Los Angeles Kings vs New Jersey Devils Prediction, 2/15/2024 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Los Angeles Kings vs New Jersey Devils

Date: Thursday, February 15, 2024

Location: Prudential Center in Newark, NJ

TV: MSG+

Odds/Point Spread: Kings (-103) Devils (-120)

Prudential Center is the site where the New Jersey Devils (27-21-4) will try to beat the Los Angeles Kings (24-16-10) on Thursday. The moneyline on this game has the Kings at -103 while the Devils are at -120. The over/under has been set at 7.

The Los Angeles Kings had a rough game after their 7-0 loss against the Sabres in their previous game. The Kings had a below average offensive performance in this loss. In the matchup, they walked away having not converted any of the 33 shots they tried. Furthermore, they had 3 attempts on the power play but weren't able to convert one of them into a goal. Los Angeles recorded 4 minutes in the box in this contest.

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Concerning their scoring capabilities, the Los Angeles Kings have earned 155 goals (19th in the league) so far this year and have surrendered 134. For the year, they sit with 58 points and their points percentage is sitting at .580. Los Angeles has compiled 161 power play chances and they have tallied 34 goals during those chances, giving them a percentage of 21.12%. When at even strength, the Kings let the opposition score 114 goals while earning 121 on the offensive side of the ice. Los Angeles has taken 1,676 shots and holds a shooting percentage of 9.3%. The Kings have had 1,406 shots taken against them and have earned a save percentage of .905. Los Angeles Kings opponents have tallied 156 power play tries (22nd in professional hockey) and have a total of 20 goals in those attempts.

Protecting the goal for this matchup will be David Rittich. The opposition has been able to score 468 goals against Rittich in his pro career and his average for goals against per game is 2.83. Rittich has been involved in 185 contests over the course of his NHL career. He has a save percentage of .905 during his 9,938 minutes between the pipes. He has amassed a record of 85-53-24 and he was named the starter in 162 games. Over the course of his career, Rittich has 86 quality starts and his percentage for quality starts is .531. Rittich has had 4,950 shots taken against him and has accrued 4,482 saves.

In their last game, New Jersey faced off against the Predators in a game where the Devils notched a win by a final score of 4-2. They had 2 power play attempts in this one but were not able to net one. The Devils netted 4 goals out of the 47 shots on goal they tried.

The Devils are sitting with 139 goals at even strength and 37 goals (11th in the NHL) while on the power play. New Jersey has tried 1,650 shots (10th in pro hockey) and has earned a shooting percentage of 10.67%, while allowing the other team 1,559 shots. On the season, the New Jersey Devils have 176 goals, 58 points, and a points percentage of .558. They have allowed 179 goals to be scored by way of 146 goals at even strength and 33 goals while they were shorthanded. They have earned 156 power play chances and they have a power play rate of 23.72%. They have accumulated a penalty kill percentage of 79.50% on their opponents 161 power play chances, and their save percentage sits at 88.5%.

Across the ice you will find Vitek Vanecek patrolling the crease. The opposition is averaging 2.70 goals per contest and he has surrendered 412 goals overall. Vanecek's quality start rate comes out to 52.6% and he has made 80 quality starts in his NHL career. He has made the start in 152 games and his ice time sits at 9,140 mins. Vanecek is the owner of a career mark of 91-42-17 and has been in goal for 163 contests. He has recorded 3,931 stops out of 4,343 shots attempted, giving him a percentage of .905.

Who will win tonight's NHL game against the spread or moneyline?

Josh's Pick: Take Los Angeles (-103)

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