Los Angeles Kings vs New Jersey Devils Picks and Predictions for Saturday, October 24, 2026

Los Angeles is starting to get some results after a difficult opening stretch. The Kings have won their last two games, but Saturday brings a visit to a New Jersey team that's also playing well. The Los Angeles Kings face the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center in Newark, with the game starting at 3:30 pm ET on ESPN+. Los Angeles is sixth in the Pacific Division at 2-4-2 after beating the Islanders 3-2 in overtime Thursday. New Jersey has a 6-4-0 record and sits fourth in the Metropolitan Division following a 4-1 victory over Anaheim. Both teams are coming off back-to-back wins. Build your bankroll with our free NHL picks.

Los Angeles Kings Are Finding Some Goals

The Kings were having a hard time scoring before this week's road trip. They managed only one goal in each of three straight losses, including defeats to Edmonton and Boston. Things started looking better Tuesday when Los Angeles beat Washington 5-2. The Kings followed that with a 3-2 overtime victory against the Islanders on Thursday. It's been a welcome change for a team averaging 2.50 goals per game while giving up 3.63. Los Angeles is getting 29 shots on goal per game, but turning those opportunities into goals has been a problem.

Artemi Panarin has been responsible for much of the scoring, with six goals and nine points through eight games. Adrian Kempe has three goals, while Alex Laferriere and Brandt Clarke have five assists each. The Kings also need better performances from their goaltenders. Darcy Kuemper has a 3.55 goals-against average and .890 save percentage, while Anton Forsberg has a 2.63 GAA and .883 save percentage. New Jersey averages 35 shots on goal, so whoever starts in net for Los Angeles could have another busy afternoon.

Injuries: Quinton Byfield is out. Alex Turcotte, Jakub Dvorak, Jan Jenik and Kevin Fiala are on injured reserve.

New Jersey Devils Have Been Difficult to Slow Down

New Jersey has won four of its last five, and the scores tell the story of an attack with plenty of options. The Devils scored seven against the Rangers, four against Colorado and another four in Thursday's win over Anaheim. The only loss in that stretch came at Washington. New Jersey averages 3.30 goals and allows 3.10, but the shot totals are revealing: 35 for and 25.1 against per game. That's a lot of time spent making opponents defend, which could be uncomfortable for Los Angeles.

Jack Hughes leads New Jersey with 11 points, including eight assists. Nico Hischier and Arseny Gritsyuk share the team lead with five goals each, while Jesper Bratt has nine points. In net, Jake Allen is 4-2-0 with a 3.15 goals-against average and .883 save percentage. Nico Daws has a 2.78 average and .874 save percentage. Neither has been unbeatable, so the Devils are better off keeping the puck at the other end. Their offense has done that lately.

Injuries: Nick Bjugstad is on long-term injured reserve, and Seamus Casey is unavailable on injured reserve.

Key To The Game

The Kings have scored eight goals in two wins, but New Jersey averages 35 shots per game. Los Angeles needs to spend less time defending and stay out of the penalty box. Its penalty kill has stopped only 63% of opposing power plays.

Los Angeles Kings vs New Jersey Devils Game Pick

• New Jersey Devils

The Kings deserve credit for winning their last two games, especially after struggling to score earlier in the month. Panarin has been dangerous, and Los Angeles has started finishing chances. New Jersey, though, creates more shots and has scored at least four goals in three of its last four wins. The Devils also have more ways to find a goal if one line goes quiet. New Jersey wins at home Saturday.

Los Angeles Kings vs New Jersey Devils Over/Under Pick

• Over

Both clubs have been involved in higher-scoring games lately. Los Angeles put five past Washington, while New Jersey has scored four or more in four of its last five outings. Neither goaltending group has produced strong save percentages, and the Kings have allowed 3.63 goals per game. With Hughes creating chances and Panarin scoring regularly, goals should come at both ends. The over is the play for Saturday's matchup.