LiontipsNew Jersey vs. Los Angeles. NHL Match Prediction and Bets
Command Analysis
Current form
New Jersey is in second place in the Eastern Conference with 39 points. The team has not been able to regain its lead in the standings, and has played many more games than its competitors, so if the losing streak continues, it could end up in sixth place. Let us recall that the Devils have not been playing well lately, which is why they have lost two games in a row for the first time in a long time. So, after a victory over the Rangers (5:1) and a successful match against Seattle (3:2), the club first lost to Colorado (0:4) and also missed out on a victory against Toronto, losing 1:2 in overtime.
In the confrontation with the Leafs, Sheldon Keefe team had a minimal advantage until the middle of the third twenty minutes, but then, having received a numerical advantage, allowed itself to relax a little, for which it was punished with a puck in the 4x5 format, missing a dangerous counterattack of the opponent in the minority.
However, this season the team has looked great on the power play and currently remains the best in the league in this indicator, having 31.3% of the power play. However, oddly enough, in previous meetings New Jersey faced difficulties in converting moments, because of which they often did not distinguish themselves by more than one or two goals scored. In general, this does not happen to them often, since the club has a powerful offensive line by NHL standards.
Disqualifications and injuries
Lazar and Allen will not take part in the upcoming fight due to injury
Interesting trends for betting
- New Jersey averages 9.32 penalty minutes
The team cannot be considered one of the most disciplined, as it usually gets sent off at least five times per game
- The Devils have a 42-24 goal-against ratio in the second period.
The Devils are playing well in the second twenty minutes and often score goals in it.
Current form
Los Angeles has significantly improved its position in the standings in recent times and is in fourth place in the Western Conference, having earned a total of 37 points. The team has been showing excellent results since the end of last month and is currently on a series of six victories. It is noteworthy that in all previous matches it achieved success within 60 minutes and often won with a difference of two or more goals. Earlier on home ice, the Kings were able to deal with Ottawa (5:2), Dallas (3:2), and after another home victory against Minnesota (4:1) they went on the road, where they proved their superiority over the Islanders with a score of 3:1.
Let us emphasize that for most of the season, Jim Hiller team has been playing reliably in defense and has managed with a minimum number of goals conceded. However, at the start of the season, he himself often had problems creating and converting chances, which is why he lost a lot of points.
On the road, the Kings are objectively not as strong as on their home court, since they have only managed to win seven victories in regulation time on the road, while at home they have already achieved victory ten times. Incidentally, the third game segment is the best for Los Angeles, in which they have a 40:32 ratio in goals scored and conceded and quite often open up the opponent defense.
Disqualifications and injuries
Lewis and Doughty will not take part in the match due to injury
Interesting trends for betting
- Los Angeles has an 80.4% power play neutralization rate
The team currently ranks 20th in the league in this indicator.
- The Kings are getting 8.82 penalty minutes.
The team is usually sent off at least four times per match
Trends
Bet 1st period: total over 1.5 goals
In three out of five matches between the clubs, the first period was productive
1.85Bet 3rd period: guests will score
In the last five matches, the visitors scored goals in the third period
1.50Tip and bets
In our opinion, Los Angeles in its current form is in no way inferior to New Jersey. The Kings have previously demonstrated great results and dealt with powerful opponents. The Devils are currently going through a difficult period of the season and are likely to not limit themselves to two defeats in a row. Also, do not forget that the previous meetings between the teams ended in favor of the Kings, and they often achieved success within 60 minutes. We think that this time the guests should definitely not lose in regulation time at the very least.
Prediction - Los Angeles will not lose for 1.80
Bet on individual total
In recent games, New Jersey has often had problems with scoring and has not been able to score more than two goals. The Devils play poorly in attack against such opponents. Los Angeles, in turn, adheres to a closed style of hockey and always tries to act as reliably as possible in defense. Considering that in six previous games the Kings have managed with fewer than three goals conceded, we suggest betting on the individual total of the Devils.
We bet on the individual total of New Jersey under 3.5 goals for 1.60
Total Bet
The last matches between the teams were not particularly productive and rarely ended with more than five goals scored. Los Angeles also finished four of the last five matches with fewer than six goals. The Kings certainly do not allow the Devils to play their counterattacking hockey and demonstrate everything they are capable of. Based on this, we suggest betting on the total under.
We take the total under six goals for 1.66
