Welcome back to NHL Predictions here at Last Word on Sports! Each day, we take a closer look at NHL games to give them our analysis, preview and final prediction. Today we’ll be looking at a matchup between the Los Angeles Kings and New Jersey Devils. Be sure to check back each day to read all our NHL Predictions throughout the season.
NHL Predictions
Los Angeles Kings at New Jersey Devils
Time: 7 p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time)
TV: ESPN+; FanDuel Sports Network; MSG Networks
Today’s slate of NHL games features a 2012 Stanley Cup Finals rematch as the Kings travel to New Jersey to take on the Devils. Los Angeles will be coming off a win against the New York Islanders on Tuesday night as they continue their long seven-game road trip along the East Coast. The Devils played on Tuesday as well, as they gained a point in an overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Devils will be playing in game four of a five-game home stand.
Kings Win Streak Reaches Six
The Kings continued their winning ways against the New York Islanders by a score of 3-1. Los Angeles has now taken six games in a row, which is the longest current win streak in the NHL. The Kings have seen everything clicking. The team has been scoring enough offensively to win games against great goaltenders. The defence and goaltending continue to limit goals against. Since the start of November, the Kings have allowed more than two goals in a game only once. Goalie Darcy Kuemper has bounced back from his injury to post two strong performances against the Wild and Islanders.
Los Angeles will need to remain disciplined in this game to extend their win streak. New Jersey has an extremely deadly power play, so the Kings will need to stay out of the box. They have been better about this aspect of their game as of late but took three penalties against the Islanders. The Devils power play may not be as forgiving as the Islanders.
New Jersey Looks for More Success After OT Loss
New Jersey is one of the top teams in the league this year and is currently ranked second in the Metropolitan Division. They lie only one point behind the Washington Capitals in the standings. New Jersey will have no shortage of offensive talent in their lineup. Jesper Bratt leads the team in points and assists. Nico Hischier leads in goals and Jack Hughes continues to star for the team. They will look to rebound after a rough outing against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Devils had 39 shots on the Leafs but managed one goal. The Leafs only needed 17 shots to claim the victory.
New Jersey will look to employ their power play against the Kings. The Devils have the best power play in the league with an extremely impressive 31.3% success rate. In net, the Devils will likely start Jacob Markstrom. The Vezina Trophy finalist has had no shortage of experience playing the Kings, posting a 12-6-4 record.
Prediction
This has the makings of a good game. Both teams boast star players and are very close in regards to points in the standings. Last season, the Kings were able to sweep both games of the two-game season series. This year, the Kings ride a long win streak into New Jersey. With all that has been going right for Los Angeles, it’s hard to vote against them right now. If they continue their current play, the Kings should be able to take home the win.
Prediction: Los Angeles Kings over New Jersey Devils 3-2.
Prop Bets for the Night
For tonight’s prop bets, I’d be taking a close look at Timo Meier. In his last 10 games against the Kings, the Swiss winger has 10 goals and 5 assists. FanDuel Sportsbook has Meier listed as +250 to score tonight. Meier has been a scoring machine against the Kings in his career.
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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The post December 12 NHL Predictions: Los Angeles Kings at New Jersey Devils appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.