LA @ NJ

LA has quietly strung together back-to-back road wins — 5-2 at WSH and 3-2 OT at NYI — and is playing with some momentum. NJ is rolling at home but just had a 4-1 blowout two days ago and may be looking past a Kings team that's quietly finding its legs.

Allen is cold at 0.877 SV% over his last five starts while Kuemper is running hot at 0.924 — that goalie gap is real. Back LA +1.5 at +154 and let the Kings steal this one or keep it within a goal.

NJ is 5-2 overall and 4-1 at home, and their offense has been explosive — a 7-1 demolition of NYR and a 4-1 win over ANA in their last two home games. LA is 2-5 overall and has Quinton Byfield listed day-to-day, which is a massive blow to their top-six center depth. Kevin Fiala is also on IR, stripping another scoring option. A Devils squad this hot at home against a shorthanded Kings roster is a legitimate -1.5 situation.

Darcy Kuemper has been the story here — 0.924 SV% over his last five starts after a rough 0.890 overall mark through 6 GS. That recent form is the real number. Meanwhile Jake Allen is trending the wrong direction at 0.877 SV% over his last five starts. LA has won two straight on the road, scoring 8 goals combined at WSH and NYI. The Kings can score enough to stay within a goal, and at +154, you're getting paid to take the points.

NJ is 5-2 overall, 4-1 at home. LA is 2-5 overall, 2-2 away. Kuemper overall SV% is 0.890 over 6 GS; Allen overall SV% is 0.883 over 6 GS. Both carry identical 3.17 GAA.

LA is without Fiala (IR) and Turcotte (IR), with Byfield day-to-day — their center depth is gutted. NJ's Connor Hellebuyck is day-to-day, which is why Allen is starting. LA played Oct 22 at NYI, so they're on two days rest — no back-to-back concern.

LA +1.5 at -185 juice is steep for a team getting points. The +154 on NJ -1.5 offers real value if you trust the Devils to win by two or more — the market is pricing this as a coin flip on the puck line.