Los Angeles Kings vs New Jersey Devils Picks and Predictions for Saturday October 24 2026
The Kings finally won a couple of games, and now they’re heading into New Jersey to find out whether they’ve actually fixed anything. Los Angeles lost its first six games before beating Washington 5-2 and the Islanders 3-2 in overtime. That’s progress. The trouble is that the Islanders fired 43 shots at Darcy Kuemper on Thursday. Forty-three shots isn’t exactly a winning formula, even when your goalie happens to stop 41 of them.
New Jersey has won four of five and just handled Anaheim 4-1. The Devils have some life in their offense, and they’re catching a Kings team that’s still working awfully hard for its victories. Los Angeles visits New Jersey at Prudential Center in Newark on Saturday, October 24, 2026. Puck drop is scheduled for 3:30 PM ET. The Devils are favored around -144, the Kings are approximately +144, and the total is 5.5 goals. Check our free NHL picks for more predictions.
Los Angeles Kings Finally Have Something Going
Los Angeles is 2-4-2 after Thursday’s overtime win against the Islanders. The Kings led 2-0 after the first period, lost that lead, then got a goal from Brandt Clarke at 2:43 of overtime. It was their second straight win after a brutal opening stretch. They also beat Washington 5-2 on Tuesday.
Here’s the part that bothers me about the Kings. They were outshot 43-27 by the Islanders and needed Kuemper to make 41 saves. The Islanders had 32 shots through two periods alone. You can survive a night like that when your goalie is terrific, but I don’t want to count on it happening again against Jack Hughes and the Devils.
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Artemi Panarin scored twice Thursday, giving him six goals on the season. Clarke had the winner, while Adrian Kempe picked up the overtime assist. Kuemper was easily one of the most important players on the ice. The Kings’ top offensive players are beginning to produce, but the defensive coverage still needs work. New Jersey is not a team I’d want to give 40-plus shots.
New Jersey Devils Are Starting To Look Dangerous
New Jersey is 6-4-0 after beating Anaheim 4-1 on Thursday. The Devils have won four of their last five, and the offense has started to look more comfortable. They scored twice in the first period against Anaheim and never trailed. That’s a much easier way to play hockey than chasing a game all afternoon.
The Devils held Anaheim to 17 shots while putting 29 on goal themselves. They also scored three times from close range before adding an empty-netter. That’s important against Los Angeles because the Kings have been allowing too many chances. New Jersey doesn’t need to get fancy. Get the puck down low, make the defense turn around, and put bodies in front of the goalie.
Arseny Gritsyuk scored his fifth goal of the season Thursday and has goals in four consecutive games. Jack Hughes had a goal and an assist, Jesper Bratt collected two assists, and Nico Hischier scored on the power play. Nico Daws needed just 16 saves for the victory. The Devils have multiple forwards capable of finishing chances, which is why the Kings’ recent defensive problems are worth taking seriously.
Los Angeles Kings vs New Jersey Devils Picks and Predictions
New Jersey Devils Moneyline (-144)
I’ll lay the price with New Jersey. Los Angeles deserves credit for winning two straight, and Panarin is starting to heat up. But the Kings gave up 43 shots Thursday. If they do that again, I don’t think Kuemper is going to bail them out. The Devils have won four of five, Hughes is creating chances, and Gritsyuk keeps finding the net. I’ll take the home team.
Over 5.5 Goals (-150)
I like the over, although -150 is a price worth thinking about before betting. The Kings have scored eight goals in their last two games, and New Jersey has enough offense to take advantage of loose coverage. Los Angeles can contribute to the total, especially with Panarin playing well. A 4-2 Devils win is the kind of game I’m expecting. If both goalies are sharp, this could stay under, but the chances Los Angeles allowed Thursday make me lean toward goals.
Final Picks: New Jersey Devils Moneyline (-144) and Over 5.5 Goals (-150)
This preview was completed October 23, 2026. Betting lines, injuries, and starting goaltenders may change before puck drop.
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