match Results: Los Angeles Kings
Prediction for the 1st period
New Jersey have started games with much more confidence lately. The Devils have scored at least once in the opening period in each of their last five outings. The bet: New Jersey individual total over 0.5 goals in the first period at 1.51.
Match Result Prediction
Two recent wins for Los Angeles do little to mask their ongoing struggles in regulation. The Kings have failed to claim victory within 60 minutes in 13 of their last 14 games, and away from home, they've managed just one regulation win in their last nine outings. The pick: New Jersey double chance in regulation at 1.35.
Total Goals Prediction
Despite the Devils’ recent scoring form, home games against Los Angeles have rarely turned into high-scoring affairs for the hosts. In six of their last seven meetings in New Jersey, the Devils have managed no more than three goals. The pick: New Jersey individual total under 3.5 goals at 1.61.
*Odds are approximate and may vary across different bookmakers.
⭐️ Editor's Prediction
Los Angeles deserve credit for snapping their six-game losing streak and immediately stringing together back-to-back wins. However, maintaining that momentum against New Jersey will be a tough ask. The Devils have been on fire offensively, averaging 4.4 goals over their last five outings. Their recent clash with Anaheim showcased not just their long-range shooting threat, but also their ability to generate chances in the crease through aggressive play. For the Kings-who couldn’t hold onto a lead even after a strong opening period against the Islanders-this poses a significant challenge. The hosts are currently displaying more variety in attack and consistently find ways to break through opposing defenses. With that in mind, rather than backing a winner, it makes more sense to focus on New Jersey’s scoring potential. My pick: Devils’ team total over 2.5 goals.
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Betting Tips: New Jersey Devils - Los Angeles Kings
in 15 of last 17 home games against Los Angeles Kings (NHL).in 13 of last 14 games (NHL).in last 9 away games (NHL).
in 13 of last 14 games (NHL).in 8 of last 9 away games (NHL).in 7 of last 8 home games (NHL).in 13 of last 14 away games (NHL).
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