Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled and offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups. In today’s round of NHL Predictions, we are looking at the game between the New Jersey Devils vs Los Angeles Kings. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season continues.
We want wish all of our readers a very happy and safe New Year. All the best to you for 2025.
NHL Predictions
New Jersey Devils vs Los Angeles Kings
Head-to-Head: Devils 1-0 Kings
Time: 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: MSGSN; Fan Duel Sports West; NHL Network; Sportsnet
We have only one game going to ring in 2025 with the Devils visiting the Kings. New Jersey won the first meeting of the season by a 3-1 margin on December 12. Jack Hughes got the game-winning goal and had a hand in the other two for the Devils. Jordan Spence provided the lone goal for the Kings.
The Devils Story
After a rough 2023-24 campaign, the Devils did some retooling and have bounced back. New Jersey is second place in the Metropolitan Division. However, the Devils are only one point in back of the Washington Capitals for first place in the division.
Jake Allen is the expected starter for the Devils, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Nico Hischier has been very good this season with 18 goals and 16 assists for the Devils. Timo Meier has been heating up as of late with five goals with three assists over the past 10 games.
The Kings Story
Los Angeles comes into this game with a 6-2-2 mark in the last 10 games. The Kings have also won two straight games coming into this East versus West game. LA is tied for second with the Edmonton Oilers for second place in the Pacific Division.
Darcy Kuemper is the expected starter for the Kings coming into this game. Alex Laferriere has had a solid start to the season with 13 goals with 13 assists for the Kings. Quinton Byfield has notched five goals and three assists over the past 10 games.
Prediction
Both teams are fighting for a division title, but teams are on different paths so in the last few games. The Devils have dropped the last two games coming into this one. However, New Jersey is more than capable of turning it around.
The Devils were solid on the defensive end in the first meeting and will get back to basics in this meeting.
Prediction: Devils win 3-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out this first edition of NHL predictions of 2025 with some prop bets. On the New Jersey end, we’ll go with Hischier to score a goal in this one at +220. For the Los Angeles side of things, take Kevin Fiala to get a goal at +200. Odds for both of these items are via FanDuel.
Main photo by: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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