The Los Angeles Kings have experienced a noticeable shift in their performance and competitive spirit on the ice since a recent coaching change. Under the guidance of interim head coach D.J. Smith, the team is embarking on the second game of a back-to-back road trip in the tri-state area, facing the New Jersey Devils on Saturday evening. This matchup follows a hard-fought 3-2 victory against the New York Islanders on Friday.
This recent win against the Islanders propelled the Kings into a wildcard playoff spot in the Western Conference standings. A victory against the Devils would further solidify their position, potentially moving them into a more comfortable playoff spot within the Pacific Division as the regular season progresses towards the postseason.
Beyond the immediate playoff implications, Saturday’s game also presents a significant milestone watch for the Kings. Captain Anze Kopitar is on the cusp of tying and potentially breaking the franchise record for total career points. Just yesterday, Kopitar surpassed Marcel Dionne’s long-standing record for most road points in Kings franchise history, accumulating an impressive 608 points away from home.
Betting Insights and Projected Rosters
For those looking to place wagers on the matchup between the Kings and the Devils, here’s a breakdown of the betting odds and spread information. The game is scheduled to take place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on March 14th at 4 p.m. PT.
Betting Odds:
- Moneyline:
- Kings: +128
- Devils: -154
- Spread:
- Kings +1.5 (-210)
- Over/Under:
- 5.5 goals (Over -118, Under -104)
The Kings are currently considered underdogs heading into this road game against the Devils, as indicated by the pregame betting spread and moneyline. These odds are provided by FanDuel sportsbook and are subject to change.
Projected Rosters:
Here are the anticipated lineups for both the Los Angeles Kings and the New Jersey Devils. It’s important to note that an asterisk (*) denotes a healthy scratch.
Los Angeles Kings
- Forwards:
- Panarin – Kopitar – Kempe
- Moore – Byfield – Laferriere
- Turcotte – Laughton – Wright
- Malott – Helenius – Ward
- *Joseph
- Defensemen:
- Edmundson – Clarke
- Anderson – Ceci
- Booth – Dumoulin
- *Moverare
- Goalies:
- Forsberg
- Kuemper
New Jersey Devils
- Forwards:
- Meier – Hischier – Mercer
- Bratt – J. Hughes – Brown
- Gritsyuk – Glass – Hameenaho
- Cotter – Bjugstad – Tsyplakov
- Defensemen:
- Siegenthaler – Hamilton
- L. Hughes – Kovacevic
- Dillon – Nemec
- Goalies:
- Allen
- Markstrom
Future Betting Odds for the Los Angeles Kings (2025-26 Season)
Looking ahead, here are the current futures betting odds for the Los Angeles Kings for the upcoming 2025-26 season:
- To win the Pacific Division: +1400
- To make the playoffs: -160
- To win the Stanley Cup: +6500
Please remember that game odds are dynamic and can be updated periodically.
The recent coaching change has seemingly injected a new level of urgency and determination into the Kings’ play. With a playoff spot within reach and a franchise record on the horizon for their captain, the team is looking to capitalize on this momentum. The back-to-back scenario presents a unique challenge, but also an opportunity to demonstrate their resilience and growing chemistry under their new interim leadership. The matchup against the Devils is not just another game; it’s a crucial step in their playoff push and a potential landmark moment in club history. The intensity on the ice has been palpable, and fans will be eagerly watching to see if the Kings can continue this upward trajectory.
