The New York Islanders are traveling to the West Coast to take on the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena in an NHL regular season game. Both teams are looking to bounce back from recent struggles, with the Islanders holding a 7-10-0 record and the Kings at 5-11-0. The game will take place on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 10:00 PM and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
Under the guidance of Head Coach Pete DeBoer, the Islanders have had a rough start to the season, currently ranked 11th in the Eastern Conference. They are on a four-game losing streak, and their recent outings have seen them narrowly edged out by opponents like the San Jose Sharks and New Jersey Devils. Despite the losses, players like Bo Horvat and Ilya Sorokin have shown commendable performances, providing a glimmer of hope for the team.
The Los Angeles Kings, coached by Peter Laviolette, are similarly struggling as they find themselves 14th in the Western Conference standings. The Kings recently faced defeats against the Nashville Predators and Pittsburgh Penguins, with their only recent win coming from a high-scoring game against the San Jose Sharks. Both teams are keen on gaining momentum early in the season, making this a pivotal game for setting the tone moving forward.
Kings vs Islanders At a Glance
- Game Location: Crypto.com Arena
- Islanders' Current Record: 7-10-0
- Kings' Current Record: 5-11-0
- TV Coverage: ESPN+
- Islanders' MoneyLine Odds: +103
- Kings' MoneyLine Odds: -122
The Kings' Quest: Analyzing Los Angeles' Performance for the Upcoming Game
Recent Performance Overview
The Los Angeles Kings have shown inconsistency in recent outings. They've secured just one win in their last five games, with a notable victory against the San Jose Sharks, scoring 7-2. However, their losses to Nashville, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo highlight challenges in both offense and defense.
Despite these setbacks, the Kings demonstrated potential with strong offensive bursts. Against the Ottawa Senators, they managed a 6-5 win, showcasing their ability to capitalize on power plays with two power-play goals.
Key Players to Watch
Artemi Panarin stands out with 18 points this season, boasting eight goals and ten assists. His contribution has been crucial, particularly in games where the Kings have managed to secure wins.
Adrian Kempe has also been a significant contributor with six goals and seven assists. His physical play is evident with 20 hits, offering the Kings an edge in physical matchups.
Goaltending Insights
Darcy Kuemper has been a mainstay in the net for the Kings, with five wins from ten appearances. His performance against the Sharks, with 30 saves on 32 shots, exemplifies his capability to handle high-pressure situations.
Anton Forsberg, on the other hand, has struggled, yet still delivered notable performances. Despite being winless, his 27 saves against Nashville reflect his resilience in goal.
Injury Concerns
The Kings are dealing with several key injuries that could impact their performance. Drew Doughty, a pivotal defensive presence, is questionable with a lower-body injury.
Additionally, Kevin Fiala's absence due to lower-leg surgery is a significant loss. These injuries create challenges in maintaining a robust lineup.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- SU Last 5: 1-4 (20.0%)
- SU Last 10: 3-7 (30.0%)
- Puckline Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- Puckline Last 5: 2-3 (40.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
Islanders Set to Navigate the Kings' Challenge in Upcoming Game
Islanders' Offensive Overview
The Islanders have scored 48 goals this season, positioning them 18th in the league. Despite their struggles with assists, ranking 23rd, the team has been effective on the power play with 8 goals, holding the 14th spot.
Shooting accuracy remains an area for improvement, as they rank 25th in shots on goal. Their ability to capitalize on opportunities could be a decisive factor in the upcoming game.
Defensive and Goaltending Analysis
Defensively, the Islanders have shown their capability by allowing only 45 goals, making them the 5th best in this category. Their goaltending strength is further reflected by their 3rd place ranking in shutouts.
Ilya Sorokin has been a key player between the pipes, recording 39 saves in the recent game against the Sharks. His performance will be crucial in containing the Kings' offense.
Key Players to Watch
Bo Horvat leads the Islanders with 17 points, including 7 goals and 10 assists. His ability to create plays will be vital in sparking the team's offense.
Matthew Schaefer has contributed 5 goals and 12 assists, complementing his defensive role with 15 blocks. Brayden Schenn also adds depth with his physical play and scoring potential.
Injury Concerns
Mathew Barzal and Matias Maccelli are sidelined with injuries, impacting the Islanders' depth. Ryan Pulock's absence in defense is also a concern, as his presence on the ice is missed.
With several key players out, the Islanders will need others to step up and fill the gaps left by these injuries.
Islanders' Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 0-3 (0.0%)
- SU as Underdog: 2-5 (28.6%)
- Puckline as Underdog: 3-4 (42.9%)
- O/U All Games: 5-6 (45.5%)
These trends indicate recent struggles, especially when playing as underdogs. However, they have managed to keep games close, reflected in their puckline performance as underdogs.
Kings vs Islanders Prediction: Kings -122
The Los Angeles Kings find themselves as slight favorites at -122 heading into their matchup against the New York Islanders. Despite a challenging start to the season, the Kings have a history of performing well against the Islanders, winning their previous three encounters. At home in the Crypto.com Arena, the Kings have the potential to edge out their opponents.
Looking at the Islanders, their away record this season sits at 3-5-0, and they are currently on a four-game losing streak. This could be a concern for Pete DeBoer's squad, especially as they face a Kings team with a stronger head-to-head record. The Islanders' defensive capabilities are notable, but their offensive struggles might hinder their chances.
The Kings, under coach Peter Laviolette, will be keen to capitalize on the Islanders' recent slump. They have been relatively consistent in their last ten games with a 5-5-0 record, providing a sense of momentum they can bring into this matchup. With the advantage of playing at home, the Kings are a solid choice to break their own losing streak.
Considering both teams' season stats and current form, the Kings' slight edge in head-to-head play and the home advantage could see them outscore the Islanders. A projected scoreline might be Kings 3 - Islanders 2, providing a tight yet favorable outcome for the home team.
- Kings vs Islanders Prediction: Kings -122
- Kings vs Islanders Score: Kings 3 - Islanders 2
Disclaimer: Knup Predictions are for entertainment and informational purposes only. Must be 21+ where applicable. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Get more picks and sports insights in your inbox
Subscribe to the Knup newsletter for nightly NHL previews, sports business notes, and ecosystem updates.