LiontipsLos Angeles vs. New Jersey. NHL Match Prediction and Bets
Command Analysis
Current form
The Kings have regained fourth place in the conference, overtaking Edmonton in the standings. Los Angeles currently has 47 points after 36 games, and the Kings remain in second place in the division. The hosts have been playing exclusively on the road for a long time and have sagged in recent matches, losing four out of six away games. After a confident victory over Philadelphia, Jim Hiller men lost to Nashville (2:3, OT), and the next day they were unable to beat Washington in the US capital (1:3). Returning home, the team from California proved stronger than Edmonton in a tough fight, and then won a strong-willed victory over Philadelphia (5:4).
Los Angeles has improved in reliability, but throughout the regular season, the Californians have played strong defense at home. Anze Kopitar squad is allowing 2.20 goals per game on the ice of the Crypto.com Arena. Darcy Kuemper returned to action after an injury and has not always been good in recent starts. This season, the goalie has reflected 90.97% of shots and made one shutout in 17 games.
The hosts' Anze Kopitar remains the Kings' main star. The Slovenian forward is having another strong season and already boasts 39 points (12+27) in the goal+pass system. Adrian Kempe is next with 35 points (17+18) and is the club top scorer at the moment.
Disqualifications and injuries
Trevor Lewis will not help his team in the match against New Jersey.
Interesting trends for betting
- On average, Los Angeles takes at least 27 shots per game.
The Kings are targeting the opposing goal, but they prefer to play the puck until it right.
- Statistically, the Kings get eight minutes of penalty time.
Los Angeles is not known for its good discipline and usually gets sent off at least four times per game
Current form
New Jersey is second in the conference with 51 points. The Devils have played 40 games this season and could fall even lower, as their rivals are on their tail. The Newark club played well in December, but could not finish the calendar year on a good note. Nico Hischier team won against Pittsburgh (3:0), Rangers (5:0) and Carolina (4:2) at home, and then failed to cope with the Hurricanes (2:5) and Ducks (2:3). The visitors tied the score with the match against the Ducks in the second half of the meeting, but conceded at the end.
The Devils have consistently been strong offensively, scoring at least two goals in nine games in a row. Jesper Bratt and Jack Hughes are battling for the lead in scoring, with 93 points between them. The Swedish forward is the best offensive player and often provides assists to his teammates (14+33). The rest of the players aren't as good at creating.
Jacob Markstrom remains the visiting team starting goalie and has played 28 games this season. The Swedish goalie has a .9088 save percentage and three shutouts. The goalie is allowing an average of 2.26 goals per game.
Disqualifications and injuries
All visiting leaders will come to California.
Interesting trends for betting
- New Jersey is 50-30 in goals scored and allowed in the second period.
The Devils have had their best second period in terms of reliability and they have been scoring quite a few themselves.
- The Devils are winning 51% of their faceoffs.
The visitors look good at the point and often win the puck for their teammates.
Trends
Bet 3rd period: Los Angeles will score
Los Angeles has scored in the third period in four of its five games.
1.45Bet 1st period: Los Angeles with handicap (0)
In the last five games between the teams, the Kings have not lost in the first period.
1.83Tip and bets
Los Angeles is very good on home ice, which we saw yesterday in the game against Philadelphia. The Kings used their chances well and deservedly beat Phil. New Jersey is not so strong at this stage of the season and looks especially bad in the current away series of games. The team from Newark has lost its leadership in the East and has won only one game in California since 2018. The hosts have not lost on home ice since the end of November and are unlikely to stumble in the match against the Devils. We are betting on the first victory.
Prediction - Los Angeles wins the match for 1.90
Bet on individual total
Los Angeles is extremely strong on home ice and rarely leaves the ice without at least three accurate shots. Jim Hiller team has scored eight times in the last two games and has used its chances well. New Jersey is not so reliable on the road and has allowed at least three goals in both away games. We think the Kings will turn on the red light behind the opponent net at least three times.
We take the individual total of Los Angeles over 2.5 goals with a coefficient of 1.70
Total Bet
Games on the ice of Crypto.com Arena are often low-scoring, because Jim Hiller charges play great defense in California. It will be very difficult for New Jersey to find their chances in attack, but we do not think that after a good match in Anaheim, the Devils will once again fail on their half of the ice. Let play a bet on the total under goals.
We bet on a total of less than six goals with a coefficient of 1.63
